Microchip Technology 25LC160AT-I/MS

Overview

25LC160AT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI Serial EEPROM with 16-byte page size, operating across 2.5–5.5 V supply and rated for Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin, HOLD functionality for bus arbitration, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycles. Used in embedded systems for configuration storage, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160AT-I/MS datasheet, 25LC160AT-I/MS pinout, 25LC160AT-I/MS application, or 25LC160AT-I/MS equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated MSOP-8 package mapping, confirmed SPI timing compliance up to 10 MHz, and real-world use cases in industrial controllers and sensor nodes.

Technical Context

The 25LC160AT-I/MS implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI/SO lines, requiring CS low and HOLD high for normal operation. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, page latches, and HV generator for EEPROM programming - all synchronized to SCK rising edge for input and falling edge for output.

It supports sequential read with automatic address increment, byte/page write with strict 16-byte page boundary enforcement, and STATUS register access (RDSR/WRSR) for monitoring WIP/WEL bits and configuring BP0/BP1 block protection. Write enable latch reset occurs on power-up, WRDI, WRSR, or successful WRITE completion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160AT-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.15 inch body width, gull-wing leads, and Pb-free matte tin finish per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 25AA160AT-I/MS and 25LC160BT-I/MS, the 25LC160AT-I/MS offers optimal balance of voltage compatibility, page efficiency, and industrial temperature assurance - making it ideal for 3.3 V–5 V systems requiring predictable 16-byte write granularity and robust environmental qualification.

Availability

25LC160AT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body controllers, and smart metering systems requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 25LC160AT-I/MS includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Microchip Technology Inc. is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory products, with emphasis on embedded control and connectivity solutions.

The 25LC160A/B family was designed for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems - targeting applications where SPI interface simplicity, long data retention, and industrial-grade reliability are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the 25LC160AT-I/MS?

The 25LC160AT-I/MS supports up to 10 MHz SPI clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. At 2.5–4.5 V, the maximum clock drops to 5 MHz, and at 1.8–2.5 V (not applicable to this 'LC' variant), it would be 3 MHz. These limits ensure setup/hold timing margins per Table 1-2 AC Characteristics.

Does the 25LC160AT-I/MS require external pull-up resistors on its SPI lines?

The 25LC160AT-I/MS does not require external pull-ups on SI, SCK, or CS - these inputs have CMOS-compatible thresholds and function correctly with standard microcontroller GPIO outputs. However, SO should be pulled up if shared with other devices on a multidrop bus to prevent floating states during deselection.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC160AT-I/MS?

When HOLD is pulled low during an active SPI transaction on the 25LC160AT-I/MS, the device pauses communication without resetting internal state. SI, SCK, and SO enter high-impedance, and subsequent input transitions are ignored except for CS. Resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK is low - then transmission continues from the exact bit position where it paused.

Can the 25LC160AT-I/MS be used in a 1.8 V system?

No - the 25LC160AT-I/MS is specified for 2.5–5.5 V operation only. For 1.8 V systems, Microchip's 25AA160AT-I/MS is the compatible alternative, sharing identical pinout, timing, and memory organization but with extended low-voltage support.

What happens if a page write crosses a 16-byte boundary on the 25LC160AT-I/MS?

If a page write command attempts to cross a 16-byte boundary on the 25LC160AT-I/MS, data wraps around to the start of the current page instead of advancing to the next page. This overwrites previously written bytes in that page - requiring firmware to enforce strict address alignment before initiating multi-byte writes.