Microchip Technology 93AA86C-I/SN

Overview

93AA86C-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with user-selectable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, program enable (PE) write protection, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 1.8 V to 5.5 V, supports self-timed erase/write cycles, and delivers 1,000,000 endurance cycles with >200 years data retention - used in embedded system configuration storage and sensor calibration memory.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA86C-I/SN datasheet, 93AA86C-I/SN pinout, 93AA86C-I/SN application, or 93AA86C-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC voltage range compatibility (1.8–5.5 V), ORG/PE pin control logic for memory configuration and write-enable, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and SOIC-8 (SN) package footprint constraints in space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93AA86C-I/SN implements 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 level applied to ORG (VSS = x8, VCC = x16), while PE must be held high to permit erase/write operations.

Internal logic includes auto-erase-before-write, ERAL/WRAL bulk operations, and power-on/off data protection. The DO pin serves dual roles: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming - requiring CS low ≥250 ns before status sampling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-lead SOIC (SN), body size 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm, standard JEDEC MS-012AC, Pb-free Matte Tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86C-I/SN, the 93AA86C-I/SN supports lower-voltage operation critical for battery-backed systems; versus AT25040B-MAU-5A, it offers double memory density and hardware-configurable word width but requires Microwire protocol emulation instead of native SPI.

Availability

93AA86C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system configuration, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-life data retention, and industrial temperature grade reliability.

Supply support for 93AA86C-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93XX86 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power serial EEPROM applications in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics where hardware-configurable memory organization and robust write protection are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93AA86C-I/SN?

The ORG pin on the 93AA86C-I/SN selects memory word size: when tied to VSS, it configures the device as 2048 × 8-bit; when tied to VCC, it configures as 1024 × 16-bit. This hardware-selectable organization allows the same 93AA86C-I/SN part to interface with both 8-bit and 16-bit host systems without firmware modification. The ORG pin must be held at a valid logic level - floating is not permitted.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin protect memory on the 93AA86C-I/SN?

The PE pin on the 93AA86C-I/SN acts as a hardware gate for all write operations: only when PE is driven high (VCC) can EWEN, ERASE, or WRITE instructions execute. If PE is held low (VSS), all programming functions are disabled regardless of instruction sequence. This provides immunity against spurious writes during power transients or software faults - a critical safeguard in safety-critical 93AA86C-I/SN deployments.

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 93AA86C-I/SN?

The 93AA86C-I/SN operates reliably from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Its internal power-on reset circuit triggers at approximately 1.5 V, ensuring predictable initialization across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Below 1.8 V, read/write functionality is not guaranteed, and the device may enter undefined states - system designs must maintain VCC ≥1.8 V during active use of the 93AA86C-I/SN.

Can the 93AA86C-I/SN be used with a microcontroller that lacks a native Microwire interface?

Yes, the 93AA86C-I/SN can be interfaced using GPIO bit-banging because its Microwire protocol is synchronous and deterministic: CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals follow strict timing requirements (e.g., TCKH ≥200 ns, TCSS ≥50 ns) that are achievable with standard MCU firmware. No special peripheral is required - many customers successfully drive the 93AA86C-I/SN from Cortex-M0+ and PIC16F MCUs using carefully timed GPIO toggles.

What is the purpose of the Ready/Busy status signal on the DO pin of the 93AA86C-I/SN?

The DO pin of the 93AA86C-I/SN doubles as a Ready/Busy status indicator during erase and write cycles: when CS is brought high after ≥250 ns low time, DO goes low to indicate ongoing programming and returns high when complete. This enables polling-based host control without interrupts or additional pins - a key design feature that simplifies integration into resource-constrained systems using the 93AA86C-I/SN.