Microchip Technology AT25160A-10PI-1.8

Overview

AT25160A-10PI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V with 20 MHz clock rate at 5 V, 32-byte page write capability, and hardware/software write protection. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in industrial controllers, automotive body modules, and IoT sensor nodes requiring low-voltage operation and long data retention.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160A-10PI-1.8 datasheet, AT25160A-10PI-1.8 pinout, AT25160A-10PI-1.8 application, or AT25160A-10PI-1.8 equivalent, key selection criteria include 1.8 V minimum supply voltage, 5 ms max self-timed write cycle, block write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), HOLD/CS suspend functionality, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The AT25160A-10PI-1.8 implements a synchronous SPI slave interface compliant with Modes 0 and 3, using separate SI and SO lines for full-duplex communication. Its instruction register accepts op-codes including WREN, WRDI, RDSR, WRSR, READ, and WRITE, all MSB-first with CS falling-edge initiation.

Internal architecture includes a nonvolatile status register with BP0/BP1 for block protection and WPEN for hardware write protect enable, plus a 32-byte page buffer enabling burst writes without external address incrementing. Write cycles are fully self-timed with no erase prerequisite, and READY/BUSY status is monitored via bit 0 of the status register.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160A-10PI-1.8 uses an 8-lead PDIP package (0.300" wide, JEDEC standard). Pin functions are validated per Atmel doc 3347G–SEEPR–7/04.

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 AT25160A-10PI-1.8 offers proven industrial temperature stability and direct Atmel/Microchip toolchain support, while the alternatives provide either ecosystem flexibility or enhanced voltage/ECC capabilities at the cost of minor firmware or layout adjustments.

Availability

AT25160A-10PI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, and IoT sensor nodes requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for AT25160A-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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with a focus on embedded control and connectivity.

The AT25160A-10PI-1.8 belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive, and consumer systems where pin count, power, and data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for AT25160A-10PI-1.8 to operate correctly?

The AT25160A-10PI-1.8 supports true 1.8 V operation, with guaranteed functionality across its full specification range from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. At 1.8 V, AC characteristics specify a maximum SCK frequency of 5 MHz, and standby current is less than 0.1 µA - making it ideal for battery-powered applications where ultra-low quiescent power is essential. The device remains fully functional without level shifters when interfaced to 1.8 V logic families.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI transaction on AT25160A-10PI-1.8?

During an active SPI transaction, asserting the HOLD pin low (while SCK is low) suspends communication without resetting the internal address counter or command state. The SO pin enters high-impedance, and SI inputs are ignored. To resume, bring HOLD high while SCK remains low - the transaction continues from the exact bit position where it paused. This behavior allows the host MCU to handle time-critical interrupts without losing EEPROM context, a feature confirmed in Atmel doc 3347G–SEEPR–7/04 Section 7.

Can AT25160A-10PI-1.8 be used in automotive applications, and what qualifications does it meet?

Yes, the AT25160A-10PI-1.8 is qualified for automotive use per its "Automotive Grade, Extended Temperature and Lead-free/Halogen-free Devices Available" designation in the official datasheet. It operates across −40°C to +85°C (industrial grade, explicitly listed in the AT25160A Ordering Information table on page 16), meets JESD22-A108 reliability testing, and is offered in lead-free/halogen-free variants. While not AEC-Q100 certified as a standalone part, its construction and test profile align with automotive subsystem requirements when used within qualified modules.

What is the purpose of the WPEN bit in the status register of AT25160A-10PI-1.8?

The WPEN (Write Protect Enable) bit (bit 7) controls whether the WP pin actively enforces hardware write protection. When WPEN = 1 and WP = low, writes to the status register and block-protected memory regions are disabled. When WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored, allowing full write access even if tied low - enabling safe board-level installation where WP is grounded. This dual-mode design, detailed in Table 5 of the datasheet, gives system designers flexibility in hardware vs. software protection strategies for the AT25160A-10PI-1.8.

Does AT25160A-10PI-1.8 support SPI Mode 1 or Mode 2, or only Modes 0 and 3?

The AT25160A-10PI-1.8 explicitly supports only SPI Modes 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1), as stated in the Features section of the datasheet. It does not support Mode 1 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 1) or Mode 2 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 0). The timing diagrams on pages 12–15 confirm SCK idle state and sampling edges consistent with Modes 0 and 3 only. Attempting Mode 1 or 2 will result in misaligned data capture and failed transactions.