Microchip Technology AT25160-10PI

Overview

AT25160-10PI from Atmel is a 16-kbit (2048 × 8) SPI serial EEPROM with industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), 5 ms typical write cycle time, 32-byte page write capability, and hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register. It operates across 2.7V–5.5V supply and supports SPI modes 0 and 3 in 8-pin PDIP packaging.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160-10PI datasheet, AT25160-10PI pinout, AT25160-10PI application, or AT25160-10PI equivalent, key selection criteria include industrial-grade reliability (1M write cycles, 100-year data retention), low-voltage compatibility (2.7V min), block write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), and pin-compatible availability in SOIC/TSSOP variants for layout flexibility.

Technical Context

The AT25160-10PI functions as a slave SPI peripheral with dedicated SI/SO lines, CS-controlled selection, and HOLD pin for serial communication suspension without reset. Its instruction set includes WREN/WRDI for write enable/disable, RDSR/WRSR for status register access, and READ/WRITE for memory operations - all MSB-first with op-code-driven protocol.

Block write protection is implemented via nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits in the status register, enabling selective locking of memory segments (0x0600–0x07FF for 1/4 protection on AT25160). Hardware protection engages only when WPEN = 1 and WP = low; otherwise, software control dominates. Internal self-timed write cycles eliminate external timing management.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160-10PI is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 0.300" wide, with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC-compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95160-WMN6TP and BR24G16NUX-10, the AT25160-10PI uniquely combines HOLD pin support, industrial temperature rating, and PDIP packaging - making it optimal for legacy industrial upgrades and prototyping where mechanical robustness and interrupt-safe operation are essential.

Availability

AT25160-10PI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT25160-10PI 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

Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) is a semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, nonvolatile memory, and wireless solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The AT25xxx family was designed specifically for SPI-based embedded systems needing reliable, low-power, pin-efficient serial EEPROM - targeting applications where board space, voltage flexibility, and long-term data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT25160-10PI at 3.3V operation?

The AT25160-10PI supports up to 2.1 MHz at VCC = 2.7V–5.5V, per AC Characteristics Table on page 4 of the datasheet. This is confirmed for industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) with CL = 100 pF. The 3.0 MHz rating applies only at 4.5–5.5V; using 3.3V requires derating to 2.1 MHz to ensure timing margin compliance.

Does the AT25160-10PI require an external pull-up resistor on the SO pin?

No, the AT25160-10PI SO pin has an internal active pull-up and drives high/low actively - no external pull-up is needed. However, a 100 pF load capacitance limit applies per AC specs; exceeding this may violate tV (output valid time) and tHO (output hold time), especially at 3.0 MHz.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active WRITE cycle on the AT25160-10PI?

The HOLD pin has no effect during an internal write cycle (tWC); the device ignores HOLD assertions until the write completes. HOLD only suspends serial communication during active READ/WRITE instructions - i.e., between CS low and CS high - not during the autonomous 5 ms self-timed write phase.

Can the AT25160-10PI be used in a 1.8V system?

No - the AT25160-10PI variant is rated for 2.7V–5.5V operation. For 1.8V systems, use AT25160-10PI-1.8 (ordering code suffix -1.8), which is a separate industrial-grade part with 1.8–3.6V supply range, 500 kHz max clock, and 20 ms max write cycle - not interchangeable with AT25160-10PI.

What happens if the WP pin is held low while the WPEN bit is '0' in the AT25160-10PI status register?

When WPEN = 0, the WP pin is disabled regardless of its logic level; write operations to the status register and unprotected memory remain fully functional. This allows safe installation in systems where WP is tied to ground, while retaining ability to configure block protection via WRSR instruction - a key design flexibility feature of the AT25160-10PI.