Microchip Technology AT25160A-10TI-2.7

Overview

AT25160A-10TI-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V with 20 MHz max clock rate at 5V, 32-byte page write capability, and automotive-grade temperature range (−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-2.7 datasheet, AT25160A-10TI-2.7 pinout, AT25160A-10TI-2.7 application, or AT25160A-10TI-2.7 equivalent, key selection factors include its 2.7–5.5V supply compatibility, hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register, 1 million write cycles endurance, 100-year data retention, and support for SPI Modes 0 and 3 in space-constrained designs.

Technical Context

The AT25160A-10TI-2.7 implements a synchronous slave SPI interface with dedicated SI/SO pins, MSB-first data transfer, and CS-driven command framing. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register handling WREN, WRITE, RDSR, WRSR, and READ op-codes, with automatic address incrementing during sequential reads.

Block write protection is controlled by nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits in the status register, enabling 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% memory array protection. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial communication without resetting the sequence, while the WP pin-when enabled via WPEN bit-blocks status register writes when pulled low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160A-10TI-2.7 uses an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.00 mm × 4.40 mm body, and lead-free/halogen-free construction per ordering code suffix -TI.

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 AT25160A-10TI-2.7 provides guaranteed automotive-grade reliability, precise 25%/50%/100% block protection alignment, and tighter AC timing margins for high-noise industrial environments.

Availability

AT25160A-10TI-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical instrumentation, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for AT25160A-10TI-2.7 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 provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains legacy Atmel product lines with full technical and manufacturing continuity.

The AT25160A-10TI-2.7 belongs to Microchip's SPI serial EEPROM family designed for robust, low-power nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive systems where reliability and long-term data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT25160A-10TI-2.7?

The AT25160A-10TI-2.7 supports up to 20 MHz SCK frequency when VCC = 5.0V, 10 MHz at VCC = 2.7V–3.6V, and 5 MHz at VCC = 1.8V–2.6V. These values are specified in the AC Characteristics table under fSCK parameter and apply across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). The AT25160A-10TI-2.7 must be operated within these limits to ensure reliable command execution and data integrity.

Does the AT25160A-10TI-2.7 require an external erase cycle before writing?

No, the AT25160A-10TI-2.7 does not require a separate erase cycle. All programming operations are self-timed and automatically erase and rewrite target memory locations during the WRITE or PAGE WRITE command. The internal write cycle completes in ≤5 ms, after which the RDY bit in the status register clears to indicate readiness for the next operation. This eliminates complex erase management in host firmware.

How is write protection implemented on the AT25160A-10TI-2.7?

Write protection on the AT25160A-10TI-2.7 operates through two independent mechanisms: hardware protection via the WP pin (enabled when WPEN = 1 in the status register) and software protection via BP0/BP1 bits that define protected memory blocks (0%, 25%, 50%, or 100%). Both methods can be used simultaneously - for example, WP pin prevents status register modification while BP bits lock specific memory regions. The AT25160A-10TI-2.7 enforces these protections during all write attempts.

What package type is used for the AT25160A-10TI-2.7?

The AT25160A-10TI-2.7 uses an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, 3.00 mm × 4.40 mm body dimensions, and lead-free/halogen-free construction. This package is designated as "8A2" in Microchip's ordering nomenclature and is optimized for automated PCB assembly in high-density layouts while maintaining thermal performance for industrial temperature operation.

Can the AT25160A-10TI-2.7 operate with a 1.8V supply?

No, the AT25160A-10TI-2.7 is specifically rated for 2.7V to 5.5V operation, as indicated by the "-2.7" suffix in its part number. For 1.8V operation, Microchip offers the AT25160A-10TI-1.8 variant, which shares the same TSSOP package and functionality but is characterized for 1.8V–5.5V supply. Using the AT25160A-10TI-2.7 below 2.7V may result in unreliable read/write behavior or failure to meet AC timing specifications.