Microchip Technology AT25160N-10SI-1.8

Overview

AT25160N-10SI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 16-kbit SPI serial EEPROM organized as 2048 × 8 bits, operating from 1.8 V to 5.5 V with 32-byte page write capability, 3.0 MHz max clock rate at 5 V, and hardware/software write protection via WP pin and status register. It serves in industrial control systems for parameter storage, firmware configuration backup, and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the AT25160N-10SI-1.8 datasheet, AT25160N-10SI-1.8 pinout, AT25160N-10SI-1.8 application, or AT25160N-10SI-1.8 equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.8 V, block write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array), self-timed 5 ms typical write cycle, 1 million endurance cycles, and JEDEC SOIC-8 packaging compatibility with legacy 8-pin SPI EEPROM footprints.

Technical Context

The AT25160N-10SI-1.8 implements a synchronous SPI slave interface compliant with Modes 0 and 3, using separate SI and SO pins for full-duplex communication and supporting MSB-first data transfer. Its internal architecture includes an 8-bit instruction register, nonvolatile status register (WPEN, BP1/BP0, WEN, RDY), and automatic address incrementing during page writes.

Write operations require explicit WREN instruction prior to WRITE or WRSR commands; during active write cycles, only RDSR is accepted. Block protection is enforced by status register bits mapping to fixed memory segments-e.g., BP1=1/BP0=0 protects addresses 0400–07FF hex for this 16K device-and WP pin functionality is gated by the WPEN bit.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT25160N-10SI-1.8 uses an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC (8S1) package: 0.150" wide body, 1.27 mm pitch, gull-wing leads. Dimensions comply with MS-012 Variation AA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT25160N-10SI-1.8, M95160-WMN6TP offers higher bandwidth for time-critical updates, while CAT25160VI-GT3 provides stronger ESD immunity-both retain identical memory organization, protection granularity, and low-voltage operation, making them drop-in alternatives in most industrial designs.

Availability

AT25160N-10SI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, medical diagnostics equipment, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT25160N-10SI-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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains its legacy serial EEPROM portfolio with full datasheet support, longevity commitments, and industrial temperature grading.

The AT25xxx family was designed specifically for reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems-emphasizing SPI simplicity, voltage flexibility, and robust data integrity under thermal and electrical stress.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the AT25160N-10SI-1.8?

The AT25160N-10SI-1.8 operates reliably from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. At 1.8 V, DC and AC characteristics-including 32-byte page write, status register access, and HOLD functionality-are fully specified across the industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Below 1.8 V, functionality is not guaranteed per the datasheet.

Does the AT25160N-10SI-1.8 support SPI Mode 1 or Mode 2, or only Modes 0 and 3?

The AT25160N-10SI-1.8 explicitly supports only SPI Modes 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1), as confirmed in the Features section and timing diagrams. Modes 1 and 2 are not supported-the device will not correctly sample or output data under those clock polarity/phase configurations.

How does the WP pin interact with the WPEN bit in the status register of the AT25160N-10SI-1.8?

When WPEN = 0, the WP pin has no effect-write operations to the status register and memory proceed normally regardless of WP state. When WPEN = 1, pulling WP low disables writes to the status register and any memory blocks selected by BP1/BP0. The WP pin cannot override software write-enable (WREN); it only enforces hardware-level protection after WPEN is set.

Can the AT25160N-10SI-1.8 be used in place of the AT25160-10PI-1.8 in an existing design?

Yes-the AT25160N-10SI-1.8 and AT25160-10PI-1.8 share identical electrical specifications, instruction set, timing, and memory map. The only difference is package: SOIC-8 (N-suffix) vs. PDIP-8 (no suffix). Pinout is identical, so PCB layout changes are unnecessary when migrating from PDIP to SOIC, provided soldering process supports gull-wing leads.

What is the maximum number of bytes that can be written in a single page write operation for the AT25160N-10SI-1.8?

The AT25160N-10SI-1.8 supports a 32-byte page write operation. Writing more than 32 bytes in one command causes the internal address counter to roll over, overwriting previously written data within that page. To write beyond 32 bytes, multiple WRITE instructions with incremented starting addresses are required.