Microchip Technology AT25160A-10TI-1.8

Overview

AT25160A-10TI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, operating from 1.8V to 5.5V with 20 MHz max clock rate at 5V, 32-byte page write capability, and automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +85°C) in 8-lead TSSOP package. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based industrial control modules.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 datasheet, AT25160A-10TI-1.8 pinout, AT25160A-10TI-1.8 application, or AT25160A-10TI-1.8 equivalent, key selection considerations include low-voltage operation down to 1.8V, hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register, block protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), and compatibility with SPI Modes 0 and 3 in space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The AT25160A-10TI-1.8 implements a synchronous SPI slave interface with separate SI (input) and SO (output) pins, MSB-first data transfer, and chip-select–driven command sequencing. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register supporting WREN/WRDI/RDSR/WRSR/READ/WRITE op-codes and a nonvolatile status register with BP0/BP1/WPEN bits controlling block protection and hardware write enable.

It features self-timed internal write cycles (≤5 ms), no external erase requirement, and dual-level data protection: software-controlled via Write Enable Latch and status register programming, and hardware-enforced via the dedicated WP pin when WPEN = 1. The HOLD pin enables serial communication suspension without resetting the sequence.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160A-10TI-1.8 is housed in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), 0.170" wide, with 0.65 mm pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant, suitable for automated SMT assembly and high-density PCB layouts.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95160-WMN6TP, AT25160A-10TI-1.8 offers documented automotive qualification and tighter HOLD timing control; versus BR24G16NUX-10, it delivers 20× higher interface speed and deterministic suspend capability-critical for real-time configuration updates.

Availability

AT25160A-10TI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC I/O modules, smart energy meters, automotive body control units, and medical diagnostic handhelds requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT25160A-10TI-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-10TI-1.8 belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel SPI EEPROM product line, designed specifically for robust, low-voltage, high-reliability nonvolatile data storage in industrial, automotive, and medical equipment.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 support, and is level shifting required for 1.8V MCU interfaces?

The AT25160A-10TI-1.8 operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V with full SPI functionality-including 20 MHz clocking at 5V and guaranteed read/write at 1.8V. No level shifting is needed when interfacing with 1.8V MCUs, as its input thresholds (VIL ≤ 0.3×VCC, VIH ≥ 0.7×VCC) and output drive (VOL ≤ 0.2 V, VOH ≥ VCC − 0.2 V at 1.8V) comply with standard 1.8V logic families. AT25160A-10TI-1.8 maintains full timing compliance across the entire supply range.

How does the block write protection work on the AT25160A-10TI-1.8, and what memory addresses does it cover?

Block write protection on the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 is controlled by BP1/BP0 bits in the status register and protects contiguous upper address ranges: BP1=0/BP0=1 locks addresses 0600h–07FFh (512 bytes, 1/4 array); BP1=1/BP0=0 locks 0400h–07FFh (1024 bytes, 1/2 array); BP1=1/BP0=1 locks 0000h–07FFh (2048 bytes, full array). AT25160A-10TI-1.8 enforces protection during WRITE and WRSR commands when the latch is enabled.

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

Yes, the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 is specified for industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C) and explicitly labeled "Automotive Grade" in its datasheet, with lead-free/halogen-free variants available. While not AEC-Q200 certified out-of-box, its electrical characterization across −40°C to +125°C (including ISB, tWC, and AC timing), packaging robustness (TSSOP), and reliability metrics (1M endurance, 100-year retention) align with automotive subsystem requirements. AT25160A-10TI-1.8 is widely deployed in body control and infotainment modules.

What is the function of the HOLD pin on the AT25160A-10TI-1.8, and how must it be timed relative to SCK?

The HOLD pin on the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal state machine-allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts. To assert HOLD, the pin must be driven low while SCK is low; to resume, HOLD must be returned high while SCK remains low. AT25160A-10TI-1.8 ignores SI inputs and places SO in high-Z during HOLD, preserving address and byte counters for seamless continuation.

Does the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 require a separate erase cycle before writing, and what is the typical write time?

No, the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 performs automatic erase-before-write internally-no separate ERASE command is needed. Each WRITE or PAGE WRITE command triggers a self-timed cycle completing in ≤5 ms (tWC), independent of voltage or temperature. During this period, only RDSR is accepted; all other commands are ignored until RDY bit clears. AT25160A-10TI-1.8 returns to write-disable state automatically post-write, enhancing system safety.