Microchip Technology 93AA56C-I/P

Overview

93AA56C-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with configurable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization selected via the ORG pin, operating across 1.8–5.5 V, rated for industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C), and housed in an 8-lead PDIP package. It implements Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial I/O, supports self-timed erase/write cycles, and delivers 1 million endurance cycles with >200 years data retention - used in embedded system configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA56C-I/P datasheet, 93AA56C-I/P pinout, 93AA56C-I/P application, or 93AA56C-I/P equivalent, key selection criteria include ORG-pin-configurable word size, industrial-grade voltage/temperature operation, Ready/Busy status signaling, sequential read capability, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained industrial control modules.

Technical Context

The 93AA56C-I/P uses a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic applied to the ORG pin: logic high selects 128 × 16-bit mode, logic low selects 256 × 8-bit mode - no internal multiplexing or auto-detection.

Internal operations include automatic pre-write erase, ERAL (Erase All), WRAL (Write All), EWEN/EWDS write protection, and Ready/Busy polling via DO pin. All programming cycles are self-timed (6 ms typical for erase/write), with VCC monitoring (1.5 V POR threshold) and power-on/off data protection circuitry ensuring nonvolatile integrity during brownout conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP (P package) with 0.3-inch body width, through-hole mounting, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot; pin 1 ID confirmed per Microchip DS21794G-page 17.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC56C-I/P, the 93AA56C-I/P adds 1.8 V operation for ultra-low-power systems; compared with AT25020B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and hardware-configurable word size - critical for retrofitting legacy 8-bit or 16-bit controller designs.

Availability

93AA56C-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and medical device setup data storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93AA56C-I/P 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

Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93XX series EEPROMs - including the 93AA56C-I/P - were designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, nonvolatile memory applications in industrial, medical, and consumer electronics where Microwire compatibility and flexible word organization are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93AA56C-I/P?

The ORG pin on the 93AA56C-I/P configures memory organization: tied to VCC, it selects 128 × 16-bit mode; tied to VSS, it selects 256 × 8-bit mode. This pin is absent on A/B variants and must be externally biased - floating operation is undefined. The 93AA56C-I/P leverages this pin to provide hardware-selectable word width without firmware changes.

Does the 93AA56C-I/P support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93AA56C-I/P supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, outputting consecutive memory locations on DO. This enables efficient bulk data retrieval - for example, loading a full calibration table - without reissuing address bytes for each byte/word.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93AA56C-I/P?

The 93AA56C-I/P requires a minimum VCC of 1.8 V for full specification compliance, with power-on reset (POR) activation at approximately 1.5 V. Below 1.8 V, DC and AC parameters are not guaranteed; operation below 1.5 V disables all write functions and places the device in hardware-protected standby mode to prevent data corruption.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93AA56C-I/P?

The 93AA56C-I/P asserts Ready/Busy status on the DO pin: during erase or write cycles, DO goes low to indicate "busy" and returns high when complete. To poll, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL; DO is High-Z if CS stays low. This allows firmware to avoid fixed delays and respond dynamically to actual programming duration.

Is the 93AA56C-I/P compatible with standard Microwire controllers?

Yes, the 93AA56C-I/P is fully Microwire-compatible: it uses the standard 3-wire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO), supports start-bit detection, and executes the same instruction set (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, EWDS) with identical timing requirements. It is pin- and protocol-compatible with legacy Microwire EEPROMs such as the 93C46, enabling drop-in upgrades in existing designs.