My Inquiry
My Account
Microchip Technology AT26DF161-MU
- Part No.:
- AT26DF161-MU
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
AT26DF161-MU.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 16MBIT SPI 66MHZ 8VDFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,218
Please send an inquiry. Send us your inquiry, and we will respond immediately.
Product details
Overview
AT26DF161-MU from Microchip Technology is a 16-Mbit serial Flash memory IC designed for code shadowing and data storage in embedded systems. It operates from a single 2.7V–3.6V supply, supports SPI Modes 0/3 up to 66 MHz, features uniform 4/32/64-Kbyte erase blocks, and delivers 100,000 program/erase cycles with 20-year data retention - deployed in industrial-grade consumer electronics and firmware update subsystems.
For engineers reviewing the AT26DF161-MU datasheet, AT26DF161-MU pinout, AT26DF161-MU application, or AT26DF161-MU equivalent, this page provides verified electrical parameters, sector protection behavior, SPI timing constraints, package-specific thermal and layout guidance, and real-world compatibility considerations for firmware storage and field-upgradeable systems.
Technical Context
The AT26DF161-MU implements a dedicated SPI interface with rising-edge input sampling (SI, command/address) and falling-edge output sampling (SO), requiring CS assertion before opcode transmission and supporting dual read opcodes (03h/0Bh) for low- and high-frequency operation. Its internal address counter enables continuous sequential reads without reissuing addresses.
It integrates hardware write protection via the WP pin and software-controlled sector locking using 16 × 128-Kbyte physical sectors, each governed by a dedicated Sector Protection Register. Erase operations are internally self-timed (tBLKE, tCHPE) and monitored via Status Register polling, with automatic EPE flag reporting on failure.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 16 Mbit (2 Mbyte) organized as 128-Kbyte sectors × 16, enabling modular firmware partitioning. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7V–3.6V single supply - eliminates need for charge pumps or external VPP, simplifying power design. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 66 MHz SPI clock - supports high-throughput firmware loading and real-time code execution shadowing. |
| Erase Granularity | 4-Kbyte, 32-Kbyte, 64-Kbyte blocks + full chip - minimizes wasted space during partial updates vs. legacy 64-Kbyte-only devices. |
| Endurance & Retention | 100,000 program/erase cycles / 20-year data retention - validated for long-life industrial firmware storage. |
| Power Consumption | 7 mA active read current (typ), 4 µA deep power-down current (typ) - suitable for battery-backed or energy-sensitive applications. |
| Operating Temperature | −40°C to +85°C - meets full industrial temperature range requirements without derating. |
Pinout & Package
AT26DF161-MU is available in two RoHS-compliant, green packages: 8-lead SOIC (200-mil wide) and 8-contact MLF (5 mm × 6 mm). Both packages share identical pin functions and ordering suffix "-MU" denotes the MLF variant per Microchip's packaging nomenclature.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-low enable signal; rising edge ends all operations and places SO in high-impedance state. |
| SCK | Serial Clock | Input clock controlling data flow; SI latched on rising edge, SO driven on falling edge (SPI Modes 0/3). |
| SI | Serial Input | Command, address, and data input line; MSB-first protocol with no internal pull-up. |
| SO | Serial Output | Data output line; high-impedance when CS is deasserted; supports standard SPI bus sharing. |
| WP | Write Protect | Hardware lock control; low-active signal that disables sector protection changes unless SPRL bit is cleared. |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.7V–3.6V core supply; no separate programming voltage required for erase/write. |
| GND | Ground Reference | System ground return path; must be low-impedance and decoupled near device. |
| NC | No Connect | Pin 6 in SOIC / Pin 6 in MLF - unconnected die pad; must remain floating or grounded per layout guidelines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Flexible Erase Architecture | Four granularities (4/32/64-Kbyte + full chip) reduce wasted memory during partial firmware updates. |
| Individual Sector Protection | 16 × 128-Kbyte sectors with independent lock/unlock control - enables secure patching of code modules without exposing entire array. |
| Global Protect/Unprotect | Single-command lockdown or unlock of all sectors - streamlines factory programming and recovery workflows. |
| Automatic Failure Reporting | Status Register EPE flag signals program/erase errors in real time - eliminates need for post-operation verification reads. |
| Deep Power-Down Mode | 4 µA typical standby current with ABh resume command - extends battery life in always-on IoT nodes. |
Applications
| Industrial Control Firmware Storage | Consumer Electronics Boot Code |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing PLC firmware images and configuration tables in programmable logic controllers operating continuously at −25°C to +70°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile code storage with fast random-access read capability and sector-level update isolation. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable firmware without full reflash; 4-Kbyte erase granularity prevents corruption of adjacent control routines during patch deployment. |
Use Scenario: Hosting boot loader and OS kernel for smart TVs and set-top boxes requiring secure, low-power storage. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary SPI Flash for XIP-capable microcontrollers executing code directly from memory. Use Value: 66 MHz clock support ensures <100 ns instruction fetch latency; Global Protect prevents accidental bootloader overwrite during OTA updates. |
| Medical Device Data Logging | Automotive Infotainment Configuration |
|
Use Scenario: Recording sensor calibration data and usage logs in portable diagnostic equipment with battery backup. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-role memory for persistent data storage and firmware revision tracking. Use Value: 20-year data retention and 100K-cycle endurance guarantee integrity across device lifetime; Deep Power-Down mode extends backup runtime. |
Use Scenario: Storing UI themes, language packs, and vehicle-specific settings in head units compliant with AEC-Q200 stress testing. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability configuration memory with hardware write protection against ESD-induced corruption. Use Value: WP pin hardwiring prevents unintended writes during CAN bus transients; 8-lead SOIC variant supports automotive-grade reflow profiles. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial Flash memory applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winbond W25Q16JV-IQ | 16-Mbit SPI Flash with Quad I/O support, 133 MHz max clock, 100K cycles, same 8-SOIC/MLF packages. | Lacks hardware WP pin; uses software status register protection only - less robust against voltage glitch attacks. | Choose W25Q16JV-IQ only if Quad SPI bandwidth is required and hardware write protection is not critical. |
| Macronix MX25L1606E-M2I | 16-Mbit SPI Flash with 80 MHz max clock, 100K cycles, identical sector architecture and WP pin function. | Supports standard SPI only (no Dual/Quad); slightly higher 10 mA active current vs. AT26DF161-MU's 7 mA. | Select MX25L1606E-M2I when direct pin-for-pin replacement in existing SOIC layouts is needed with minimal firmware changes. |
Compared with W25Q16JV-IQ and MX25L1606E-M2I, the AT26DF161-MU uniquely combines hardware WP pin control, 66 MHz SPI performance, and 4-Kbyte erase granularity - making it optimal for safety-critical firmware storage where deterministic protection and minimal update footprint are mandatory.
Availability
AT26DF161-MU is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control firmware storage, consumer electronics boot code, medical device data logging, and automotive infotainment configuration requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for AT26DF161-MU 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog components, and nonvolatile memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.
The AT26DF161-MU belongs to Microchip's DataFlash® family - engineered specifically for reliable, low-voltage serial code and data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with stringent endurance and security requirements.
FAQ
What is the maximum SPI clock frequency supported by the AT26DF161-MU?
The AT26DF161-MU supports a maximum SPI clock frequency of 66 MHz for standard read operations using the 0Bh opcode. For lower-speed applications, the 03h opcode is specified up to fRDLF (typically 20 MHz), allowing flexibility in noise-sensitive environments. This 66 MHz rating is guaranteed across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and 2.7V–3.6V supply, making AT26DF161-MU suitable for high-throughput firmware loading in real-time systems.
Does the AT26DF161-MU require a separate programming voltage?
No, the AT26DF161-MU does not require a separate programming or erase voltage. All read, program, and erase operations are performed using only the 2.7V–3.6V VCC supply. This eliminates external charge pump circuitry and simplifies PCB design - a key advantage over older parallel Flash or early serial Flash devices. The internal circuitry generates necessary high-voltage pulses autonomously, and AT26DF161-MU maintains full functionality across its entire specified voltage range without derating.
How many physical sectors does the AT26DF161-MU have, and what is their size?
The AT26DF161-MU contains sixteen 128-Kbyte physical sectors, totaling 2 Mbytes (16 Mbit). Each sector can be individually protected or unprotected via software commands (36h/39h) or globally controlled (via Write Status Register). This 128-Kbyte sector size aligns with typical bootloader and application module boundaries, enabling precise firmware partitioning while maintaining compatibility with industry-standard flash translation layer (FTL) drivers used in embedded Linux and RTOS environments.
What is the purpose of the WP pin on the AT26DF161-MU?
The WP (Write Protect) pin on the AT26DF161-MU provides hardware-level inhibition of sector protection register modifications. When held low, it prevents execution of Protect Sector, Unprotect Sector, and Global Protect/Unprotect commands - even if the Status Register's SPRL bit is cleared. Internally pulled high, WP may be left floating if unused, but Microchip recommends tying it to VCC for deterministic behavior. This dual-layer (hardware + software) protection makes AT26DF161-MU especially robust in electrically noisy or safety-critical applications where accidental firmware corruption must be prevented.
Can the AT26DF161-MU be used in place of the AT26DF081 or AT26DF321?
The AT26DF161-MU is not a drop-in replacement for AT26DF081 (8-Mbit) or AT26DF321 (32-Mbit), as they differ in density, timing parameters, and sector map layout. While all three share the same SPI command set and pinout, firmware must be recompiled to match the 2-Mbyte address space of AT26DF161-MU. Additionally, erase times and status register behavior vary across the family - for example, tBLKE for 4-Kbyte blocks is 25 ms (max) in AT26DF161-MU versus 18 ms in AT26DF081. Migration requires validation of timing margins and memory mapping.
AT26DF161-MU Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tray
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- FLASH
- Technology:
- FLASH
- Memory Size:
- 16Mbit
- Memory Organization:
- 256 Bytes x 8192 pages
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 66 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 5ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TC)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-VDFN (6x5)
AT26DF161-MU FAQ
1.How can I place an order for AT26DF161-MU through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for AT26DF161-MU on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for AT26DF161-MU reliable?
The price and inventory of AT26DF161-MU are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for AT26DF161-MU is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for AT26DF161-MU?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for AT26DF161-MU transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for AT26DF161-MU?
AT26DF161-MU orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your AT26DF161-MU order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for AT26DF161-MU?
For technical support, including AT26DF161-MU datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your AT26DF161-MU requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that AT26DF161-MU is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All AT26DF161-MU products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that AT26DF161-MU meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of AT26DF161-MU?
All AT26DF161-MU units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with AT26DF161-MU, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The AT26DF161-MU part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for AT26DF161-MU:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
AT26DF161-MU Tags
-
M24C02-WMN6TP
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24C02C-XHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
AT21CS01-STUM10-T
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C02C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
24LC01BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
M24C02-FMC6TG
STMicroelectronics
-
AT24CS02-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
93LC46BT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C04C-SSHM-T
Microchip Technology
-
24LC01BT-I/SN
Microchip Technology
-
24AA02UIDT-I/OT
Microchip Technology
-
AT24C08C-STUM-T
Microchip Technology
Tech Hub
TTL and CMOS logic families differ in thresholds, loading, output drive, power and timing. This engineering guide compares 74HC and 74HCT, calculates noise margins and checks 3.3 V/5 V compatibility.
A practical engineering guide to 3.3V and 5V logic compatibility, input thresholds, resistor dividers, translator ICs, MOSFET level shifting, I2C pull-ups, timing limits and power-sequencing risks.
The 74HC595 uses push-pull logic outputs, while the TPIC6B595 uses 50 V open-drain DMOS sinks for higher-power loads. This guide compares timing, current limits, 3.3 V interfacing, load wiring, thermal…
The 74HC595 converts serial data into eight stable parallel outputs. This guide covers pin functions, shift and storage timing, OE and MR behavior, drive-current limits, cascading, voltage compatibilit…
A technical comparison of level-sensitive latches and edge-triggered flip-flops, covering timing windows, setup and hold limits, master–slave operation, time borrowing, race-through, HDL inference and…
A D latch stores one bit while Enable controls when data can pass. This reference covers gate-level operation, truth tables, transparency, setup and hold timing, LE versus OE, common ICs and practical …
An SR latch stores one bit through cross-coupled feedback. This engineering reference covers NOR and NAND implementations, truth tables, forbidden-state recovery, gated operation, switch debouncing, fa…
Latch circuits retain one bit through feedback. This technical reference covers SR and D latches, truth tables, transparency, timing limits, latch-versus-flip-flop behavior, applications and common log…
An engineering guide to LED driver operation, constant-current and constant-voltage outputs, linear and switching topologies, dimming, IC selection, calculations, replacement compatibility, and fault c…
Operational amplifier guide covering op amp basics, feedback, ideal vs real op amps, common configurations, buffer circuits, offset, bias current, gain-bandwidth, slew rate, rail-to-rail limits and sel…
