Microchip Technology AT25160B-TH-B

Overview

AT25160B-TH-B from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-Kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8-bit memory, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V with 20 MHz max clock rate at 5 V, 32-byte page write capability, and hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in industrial controllers, sensor nodes, and power management ICs.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160B-TH-B datasheet, AT25160B-TH-B pinout, AT25160B-TH-B application, or AT25160B-TH-B equivalent, key selection criteria include its 1.8–5.5 V wide supply range, 1 million write cycles endurance, 100-year data retention, TSSOP-8 package (8A2), and support for SPI Modes 0 and 3 with HOLD/CS-controlled serial interface timing.

Technical Context

The AT25160B-TH-B implements a synchronous slave SPI interface with dedicated SI/SO pins, CS-selectable operation, and internal address auto-increment during page writes. Its status register controls block write protection (BP0/BP1) and write-enable latch (WEN), while WP and HOLD pins provide hardware-level suspend and protection independent of software state.

It uses self-timed internal write cycles (≤5 ms), requires explicit WREN before WRITE/WRSR, and supports continuous read with automatic address rollover. The device operates across –40°C to +85°C and meets JEDEC SOIC/TSSOP mechanical standards with NiPdAu lead finish.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160B-TH-B is packaged in an 8-lead Plastic Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), JEDEC standard 8A2 footprint (4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm pitch), with NiPdAu lead finish for enhanced solderability and corrosion resistance.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95160-DFMN6TP and BR24G16NUX-10, AT25160B-TH-B provides pin-compatible TSSOP-8 placement, SPI Mode 0/3 flexibility, and integrated HOLD/WP functionality - making it optimal for legacy SPI-based industrial designs requiring minimal layout revision and robust field update control.

Availability

AT25160B-TH-B is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, smart sensors, power sequencing controllers, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT25160B-TH-B 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 maintains full product support, documentation, and manufacturing continuity for the AT25xxxB EEPROM family.

The AT25160B-TH-B belongs to Microchip's serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-voltage, SPI-based nonvolatile storage in industrial, automotive-qualified (with appropriate grade), and medical-grade systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by AT25160B-TH-B at 3.3 V?

At VCC = 3.3 V, the AT25160B-TH-B supports up to 10 MHz SCK frequency per AC Characteristics Table 0-4. This is lower than its 20 MHz rating at 5.0 V due to internal timing constraints, but remains sufficient for most microcontroller SPI peripherals operating at 3.3 V logic levels. The device maintains full functionality across its 1.8–5.5 V range without speed binning.

Does AT25160B-TH-B require an external pull-up resistor on the SO pin?

Yes, AT25160B-TH-B requires an external pull-up resistor on the SO pin because it uses an open-drain output structure. A typical value is 4.7 kΩ to VCC, ensuring clean logic-high transitions during read operations while limiting current during active-low output. This matches standard SPI bus termination practices and avoids bus contention in multi-slave configurations.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active write cycle?

The HOLD pin has no effect during an active internal write cycle (tWC = 5 ms). Once initiated, the write proceeds to completion regardless of HOLD state. HOLD only suspends serial communication during active SPI transfers - such as mid-read or mid-command sequences - and cannot interrupt or abort an ongoing write. The RDSR instruction remains available to monitor RDY status during writes.

Can AT25160B-TH-B be used with a microcontroller that only supports SPI Mode 1?

No, AT25160B-TH-B explicitly supports only SPI Modes 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1), as stated in its Features section. It does not support Mode 1 (CPOL=0, CPHA=1) or Mode 2 (CPOL=1, CPHA=0). Using it with a Mode 1-only controller would result in misaligned sampling and corrupted data transfers; a software bit-banged interface or level-shifting bridge IC would be required.

What is the purpose of the WPEN bit in the status register of AT25160B-TH-B?

The WPEN bit (Bit 7) enables or disables hardware write protection via the WP pin. When WPEN = 1, pulling WP low blocks all writes to the status register and protected memory blocks. When WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored, allowing full write access even if WP is grounded - enabling safe in-system programming during manufacturing or service without removing the WP connection.