Microchip Technology 25LC160AT-I/SN

Overview

25LC160AT-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 16-byte page size, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–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 microcontroller-based systems for configuration storage, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160AT-I/SN datasheet, 25LC160AT-I/SN pinout, 25LC160AT-I/SN application, or 25LC160AT-I/SN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated SOIC-8 package mapping, confirmed SPI timing compliance up to 10 MHz at 4.5–5.5 V, and two rigorously cross-referenced alternative parts with documented functional and protection-level differences.

Technical Context

The 25LC160AT-I/SN implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS low, SCK edge-synchronized data transfer, and explicit WREN instruction before any write. Its internal architecture includes a nonvolatile STATUS register with BP0/BP1 block protection bits and WPEN control for hardware write-enable gating.

It supports sequential read across address boundaries with automatic rollover, page-write limited to 16 bytes within a single physical page (0000h–000Fh, 0010h–001Fh, etc.), and power-on reset of the write enable latch. HOLD suspends ongoing transfers while preserving internal state, enabling interrupt servicing without reinitialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160AT-I/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), measuring 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.75 mm, RoHS-compliant and Pb-free.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160AT-I/SN, the 25LC160BT-I/SN offers doubled page capacity for faster bulk writes but demands stricter address alignment, while the AT25160B-SSHL-T extends low-voltage operation at the cost of STATUS register compatibility - both require firmware review before substitution.

Availability

25LC160AT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor nodes, medical device calibration storage, automotive body control modules, smart energy meters, and embedded configuration management requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160AT-I/SN 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 is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160A/B family was designed specifically for reliable, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive industrial and automotive applications where long-term data integrity and simple integration are critical.

FAQ

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

The 25LC160AT-I/SN 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 it is not rated - confirming that 25LC160AT-I/SN is optimized for 3.3 V and 5 V systems. This specification is validated per DS21807D Table 1-2, Param No. 1.

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

No, the 25LC160AT-I/SN does not require external pull-ups on SI, SO, SCK, or CS - all inputs have internal weak pull-downs or are CMOS-driven, and SO is actively driven. Pull-ups may be needed only if shared with open-drain devices on the same bus, but they are not inherent to 25LC160AT-I/SN operation per DS21807D Section 3.0 and AC test conditions.

How does hardware write protection work on the 25LC160AT-I/SN?

Hardware write protection on the 25LC160AT-I/SN requires both the WP pin held low *and* the WPEN bit set high in the STATUS register. When enabled, it blocks writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits only - memory array writes remain permitted unless blocked by BP0/BP1 settings. This dual-gate mechanism is defined in DS21807D Table 2-1 and Section 2.6.

Can the 25LC160AT-I/SN be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q200 qualification?

No, the 25LC160AT-I/SN carries an Industrial (I) temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q200 qualified. For automotive use, Microchip specifies the 'E' grade variant (e.g., 25LC160AT-E/SN), which extends to +125°C and undergoes additional stress testing - the 'T-I' suffix explicitly denotes Industrial grade, not Automotive.

What happens to the write enable latch during a power cycle of the 25LC160AT-I/SN?

The write enable latch in the 25LC160AT-I/SN resets automatically on power-up, as stated in DS21807D Section 2.7 and 2.8. This means every power-on sequence begins with write disabled, requiring an explicit WREN instruction before any memory or STATUS register write - a key safety feature preventing unintended writes during supply ramp-up.