Microchip Technology 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO

Overview

25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with 32-byte page write capability, 10 MHz max clock frequency, and automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features hardware write protection via WP pin and STATUS register, HOLD functionality for interrupt-safe bus suspension, and operates across 2.5–5.5 V supply. It is used in engine control units, ADAS sensor modules, and automotive infotainment firmware storage.

For engineers reviewing the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO datasheet, 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO pinout, 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO application, or 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated pin functions, confirmed automotive-temp operation, real-world use cases, and two technically documented alternative parts - all extracted from Microchip's DS22150B datasheet and official package documentation.

Technical Context

The 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO implements a standard SPI Mode 0,0 interface (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) with separate SI and SO lines, requiring CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VCC, and VSS. Its internal architecture includes a 32-byte page latch, status register with WIP/WEL/BP0/BP1 bits, and high-voltage generator for EEPROM programming.

It supports sequential read with automatic address rollover, byte/page write with CS-high-triggered internal write cycle (≤5 ms), and block protection of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing transfers without resetting state, enabling deterministic interrupt handling in real-time automotive microcontroller systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO is housed in an 8-lead 2×3 mm TDFN package (MN suffix), RoHS-compliant and Pb-free, with wettable flank leads for automated optical inspection (AOI) in automotive PCB assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 25LC160DT-I/MNY, the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO adds automotive temperature qualification and tighter AC timing validation; versus AT25DF021-SSH-T, it offers deterministic HOLD-based interrupt response and lower minimum write latency - making it preferable for ASIL-B timing-critical automotive subsystems.

Availability

25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS sensor modules, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended automotive product lifecycles.

Supply support for 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO 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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 25LC160 series belongs to Microchip's automotive-qualified serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-power, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in safety-critical automotive electronic control modules.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO?

The 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO supports up to 10 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V, 5 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 3 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These values are specified in Table 1-2 of DS22150B and apply across its full −40°C to +125°C automotive operating range. The 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO maintains timing compliance without derating in high-temperature environments.

Does the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO support page write operations, and what is the page size?

Yes, the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO supports page write operations with a fixed 32-byte page size, as confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Section 2.3 of DS22150B. This enables efficient multi-byte writes within a single physical page boundary (e.g., addresses 0x000–0x01F), reducing total write cycles compared to byte-wise programming. The 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO does not support cross-page writes - attempting to do so wraps data to the start of the current page.

How does the HOLD function operate on the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO, and what are its timing constraints?

The HOLD pin on the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO suspends ongoing SPI transfers without resetting internal state. To activate HOLD, the pin must be pulled low while SCK is low; resuming requires bringing HOLD high while SCK remains low. Timing parameters THS (HOLD setup) and THH (HOLD hold) are specified in Table 1-2 (e.g., 20–80 ns depending on VCC). During HOLD, SI/SO/SCK enter high-impedance - allowing the host MCU to service interrupts and resume seamlessly. This behavior is fully documented in Figures 1-1 and Section 3.6 of DS22150B.

What write protection mechanisms are implemented in the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO?

The 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO implements dual-layer write protection: (1) software-controlled block protection via BP0/BP1 bits in the STATUS register (0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% array protection), and (2) hardware write protection using the WP pin in conjunction with the WPEN bit. When WP is low and WPEN = 1, writes to nonvolatile STATUS bits are disabled - preserving protection settings even during firmware updates. Both mechanisms are defined in Tables 2-3 and 2-4 and verified in Section 2.6 of DS22150B.

Is the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO qualified for automotive applications, and what temperature range does it support?

Yes, the 25LC160DT-E/MNY16KVAO is explicitly qualified for automotive use with an operating temperature range of −40°C to +125°C (E-grade), as stated in the Device Selection Table and Section 1.0 of DS22150B. It meets AEC-Q100 stress testing requirements for automotive electronics and is packaged in a Pb-free, RoHS-compliant 2×3 mm TDFN (MN) variant suitable for under-hood and transmission-control applications.