FT25C16A-USR-T EEPROM 16Kbit SPI Memory IC Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The FT25C16A-USR-T is a 16Kbit Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EEPROM memory IC manufactured by Fremont Micro Devices Ltd. This non-volatile memory device operates at 20 MHz clock frequency with a 2K x 8 memory organization, housed in an 8-SOP surface mount package. The device is actively produced and RoHS3 compliant with unlimited moisture sensitivity rating.

Substitute parts are necessary when the FT25C16A-USR-T becomes unavailable due to supply constraints, end-of-life status, or when alternative packaging formats are required for manufacturing flexibility. Equivalent devices must maintain functional compatibility across memory capacity, interface protocol, and electrical operating parameters.

Key Parameters

Parameter	FT25C16A-USR-T
Manufacturer	Fremont Micro Devices Ltd
Memory Type	Non-Volatile EEPROM
Memory Size	16Kbit
Memory Organization	2K x 8
Memory Interface	SPI
Clock Frequency	20 MHz
Write Cycle Time	5ms
Voltage Supply Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant
Product Status	Active

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution eligibility is determined by the following critical parameters:

Primary Compatibility Criteria:

Memory Size: 16Kbit (mandatory match)
Memory Organization: 2K x 8 (mandatory match)
Memory Interface: SPI (mandatory match)
Package / Case: 8-SOIC form factor (mandatory match)
Mounting Type: Surface Mount (mandatory match)

Secondary Compatibility Criteria:

Clock Frequency: 20 MHz or higher (backward compatible)
Voltage Supply Range: Must encompass or overlap with 1.8V ~ 5.5V
Write Cycle Time: 5ms or faster (backward compatible)
Operating Temperature: Must support -40°C ~ 85°C minimum range
RoHS Compliance: ROHS3 Compliant (regulatory requirement)

Substitute parts are grouped into two categories based on clock frequency alignment:

Category A - Full Speed Match (20 MHz): Parts with identical 20 MHz clock frequency provide direct functional equivalence with no timing adjustments required.

Category B - Lower Clock Speed (10 MHz or 5 MHz): Parts with reduced clock frequency remain functionally compatible in applications where the lower speed does not impact system performance. These parts operate within the same electrical and mechanical specifications but with reduced maximum data transfer rates.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Memory Size	Clock Frequency	Voltage Supply	Operating Temp	Write Cycle Time	Package	Product Status	RoHS Status
FT25C16A-USR-T	Fremont Micro Devices Ltd	16Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
25AA160A-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
25AA160B-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
25AA160C-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
25AA160D-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
25LC160AT-I/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
25LC160DT-E/SN	Microchip Technology	16Kbit	10 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
BR25L160FJ-WE2	Rohm Semiconductor	16Kbit	5 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Not For New Designs	ROHS3
CAT25160VI-GT3	onsemi	16Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
M95160-DFMN6TP	STMicroelectronics	16Kbit	20 MHz	1.7V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	5ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3
M95160-DRMN3TP/K	STMicroelectronics	16Kbit	20 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	4ms	8-SOIC	Active	ROHS3

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Tier 1 - Direct Equivalents (20 MHz Clock Frequency):

CAT25160VI-GT3 (onsemi) and M95160-DFMN6TP (STMicroelectronics) provide direct functional equivalence to the FT25C16A-USR-T with matching 20 MHz clock frequency and identical electrical specifications. Both devices are actively produced and RoHS3 compliant. M95160-DRMN3TP/K offers extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C) and faster write cycle time (4ms), with automotive-grade qualification (AEC-Q100), suitable for applications requiring enhanced thermal performance.

Tier 2 - Functional Equivalents (10 MHz Clock Frequency):

Microchip Technology 25AA160 series (variants A, B, C, D) and 25LC160 series (variants AT, DT-E) maintain full functional compatibility with identical memory capacity, organization, and SPI interface. These parts operate at 10 MHz, which is backward compatible in systems where maximum data transfer rate is not a limiting factor. All variants are actively produced and RoHS3 compliant. The 25LC160 series specifies a narrower voltage supply range (2.5V ~ 5.5V) compared to the main part; verify system voltage requirements before selection.

Tier 3 - Limited Compatibility (5 MHz Clock Frequency):

BR25L160FJ-WE2 (Rohm Semiconductor) is marked as "Not For New Designs" and operates at 5 MHz. This part is functionally compatible but should be avoided for new product development due to its obsolescence status. Use only when existing inventory constraints or legacy system requirements mandate its selection.

Compliance and Certification:

All recommended substitute parts maintain ROHS3 compliance and unlimited moisture sensitivity rating (MSL 1), ensuring regulatory and environmental compatibility with the original FT25C16A-USR-T specification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 10 MHz substitute part in place of the 20 MHz FT25C16A-USR-T?

A: Yes. The 10 MHz parts (Microchip 25AA160 and 25LC160 series) are functionally compatible. The lower clock frequency does not affect memory capacity, organization, or SPI protocol compliance. System performance depends on whether your application requires the full 20 MHz data transfer capability. If your system operates at or below 10 MHz, substitution is direct.

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

A: Both series are 16Kbit SPI EEPROM devices with identical memory organization and interface. The primary difference is voltage supply range: 25AA160 operates at 1.8V ~ 5.5V, while 25LC160 operates at 2.5V ~ 5.5V. Select based on your system's minimum supply voltage requirement.

Q: Is the M95160-DRMN3TP/K suitable for automotive applications?

A: Yes. The M95160-DRMN3TP/K carries AEC-Q100 automotive qualification and supports extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 125°C). It is suitable for automotive-grade applications requiring enhanced thermal performance and reliability certification.

Q: Can I substitute BR25L160FJ-WE2 in new designs?

A: No. Rohm Semiconductor has marked BR25L160FJ-WE2 as "Not For New Designs." This part should be used only for legacy system maintenance or when existing inventory constraints require it. For new product development, select from Tier 1 or Tier 2 alternatives.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging format?

A: All listed substitute parts use 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width) surface mount package, matching the FT25C16A-USR-T form factor. However, packaging options (Tape & Reel, Tube, Cut Tape & Digi-Reel) vary by manufacturer and part number. Verify packaging availability with your supplier for production requirements.

Q: What is the minimum voltage requirement for 25LC160 series?

A: The 25LC160 series specifies 2.5V minimum supply voltage, compared to 1.8V for the FT25C16A-USR-T and 25AA160 series. If your system operates below 2.5V, use 25AA160 or M95160 series instead.

Q: Do all substitute parts have the same write cycle time?

A: Most substitute parts specify 5ms write cycle time, matching the FT25C16A-USR-T. The exception is M95160-DRMN3TP/K, which specifies 4ms, offering faster write performance. This difference does not affect compatibility; faster write time is a performance advantage.

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