Infineon Technologies FM25C160B-G

Overview

FM25C160B-G from Infineon Technologies (formerly Cypress) is a 16-Kbit serial SPI F-RAM organized as 2K × 8, featuring NoDelay™ writes, 10¹⁴ read/write endurance, and 151-year data retention. It operates at up to 20 MHz SPI clock, supports modes 0 and 3, and functions in industrial temperature range (–40 °C to +85 °C) with 4.5–5.5 V supply. Used in real-time data logging where rapid nonvolatile writes prevent loss during power interruption.

For engineers reviewing the FM25C160B-G datasheet, FM25C160B-G pinout, FM25C160B-G application, or FM25C160B-G equivalent, key selection criteria include write latency (zero-cycle), endurance margin versus EEPROM/flash, SPI timing compatibility, hardware/software write protection granularity, and SOIC-8 footprint reuse in legacy designs.

Technical Context

The FM25C160B-G implements ferroelectric memory array architecture with synchronous SPI slave interface, eliminating internal write cycles and polling. Its control logic decodes opcodes (e.g., WREN, READ, WRITE) directly into memory access without erase-before-write or page programming overhead.

Write protection is implemented via dual-layer scheme: hardware-level WP pin assertion (active-low) blocks Status Register modification when WPEN=1, while software-configurable block protection (1/4, 1/2, or full array) is stored in a nonvolatile 3-bit Status Register. HOLD pin enables deterministic transaction suspension without clock or CS timing constraints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

FM25C160B-G is housed in an 8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads. Pin layout matches industry-standard serial memory footprints for drop-in replacement of SPI EEPROM and flash.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT25DF041A-SSH-T and BR24G16FJ-WE2, FM25C160B-G delivers 100,000× higher endurance and zero write latency - critical for real-time data capture - while maintaining identical SOIC-8 footprint and 5 V compatibility for seamless migration from legacy serial memory.

Availability

FM25C160B-G is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data loggers, smart meter firmware storage, and PLC configuration memory requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for FM25C160B-G 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

Infineon Technologies is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Munich, Germany, specializing in power management, sensing, and connectivity solutions for industrial, automotive, and IoT applications.

The FM25C160B-G belongs to Infineon's F-RAM portfolio - engineered specifically for applications demanding extreme write endurance, instant nonvolatility, and deterministic timing without flash/EEPROM overhead.

FAQ

Is FM25C160B-G pin-compatible with standard SPI EEPROMs like the 25AA010A?

Yes - FM25C160B-G uses identical SOIC-8 pinout (CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VSS, VDD) and supports same SPI modes 0/3, enabling direct PCB replacement. No layout changes needed; only firmware update required to remove polling loops and adjust timing margins.

Does FM25C160B-G require external high-voltage programming circuitry?

No - FM25C160B-G performs all writes at standard VDD (4.5–5.5 V) with no charge pump or elevated voltage generation. Unlike EEPROM or flash, it uses ferroelectric polarization switching, eliminating need for boost converters or complex power sequencing.

How does the HOLD pin behave during an active write operation?

When HOLD is pulled LOW during a write, the FM25C160B-G immediately suspends data transfer after the current bit completes; SCK and CS are ignored until HOLD returns HIGH. The internal address counter retains position, allowing seamless resume without reissuing opcode or address.

Can the WP pin protect only the Status Register, or does it also block memory writes?

WP pin only prevents modification of the Status Register when WPEN=1 - it does not inhibit memory writes. Memory write protection is controlled solely by software-configured BP1/BP0 bits in the Status Register. WP must be tied HIGH to allow Status Register updates during initialization.