Microchip Technology 93AA86A-I/SN

Overview

93AA86A-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL/WRAL support, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, and 1 million endurance cycles - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-fail-safe parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA86A-I/SN datasheet, 93AA86A-I/SN pinout, 93AA86A-I/SN application, or 93AA86A-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), absence of PE pin, SOIC-8 package compatibility, and voltage-flexible operation down to 1.8 V for battery-powered designs.

Technical Context

The 93AA86A-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with CS/CLK/DI/DO signaling, requiring no external timing components. Its internal logic decodes opcodes (READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN/EWDS) on rising CLK edges and manages auto-erase-before-write sequencing without host intervention.

It uses CMOS nonvolatile floating-gate memory cells with on-chip charge-pump circuitry enabling full-programming at 1.8 V. Power-on reset and low-VCC lockout (VPOR = 1.5 V typical) prevent inadvertent writes during brownout conditions, and standby current remains ≤1 µA across the full industrial temperature range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin SOIC (SN) package with standard 150-mil body width, Pb-free Matte Tin finish, and JEDEC-compliant pin mapping.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86A-I/SN, the 93AA86A-I/SN extends low-voltage operation to 1.8 V for energy harvesting and coin-cell applications; compared with AT25020B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and integrated ERAL/WRAL for simplified firmware handling of bulk memory operations.

Availability

93AA86A-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC configuration storage, medical device calibration data retention, and smart energy meter firmware parameters requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 93AA86A-I/SN 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 microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, specializing in embedded control and connectivity technologies.

The 93XX series EEPROMs were designed for reliable, low-power nonvolatile data storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where serial interface simplicity and voltage flexibility are critical.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93AA86A-I/SN?

The 93AA86A-I/SN supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC ≥ 4.5 V, 2 MHz at 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V, and 1 MHz at 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V. These AC limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing across its full operating voltage range and guarantee correct opcode and address sampling during READ, WRITE, and ERASE operations.

Does the 93AA86A-I/SN require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?

No - the 93AA86A-I/SN drives DO actively during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting, and places it in High-Z state otherwise. External pull-ups are unnecessary and may interfere with status detection; the device's internal output buffer handles all drive requirements per its VOH/VOL specifications.

Can the 93AA86A-I/SN be used in place of the 93AA86C-I/SN?

No - the 93AA86A-I/SN has fixed 8-bit organization and no ORG or PE pins, while the 93AA86C-I/SN supports selectable 8/16-bit modes via ORG and write-protection via PE. They share pinout but differ electrically and functionally; substituting one for the other will cause communication failure or unintended writes.

How does the 93AA86A-I/SN handle power loss during a write cycle?

The 93AA86A-I/SN incorporates hardware-level power-loss protection: its internal voltage detector (VPOR = 1.5 V typical) disables all write functions when VCC drops below threshold, and the self-timed write architecture ensures partial writes never commit incomplete data - the memory cell remains unaltered unless the full 5 ms cycle completes successfully.

Is the 93AA86A-I/SN compatible with SPI buses?

No - the 93AA86A-I/SN uses Microwire protocol (3-wire, dual I/O on DI/DO, start-bit detection), not SPI. It lacks SS/CS polarity control, CPOL/CPHA configuration, and continuous clocking. Direct connection to an SPI master will result in protocol mismatch and failed communication; a software bit-banged Microwire driver is required.