25AA160AT-I/MS

Memory IC Overview

The Microchip Technology 25AA160AT-I/MS is a 16 Kbit (2048 x 8-bit) Serial Electrically Erasable PROM. It features an SPI-compatible interface with a maximum clock frequency of 10 MHz and a 50 ns access time. The device operates within a supply voltage range of 1.8 V to 5.5 V and supports industrial temperatures from -40 °C to +85 °C. It utilizes an 8-lead MSOP package, offers 1,000,000 erase/write cycle endurance, and provides data retention exceeding 200 years.

Memory IC Feature Summary

• Supports serial communication via a standard four-wire SPI bus including Chip Select, Serial Clock, Data In, and Data Out lines.
• Includes programmable block write protection allowing selection of none, one-quarter, one-half, or the entire memory array.
• Features hardware-based power-on/off data protection and a dedicated hold pin to pause serial transmission without resetting the sequence.

Memory IC Applications

• Data storage for configuration parameters in microcontroller systems
• Logging operational history or event records
• Storing calibration constants and device identifiers

Memory IC Procurement Notes

Verify that the specific suffix 'I' confirms the industrial temperature rating (-40 °C to +85 °C) and the 'MS' designation matches the required 8-lead MSOP surface-mount package. Confirm the 'A' version variant aligns with the 16-byte page size requirement for your application software.

Memory IC Selection Notes

Select this component when a low-voltage 1.8 V operation capability is required alongside standard 5 V logic compatibility. Ensure the design accommodates the 16-byte page write limitation, as writing across physical page boundaries causes data wrap-around rather than sequential progression.

Memory IC Part Context

This part belongs to the 25XX160A/B family of 16 Kbit serial EEPROMs. It shares functional similarities with the 25LC160 series but differs in minimum operating voltage, supporting 1.8 V compared to the 2.5 V minimum of the LC variant. Both share identical pinouts and instruction sets.

Memory IC Replacement Considerations

Direct substitutes include other 25AA160 variants such as 25AA160B-I/MS, which offers a 32-byte page size instead of 16 bytes. Cross-family replacements like the 25LC160AT-I/MS are available but require a minimum supply voltage of 2.5 V.

Memory IC FAQ

How does the HOLD pin function during serial communication?

The HOLD pin allows the host to pause serial communication by pulling it low while SCK is low. This suspends data transfer on SI, SCK, and SO pins without resetting the internal address pointer, resuming only when HOLD is released high.

What happens if a page write crosses a physical boundary?

If a page write command attempts to cross a physical page boundary, the data wraps around to the beginning of the current page, overwriting existing data at those lower addresses instead of proceeding to the next page.