Microchip Technology AT25160-10PI-1.8

Overview

AT25160-10PI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 words × 8 bits, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V with 32-byte page write capability, 3.0 MHz clock rate at 5 V, and hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register. It serves in industrial control systems for parameter storage, calibration data retention, and configuration backup where low-voltage operation and long-term nonvolatile memory are required.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160-10PI-1.8 datasheet, AT25160-10PI-1.8 pinout, AT25160-10PI-1.8 application, or AT25160-10PI-1.8 equivalent, key selection considerations include its 1.8 V minimum supply, 8-lead PDIP package, SPI Mode 0/3 compatibility, block write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), and 1 million write cycles endurance.

Technical Context

The AT25160-10PI-1.8 implements a synchronous SPI slave interface with dedicated SI (input), SO (output), SCK (clock), and CS (chip select) pins, supporting MSB-first transmission and requiring WREN instruction before any write. Its internal architecture includes a nonvolatile status register with BP0/BP1 bits controlling four levels of block protection and a WPEN bit enabling hardware write protection via the WP pin.

Timing is fully self-timed: write cycles complete in 5 ms typical, with no external erase step needed. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial transfers without resetting the sequence, and the device maintains high-impedance SO during CS high or internal write cycles-ensuring clean bus arbitration in multi-device SPI systems.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160-10PI-1.8 uses an 8-lead PDIP (8P3) package: 0.300" wide, through-hole mount, 0.100" lead pitch, with standard JEDEC footprint compatible with legacy PCB layouts and manual prototyping.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95160-WMN6TP and BR24G16FJ-WE2, the AT25160-10PI-1.8 offers proven PDIP compatibility for through-hole prototyping and industrial repair, deterministic 3.0 MHz SPI timing at 5 V, and dual-mode (hardware/software) write protection - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, serviceable, and safety-critical applications where interface flexibility and physical robustness are prioritized.

Availability

AT25160-10PI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and IoT edge node designs requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT25160-10PI-1.8 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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and continues to manufacture, support, and qualify legacy Atmel memory products including the AT25xxx family.

The AT25160-10PI-1.8 belongs to Microchip's industrial-grade SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage nonvolatile storage in harsh environments where data integrity and long-term retention are mission-critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the AT25160-10PI-1.8?

The AT25160-10PI-1.8 operates reliably down to 1.8 V, as confirmed by DC characteristics tables specifying VCC1 min = 1.8 V and ISB1 standby current testing at 1.8 V. This allows direct integration with 1.8 V logic families and ultra-low-power microcontrollers without voltage translation circuitry. Operation below 1.8 V is not guaranteed and may result in undefined behavior or write failures.

Does the AT25160-10PI-1.8 support both SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3, and how is mode selection handled?

Yes, the AT25160-10PI-1.8 supports SPI Modes 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1) as explicitly stated in its Features section. Mode selection is determined entirely by the master controller's clock polarity and phase configuration - the AT25160-10PI-1.8 has no internal mode register or configuration bits; it responds correctly to either timing scheme upon CS assertion.

How does the WRITE PROTECT (WP) pin function in the AT25160-10PI-1.8, and what conditions must be met for it to take effect?

The WP pin in the AT25160-10PI-1.8 blocks writes to the status register only when two conditions are simultaneously true: the WP pin is driven low, and the WPEN bit in the status register is set to "1". If WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored. This design allows systems to tie WP to ground while retaining full software control over protection settings - a key feature for flexible field-service configurations.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT25160-10PI-1.8 at 1.8 V supply, and where is this specified?

The AT25160-10PI-1.8 supports up to 0.5 MHz SCK frequency when VCC = 1.8 V to 5.5 V, as defined in the AC Characteristics table under fSCK Min/Max columns for the 1.8–5.5 V voltage row. This is lower than its 3.0 MHz rating at 5 V, reflecting timing margin constraints at reduced supply - designers must configure their SPI master accordingly to avoid setup/hold violations.

Can the AT25160-10PI-1.8 be used in automotive applications, and what qualification level does it meet?

The AT25160-10PI-1.8 itself is specified for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q200 qualified. However, the AT25xxx family includes automotive-grade variants (e.g., AT25160-10PI-1.8A) with extended temperature screening and additional stress testing. For automotive use, engineers must specify the "A" suffix part number and verify compliance with vehicle manufacturer requirements - the standard AT25160-10PI-1.8 is intended for industrial, medical, and commercial systems.