Microchip 25LC160/SN EEPROM 16Kbit SPI Memory IC — Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Microchip 25LC160/SN is a 16Kbit Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EEPROM memory IC in 8-SOIC surface mount packaging. This non-volatile memory device operates at 2 MHz clock frequency with a 5ms write cycle time and supports supply voltages from 2.5V to 5.5V across an operating temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. The part is ROHS3 compliant, carries unlimited moisture sensitivity level (MSL 1), and is classified as Active product status. Substitute parts are identified when equivalent memory capacity, interface protocol, packaging, and electrical characteristics align within acceptable operational parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Memory Size	16Kbit
Memory Organization	2K x 8
Memory Interface	SPI
Clock Frequency	2 MHz
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Voltage Supply Range	2.5V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	0°C ~ 70°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Moisture Sensitivity Level	1 (Unlimited)

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility for the 25LC160/SN is determined by the following critical parameters:

Memory Capacity & Organization: All substitute parts must maintain 16Kbit capacity with 2K x 8 organization to ensure direct functional equivalence.

Interface Protocol: SPI interface is mandatory for all substitutes to maintain software and hardware compatibility.

Package & Pinout: 8-SOIC surface mount package with 0.154" width (3.90mm) ensures mechanical and electrical compatibility on existing PCB layouts.

Supply Voltage Compatibility: The 25LC160/SN operates within 2.5V to 5.5V. Substitute parts with wider voltage ranges (1.8V to 5.5V) are compatible and provide enhanced flexibility. Substitutes with narrower ranges remain compatible if they encompass the 2.5V to 5.5V window.

Write Cycle Time: All identified substitutes maintain the 5ms write cycle time specification.

Temperature Operating Range: The 25LC160/SN operates 0°C to 70°C. Substitutes with extended ranges (-40°C to 85°C) are compatible and provide broader environmental tolerance.

Compliance & Certifications: ROHS3 compliance and EAR99 classification are consistent across all parts. Moisture sensitivity level variations (MSL 1 vs. MSL 3) do not affect functional substitution but may impact storage and handling requirements.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Memory Size	Clock Frequency	Voltage Supply	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status	Inventory (Pcs)
25LC160/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	2 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active	1250
25AA160A-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	1543
25AA160B-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	1352
25AA160C-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	3300
25AA160D-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	2300
25LC160-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	2 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	1262
25LC160A-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	1405
25LC160B-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	1795
25LC160C-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	3300
25LC160D-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	2767
AT25160B-SSHL-B	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active	1600

Engineering Selection Recommendations

All identified substitute parts maintain Active product status and ROHS3 compliance, confirming ongoing manufacturer support and environmental regulatory alignment with the 25LC160/SN.

Direct Voltage-Compatible Substitutes (2.5V ~ 5.5V Supply Range): The 25LC160-I/SN, 25LC160A-I/SN, 25LC160B-I/SN, 25LC160C-I/SN, and 25LC160D-I/SN operate within the identical supply voltage window as the primary part. These variants differ primarily in clock frequency (2 MHz vs. 10 MHz) and extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. 0°C to 70°C). The 25LC160-I/SN maintains the 2 MHz clock frequency specification while extending temperature tolerance. The 25LC160A through 25LC160D variants provide 10 MHz operation with enhanced temperature range.

Extended Voltage-Compatible Substitutes (1.8V ~ 5.5V Supply Range): The 25AA160A-I/SN, 25AA160B-I/SN, 25AA160C-I/SN, 25AA160D-I/SN, and AT25160B-SSHL-B support lower minimum supply voltage (1.8V) while maintaining upper limit compatibility. These parts are suitable for applications requiring reduced voltage operation. The AT25160B-SSHL-B provides the highest clock frequency (20 MHz) among all substitutes.

Inventory Availability: The 25LC160C-I/SN and 25AA160C-I/SN each maintain 3300 units in stock, representing the highest availability among substitute options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I substitute the 25LC160/SN with a 25AA160 series part?

A: Yes. The 25AA160A-I/SN, 25AA160B-I/SN, 25AA160C-I/SN, and 25AA160D-I/SN are functionally equivalent substitutes. All maintain 16Kbit capacity, 2K x 8 organization, SPI interface, 5ms write cycle time, and 8-SOIC packaging. The primary differences are extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. 0°C to 70°C) and lower minimum supply voltage (1.8V vs. 2.5V). These enhancements provide broader environmental tolerance without compromising compatibility.

Q: What is the difference between 25LC160 and 25AA160 series?

A: Both series are 16Kbit SPI EEPROM devices in 8-SOIC packaging. The 25LC series specifies 2.5V minimum supply voltage, while the 25AA series operates down to 1.8V. The 25AA series also provides extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) compared to the 25LC series base specification (0°C to 70°C). Clock frequency varies by revision letter (A, B, C, D) within each series, ranging from 2 MHz to 10 MHz.

Q: Are all substitute parts pin-compatible with the 25LC160/SN?

A: Yes. All identified substitutes use the 8-SOIC package with 0.154" width (3.90mm), ensuring identical pinout and PCB footprint compatibility. No layout modifications are required for substitution.

Q: Does clock frequency affect software compatibility?

A: Clock frequency determines maximum SPI communication speed. The 25LC160/SN operates at 2 MHz maximum. Substitutes with higher clock frequencies (10 MHz or 20 MHz) are backward compatible and operate correctly at lower speeds. Applications designed for 2 MHz operation function without modification when using higher-frequency substitutes.

Q: What is the significance of the revision letters (A, B, C, D)?

A: Revision letters indicate design iterations within the same memory capacity and package. All revisions maintain identical memory organization (2K x 8), interface protocol (SPI), and write cycle time (5ms). Differences are limited to clock frequency specifications and, in some cases, temperature range or voltage range enhancements. Substitution between revisions is functionally transparent.

Q: Can I use the AT25160B-SSHL-B as a substitute?

A: Yes. The AT25160B-SSHL-B is a functionally equivalent 16Kbit SPI EEPROM in 8-SOIC packaging. It provides the highest clock frequency (20 MHz) among all identified substitutes and supports the widest voltage range (1.8V to 5.5V). It is suitable for applications requiring maximum speed performance while maintaining full backward compatibility with 25LC160/SN software and hardware interfaces.

Q: What does MSL (Moisture Sensitivity Level) mean for substitution?

A: Moisture Sensitivity Level indicates storage and handling requirements. MSL 1 (unlimited) requires no special moisture control during storage. MSL 3 (168 hours) requires desiccant packaging and controlled humidity storage for up to 168 hours after opening. From a functional substitution perspective, MSL differences do not affect electrical performance or compatibility. Selection depends on supply chain and storage capabilities.

Q: Which substitute offers the best inventory availability?

A: The 25LC160C-I/SN and 25AA160C-I/SN each maintain 3300 units in stock, representing the highest availability. Both are functionally equivalent to the 25LC160/SN with enhanced operating temperature range and, in the case of 25AA160C-I/SN, extended voltage range.

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