Microchip Technology AT25160N-10SC-1.8

Overview

AT25160N-10SC-1.8 from Atmel (now Microchip Technology) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, designed for low-voltage embedded systems requiring nonvolatile data storage with hardware/software write protection. It operates from 1.8V to 3.6V, supports 32-byte page writes, delivers 5 ms typical write cycle time, and guarantees 1 million write cycles and 100-year data retention.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 datasheet, AT25160N-10SC-1.8 pinout, AT25160N-10SC-1.8 application, or AT25160N-10SC-1.8 equivalent, this device is selected for space-constrained industrial controllers, battery-powered IoT sensors, and automotive body electronics where 1.8V operation, block-level write protection, and JEDEC SOIC-8 packaging are critical design requirements.

Technical Context

The AT25160N-10SC-1.8 implements a synchronous SPI slave interface compliant with Modes 0 and 3, using separate SI and SO pins for full-duplex communication. Its internal 8-bit instruction register accepts op-codes including WREN, WRDI, RDSR, WRSR, READ, and WRITE - all MSB-first with CS falling-edge initiation.

Block write protection is controlled via nonvolatile BP0/BP1 bits in the status register, enabling selective locking of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of the memory array. The WP pin provides hardware-level inhibition of status register writes when WPEN = 1, while HOLD suspends ongoing serial transfers without resetting sequence state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160N-10SC-1.8 uses an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package (8S1), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body size, 1.27 mm lead pitch, with gull-wing leads suitable for automated surface-mount assembly.

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, the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 uniquely balances 1.8V compatibility, HOLD-enabled interrupt tolerance, and hardware write protection in a standard SOIC-8 - making it optimal for industrial microcontroller systems needing robust, field-serviceable nonvolatile storage.

Availability

AT25160N-10SC-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, medical sensor calibration, automotive body control, and industrial PLC configuration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and low-voltage operation.

Supply support for AT25160N-10SC-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 (formerly Atmel) is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and nonvolatile memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon.

The AT25160N-10SC-1.8 belongs to Microchip's legacy SPI EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for embedded systems demanding dependable, low-voltage, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage with configurable data protection.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 support, and why is that important?

The AT25160N-10SC-1.8 supports 1.8 V to 3.6 V, enabling direct integration with modern ultra-low-power MCUs and battery-operated systems without level-shifting circuitry. This range ensures compatibility with 1.8V I/O standards and extends operational life in energy-constrained applications such as wireless sensors and portable medical devices - a key advantage over 5V-only EEPROMs.

How does the HOLD pin function in the AT25160N-10SC-1.8, and when should it be used?

The HOLD pin in the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 pauses ongoing SPI communication without resetting the internal address counter or command state. It must be asserted low while SCK is low and released while SCK remains low to resume. Use it when the host MCU must service time-critical interrupts (e.g., ADC conversion or CAN message arrival) mid-transaction - preserving data integrity and avoiding retransmission overhead.

Can the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 be used in automotive applications, and what qualifications support that?

Yes - the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 is rated for -40°C to +85°C operation and offered in industrial-grade variants (e.g., AT25160N-10SI-1.8). While not AEC-Q100 qualified, its extended temperature range, 1M write endurance, and 100-year data retention meet functional requirements for non-safety-critical automotive body electronics such as seat memory modules and ambient lighting controllers.

What is the purpose of the WPEN bit in the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 status register?

The WPEN (Write Protect Enable) bit determines whether the WP pin actively inhibits status register writes. When WPEN = 1 and WP is low, all status register modifications - including BP0/BP1 and WPEN itself - are blocked. When WPEN = 0, the WP pin is ignored, allowing full software control. This dual-mode design supports both permanent hardware lock-down and flexible field reconfiguration.

Does the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 require a separate erase cycle before writing new data?

No - the AT25160N-10SC-1.8 performs self-timed internal erase-and-write operations automatically. Each WRITE instruction initiates a complete cycle: the target byte(s) are erased and rewritten in a single 5 ms typical operation. No external ERASE command or pre-conditioning is needed, simplifying firmware implementation and reducing write latency compared to flash-based alternatives.