Microchip Technology 93AA86CT-I/SN

Overview

93AA86CT-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 1.8–5.5 V operation, and configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via ORG pin. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, 1,000,000 endurance cycles, >200-year data retention, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), used in embedded system configuration storage and calibration data logging.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA86CT-I/SN datasheet, 93AA86CT-I/SN pinout, 93AA86CT-I/SN application, or 93AA86CT-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range compatibility, ORG/PE pin control logic, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and WRAL/ERAL support for bulk memory initialization in resource-constrained microcontroller systems.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS/CLK/DI/DO signaling and two dedicated control pins-ORG for x8/x16 memory mapping and PE for hardware write-enable gating. All instructions (READ, WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, ERAL, EWEN/EWDS) are clocked on CLK rising edges, with DO serving dual role as data output and Ready/Busy indicator during programming.

Memory architecture supports sequential read, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and power-on data protection via internal voltage detect (VPOR = 1.5 V). Programming requires PE = high and CS low ≥250 ns between commands; DO transitions to High-Z on CS falling edge and asserts status only when CS is reasserted after TCSL.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch, Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner matches standard SOIC orientation.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86CT-I/SN, the 93AA86CT-I/SN enables 1.8 V operation critical for energy-harvesting nodes, while the non-T variant lacks documented industrial temperature validation - making the 'T' suffix essential for guaranteed performance across the full industrial range.

Availability

93AA86CT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive ECU parameter storage requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93AA86CT-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 embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components - targeting applications from consumer appliances to industrial controls.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93AA86CT-I/SN?

The ORG pin on the 93AA86CT-I/SN selects memory organization: tied to VCC it configures the device as 1024 × 16-bit, and tied to VSS it configures as 2048 × 8-bit. This pin is not present on 'A' or 'B' variants and must be hardwired - floating is prohibited. The 93AA86CT-I/SN uses this pin to maintain backward compatibility with both word widths without requiring separate part numbers for each configuration.

How does the PE pin protect memory on the 93AA86CT-I/SN?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93AA86CT-I/SN acts as a hardware gate for all write operations: only when PE is high can EWEN, WRITE, or WRAL commands execute. Pulling PE low disables all programming permanently until power cycle, providing stronger protection than software-only locks. This feature is exclusive to 'C' variants like the 93AA86CT-I/SN and is absent in 'A'/'B' versions where write-enable is always active.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93AA86CT-I/SN?

The 93AA86CT-I/SN requires a minimum VCC of 1.8 V for guaranteed operation across its industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Below 1.8 V, internal voltage detection (VPOR = 1.5 V) forces the device into write-inhibit mode to prevent data corruption, but read functionality is not assured. This 1.8 V threshold enables direct integration with modern ultra-low-power microcontrollers without external regulators.

Can the 93AA86CT-I/SN perform sequential reads, and how is it enabled?

Yes, the 93AA86CT-I/SN supports sequential reads: after issuing a READ command with a starting address, holding CS high causes the internal address counter to auto-increment and output subsequent memory locations on DO. Each byte or word is delivered on CLK rising edges with TPD delay (≤400 ns). This eliminates the need for repeated instruction overhead and accelerates bulk data retrieval - a key advantage over byte-at-a-time protocols in firmware-driven systems.

What is the purpose of the Ready/Busy status signal on the DO pin of the 93AA86CT-I/SN?

The DO pin of the 93AA86CT-I/SN serves as a Ready/Busy status indicator during erase and write cycles: when CS is reasserted after ≥250 ns low time (TCSL), DO goes low to signal ongoing programming and returns high upon completion. This allows firmware to poll status instead of using fixed delays, reducing worst-case wait time and improving system responsiveness - especially critical in time-sensitive applications like medical device boot sequences.