Microchip Technology AT25160N-10SI

Overview

AT25160N-10SI 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 32-byte page write capability, 5 ms typical self-timed write cycle, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers high-reliability nonvolatile storage for microcontroller-based systems requiring low-power, pin-efficient memory expansion.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160N-10SI datasheet, AT25160N-10SI pinout, AT25160N-10SI application, or AT25160N-10SI equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.7–5.5 V), SPI Mode 0/3 support, block write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), WP/HOLD pin functionality, and industrial-grade endurance (1 million write cycles).

Technical Context

The AT25160N-10SI implements a synchronous SPI slave interface with separate SI (input) and SO (output) pins, supporting MSB-first data transfer and op-code–driven command execution (WREN, WRITE, RDSR, WRSR). Its internal architecture includes a nonvolatile status register with BP0/BP1 bits controlling memory segment protection and a WPEN bit enabling hardware write protection via the WP pin.

It operates in three voltage modes-1.8 V, 2.7 V, and 5.0 V-with corresponding max clock frequencies (0.5 MHz, 2.1 MHz, 3.0 MHz) and standby currents (0.2 µA at 2.7 V). The device uses an automatic address increment during page write and supports HOLD pin suspension of ongoing serial transfers without sequence reset.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160N-10SI is supplied in an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package (8S1), measuring 0.150" wide with standard gull-wing leads. This surface-mount package supports automated assembly and provides thermal and mechanical stability across industrial temperature cycling.

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, the AT25160N-10SI uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, HOLD pin support, and 1-million-cycle endurance - making it the preferred choice for mission-critical embedded systems where data integrity and operational continuity are non-negotiable.

Availability

AT25160N-10SI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and medical device applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed industrial temperature performance.

Supply support for AT25160N-10SI 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 AT25160N-10SI belongs to Microchip's legacy Atmel SPI EEPROM family, designed specifically for reliable, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained microcontroller systems across industrial, automotive, and medical markets.

FAQ

What voltage ranges does the AT25160N-10SI support, and how does that affect system design?

The AT25160N-10SI supports three operating voltage ranges: 1.8 V (1.8–3.6 V), 2.7 V (2.7–5.5 V), and 5.0 V (4.5–5.5 V). The -10SI suffix confirms the 2.7 V variant, enabling direct interface with 3.3 V and 5 V MCUs without level shifters. This simplifies power domain partitioning and reduces bill-of-materials cost in mixed-voltage systems.

Does the AT25160N-10SI require an external pull-up resistor on the SO pin?

No, the AT25160N-10SI features an internally weak pull-up on the SO pin during high-impedance states, eliminating the need for an external resistor. However, for noise immunity in electrically noisy environments (e.g., motor drives), a 10 kΩ external pull-up to VCC is recommended per Microchip's layout guidelines.

How does the HOLD pin function during an active SPI read sequence on the AT25160N-10SI?

When the HOLD pin is asserted low during an active AT25160N-10SI read sequence (with CS low and SCK low), the device suspends data output on SO and ignores further SI inputs, preserving the internal address counter. Communication resumes upon deasserting HOLD while SCK remains low - no reinitialization or address loss occurs.

Can the AT25160N-10SI be used in SPI Mode 1 or Mode 2, or is it limited to Modes 0 and 3?

The AT25160N-10SI is explicitly specified for SPI Modes 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1) only. Attempting Mode 1 or Mode 2 will result in incorrect data sampling due to mismatched clock polarity and phase timing - confirmed in the "Features" section of the datasheet Rev. 0675F.

What happens if the WP pin is held low while the WPEN bit is '0' in the AT25160N-10SI status register?

When WPEN = 0, the AT25160N-10SI ignores the WP pin state entirely. Writes to the status register (including BP0/BP1 and WPEN) and unprotected memory regions remain fully enabled - allowing safe initialization even when WP is hardwired to GND in the target PCB layout.