Microchip Technology AT25160N-10SC-2.7

Overview

AT25160N-10SC-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 words × 8 bits, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, supporting 3.0 MHz clock rate at 5V, with 32-byte page write and block write protection for 1/4, 1/2, or full memory array-used in industrial control panels for nonvolatile parameter storage.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 datasheet, AT25160N-10SC-2.7 pinout, AT25160N-10SC-2.7 application, or AT25160N-10SC-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation (2.7–5.5 V), hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register, self-timed 10 ms max write cycle, and compatibility with SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3 interfaces.

Technical Context

The AT25160N-10SC-2.7 implements a synchronous SPI slave interface with dedicated SI (input) and SO (output) pins, requiring CS assertion and MSB-first data framing. It uses an 8-bit instruction register with op-codes for WREN, WRDI, RDSR, WRSR, READ, and WRITE.

Internal architecture includes nonvolatile status register bits BP0/BP1 for configurable block protection and WPEN to enable/disable hardware write protection via the WP pin. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing serial transfers without resetting sequence state, and all write cycles are self-timed with no external erase required.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160N-10SC-2.7 is packaged in an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC (8S1), 0.150" wide, surface-mount package with standard gull-wing leads.

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, AT25160N-10SC-2.7 uniquely balances Mode 0/3 flexibility, HOLD pin support for multi-master arbitration, and proven 1M-cycle endurance-making it optimal for industrial controllers requiring robust, field-proven configurability.

Availability

AT25160N-10SC-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for AT25160N-10SC-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 semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, with a focus on reliability and long-term product support.

The AT25xxx family was designed for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing robust nonvolatile storage-targeting industrial control, automotive subsystems, and consumer electronics with stringent data retention requirements.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 support, and how does it affect system design?

The AT25160N-10SC-2.7 operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V, enabling direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level-shifting. This dual-voltage capability simplifies power architecture in mixed-signal systems and supports brown-out resilience in battery-powered applications. The AT25160N-10SC-2.7 maintains full SPI functionality and write endurance across this range, with timing parameters adjusted per VCC-ensuring predictable behavior during voltage transitions.

How does the HOLD pin function in the AT25160N-10SC-2.7, and when should it be used?

The HOLD pin on the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 suspends ongoing SPI communication while preserving the internal address counter and command state-allowing the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without losing context. It must be asserted while SCK is low and deasserted under the same condition. The AT25160N-10SC-2.7 is ideal for real-time systems with concurrent peripherals (e.g., ADC sampling or CAN messaging) where SPI bus contention must be managed deterministically.

Can the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 be used with microcontrollers that only support SPI Mode 3?

Yes, the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 explicitly supports both SPI Mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and Mode 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1), as confirmed in its datasheet features section. This dual-mode compatibility ensures seamless integration with legacy 68HC11-family MCUs and modern ARM Cortex-M devices configured for inverted clock polarity. The AT25160N-10SC-2.7 requires no hardware modification or firmware workarounds to operate in either mode.

What is the purpose of the WPEN bit in the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 status register?

The WPEN (Write Protect Enable) bit in the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 status register controls whether the WP pin actively inhibits writes to the status register and protected memory blocks. When WPEN=1 and WP is low, hardware protection engages; when WPEN=0, the WP pin is ignored, allowing full register access even if externally grounded. This design lets the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 be safely installed in systems with fixed WP connections while retaining field-programmability.

How does block write protection work on the AT25160N-10SC-2.7, and what memory regions does it cover?

Block write protection on the AT25160N-10SC-2.7 is controlled by BP0 and BP1 bits in the status register, dividing the 2048-word array into four 512-word segments. Settings include: BP1=0/BP0=1 protects addresses 0600–07FF (1/4), BP1=1/BP0=0 protects 0400–07FF (1/2), and BP1=1/BP0=1 locks 0000–07FF (full). The AT25160N-10SC-2.7 enforces protection at the hardware level-writes to locked regions are ignored, and status register updates are blocked unless WPEN=0 or WP is high.