Infineon Technologies FM25C160B-GTR

Overview

FM25C160B-GTR 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 is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package for industrial-temperature (–40 °C to +85 °C) embedded data logging applications.

For engineers reviewing the FM25C160B-GTR datasheet, FM25C160B-GTR pinout, FM25C160B-GTR application, or FM25C160B-GTR equivalent, key selection criteria include write-cycle speed without polling, hardware/software write protection granularity, VDD range (4.5–5.5 V), standby current (4 µA typ), and SPI timing compatibility with legacy EEPROM/flash interfaces.

Technical Context

The FM25C160B-GTR implements a ferroelectric memory array with zero-latency write execution: each byte written is committed immediately upon successful SPI transfer, eliminating status polling and enabling deterministic bus turnaround. Its internal logic includes a 3-bit nonvolatile status register controlling block protection (1/4, 1/2, or full array) and WPEN bit enabling hardware write protection via the WP pin.

SPI interface compliance spans Mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and Mode 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1); all inputs are sampled on SCK rising edge, outputs driven on falling edge. The HOLD pin suspends ongoing operations synchronously-only when SCK is LOW-preserving address and state for resumption without reinitialization.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

FM25C160B-GTR is packaged in an 8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) with standard 150-mil body width and 1.27 mm pitch. Pin assignments are validated per Cypress Document 001-84472 Rev. *I.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MB85RS16 and AT25DF021, FM25C160B-GTR uniquely delivers 5 V native operation, zero-write-latency at 20 MHz, and 10¹⁴ endurance-making it optimal for industrial 5 V systems requiring deterministic, high-cycle logging without voltage translation or firmware complexity.

Availability

FM25C160B-GTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy metering, industrial PLC data logging, medical diagnostic equipment, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for FM25C160B-GTR 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-GTR belongs to Infineon's F-RAM portfolio, engineered specifically for applications demanding rapid, reliable, and low-power nonvolatile data storage where traditional EEPROM or flash introduces timing or endurance limitations.

FAQ

Is FM25C160B-GTR pin-compatible with standard SPI EEPROMs like AT25080?

Yes-FM25C160B-GTR uses identical 8-pin SOIC packaging and SPI command set (WREN, WRITE, READ, RDSR) as AT25080, enabling direct hardware replacement. However, it omits the need for Write Enable polling and supports faster clock rates up to 20 MHz versus 2–10 MHz typical for EEPROMs.

Does the HOLD pin require external pull-up resistors?

No-HOLD is internally pulled up to VDD. It may be left floating if unused, though tying it to VDD is recommended for noise immunity. Activation requires driving HOLD LOW while SCK is LOW; transitions during active clocking are ignored to prevent metastability.

How does write protection work when both WP pin and software block protection are enabled?

When WPEN=1 in the status register and WP pin is pulled LOW, all writes-including status register updates-are blocked regardless of block protection settings. Software protection (BP0/BP1 bits) remains active only when WP is HIGH or WPEN=0, allowing selective locking of memory regions without disabling full write capability.

Can FM25C160B-GTR operate reliably at 5.5 V continuously?

Yes-the absolute maximum VDD rating is 5.5 V, and all DC/AC specifications including 20 MHz operation, 4 µA standby current, and 10¹⁴ endurance are guaranteed across the full 4.5–5.5 V range. No derating is required at upper rail; thermal performance remains within SOIC package limits.