Infineon Technologies FM25C160B-GATR

Overview

FM25C160B-GATR from Cypress Semiconductor is a 16-Kbit (2 K × 8) automotive-grade serial F-RAM with SPI interface, operating from –40 °C to +125 °C, supporting up to 15 MHz clock, 10¹³ write cycles, and NoDelay™ immediate writes. It serves as nonvolatile data logging memory in engine control units, airbag controllers, and ADAS sensor nodes where rapid, reliable byte-level writes are critical.

For engineers reviewing the FM25C160B-GATR datasheet, FM25C160B-GATR pinout, FM25C160B-GATR application, or FM25C160B-GATR equivalent, key selection criteria include AEC-Q100 Grade 1 compliance, SPI mode 0/3 support, hardware/software write protection, 4.5–5.5 V operation, and absence of write polling overhead in real-time systems.

Technical Context

The FM25C160B-GATR implements a ferroelectric memory array with zero write latency-data commits at bus speed without internal erase or program delays. Its SPI slave architecture supports full-duplex mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and mode 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1), using standard opcodes (0x02, 0x03, 0x06, 0x04, 0x05) for write enable, read, write, and status register access.

Write protection is enforced via three independent mechanisms: hardware WP pin (active-low), software WREN/WRDI instructions, and configurable block protection bits (BP1/BP0) in the 8-bit status register. The device lacks internal voltage regulation and requires stable VDD within ±5% tolerance to ensure correct status register behavior and data retention integrity.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

FM25C160B-GATR is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (5.3 mm × 6.2 mm, 1.27 mm pitch), optimized for automated SMT assembly and thermal reliability in automotive PCBs.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT25DF021-SSH-T and BR25H160FJ-WE2, FM25C160B-GATR uniquely delivers simultaneous AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification, 10¹³ endurance, and true zero-latency writes-making it the only option for safety-critical, high-write-rate automotive logging where timing predictability and lifetime reliability are non-negotiable.

Availability

FM25C160B-GATR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS sensor nodes, electronic power steering systems, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for FM25C160B-GATR 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

Cypress Semiconductor (now part of Infineon Technologies) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with emphasis on memory, PSoC, and connectivity products.

The FM25C160B-GATR belongs to Cypress's automotive F-RAM product line, engineered specifically to replace serial flash and EEPROM in safety-critical, high-write-frequency automotive subsystems where data integrity and timing determinism are paramount.

FAQ

Is FM25C160B-GATR pin-compatible with standard 8-pin SPI EEPROMs?

Yes - FM25C160B-GATR uses identical 8-pin SOIC pinout and SPI command set (0x02/0x03/0x06/0x04) as industry-standard 16-Kbit SPI EEPROMs. No PCB redesign is needed; only firmware update is required to remove write polling loops and adjust timing margins for immediate writes.

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

No - FM25C160B-GATR operates from a single 4.5–5.5 V supply and performs all write operations at bus speed without charge pumps, high-voltage generators, or erase cycles. This eliminates external HV components and associated layout complexity found in flash and EEPROM designs.

How does the HOLD pin function during active memory access?

When HOLD is pulled LOW during any SPI transaction (read or write), the FM25C160B-GATR suspends communication immediately, tri-states SO, and ignores further SCK/CS transitions until HOLD returns HIGH. This allows the host MCU to service higher-priority interrupts without data corruption or bus contention.

Can FM25C160B-GATR be used in SPI multi-drop configurations?

Yes - FM25C160B-GATR supports multi-drop SPI buses via individual CS lines. Each device responds only when its CS is LOW; SI/SO lines may be shared across multiple units. No arbitration or address decoding is required beyond standard SPI chip select routing.