Microchip Technology 93C56A-E/MS
- Part No.:
- 93C56A-E/MS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C56A-E/MS.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 2KBIT MICROWIRE 8MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,597
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Product details
Overview
93C56A-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit (256 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 4.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status via DO pin - used for nonvolatile parameter storage in automotive control modules.
For engineers reviewing the 93C56A-E/MS datasheet, 93C56A-E/MS pinout, 93C56A-E/MS application, or 93C56A-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms write cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, 200-year data retention, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained automotive PCBs.
Technical Context
The 93C56A-E/MS implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with CS, CLK, and DI/DO signals. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, data register, and mode decode logic that supports READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all initiated by rising-edge clocked opcodes and addresses.
Unlike C-versions, the 'A' variant has no ORG pin and permanently configures memory as 256 × 8-bit. Write operations are triggered by the rising edge of CLK on the final data bit, and the DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming - requiring CS high ≥250 ns after TCSL to sample.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 2 Kbit (256 × 8-bit) - fixed word size; no external ORG pin required. |
| VCC Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - restricts use to 5 V systems; not compatible with 3.3 V or lower logic domains. |
| Write Cycle Time | 2 ms - self-timed; eliminates need for external timing control during WRITE/ERAL/WRAL. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - enables frequent calibration or fault-log updates in automotive ECUs. |
| Data Retention | 200 years at +25°C - ensures long-term reliability without refresh in sealed modules. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage; no SPI mode or quad I/O. |
| Temp Range | −40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood automotive applications per AEC-Q100 stress requirements. |
Pinout & Package
8-pin MSOP (150 mil) package with exposed pad (optional VSS connection); RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser; pin 1 ID corner defined by package notch or dot.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby but allows ongoing write completion. |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence without state corruption. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, instruction opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares no internal path with DO. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS low or during non-read states. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal logic; exposed pad may be connected to PCB ground plane for thermal relief. |
| 6 (NC) | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice - no functional role. |
| 7 (NC) | No Connect | Same as Pin 6; dual NC pins reflect package pinout inheritance from SOIC/PDIP variants. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V only; internal POR triggers at ~3.8 V; operation inhibited below threshold to prevent corruption. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed Erase/Write | Eliminates external timing circuitry; 2 ms guaranteed max duration enables deterministic firmware scheduling. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full array readiness prior to bulk write; prevents partial-write corruption without host software intervention. |
| Power-On/Off Data Protection | Hardware-enforced lockout below 3.8 V VCC prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out or hot-swap events. |
| Ready/Busy via DO pin | Enables polling-based flow control without dedicated status lines - reduces BOM count in resource-limited microcontrollers. |
| 1,000,000 Endurance Cycles | Supports daily reprogramming over 27 years at 100 cycles/day - suitable for adaptive learning algorithms in engine control units. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Calibration Storage | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing fuel trim tables, ignition timing maps, and sensor offset corrections updated during dealer reprogramming or adaptive learning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter memory accessed via MCU's GPIO-banged Microwire interface during boot or service mode. Use Value: 200-year retention and 1M endurance ensure calibration integrity across vehicle lifetime without backup battery or refresh logic. | Use Scenario: Holding door lock configuration, window position limits, and lighting profiles persisting across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU with limited SPI peripherals; uses CS/CLK/DI/DO with no additional control lines. Use Value: MSOP-8 footprint minimizes PCB area in compact BCM assemblies while supporting −40°C to +125°C ambient operation. |
| Industrial Motor Drive Firmware Parameters | Medical Infusion Pump Configuration |
Use Scenario: Saving motor tuning parameters (PID gains, current limits, ramp rates) modified via HMI or field service tool. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Microwire EEPROM accessed during drive initialization; write-protected via EWDS/EWEN sequence to prevent runtime corruption. Use Value: Hardware write disable (EWDS) and auto-erase eliminate need for software checksum validation before critical parameter updates. | Use Scenario: Storing drug library metadata, dose history logs, and user-defined therapy profiles requiring regulatory-grade data integrity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-critical nonvolatile memory where 2 ms write time enables deterministic timeout handling in fail-safe firmware. Use Value: 4.5–5.5 V operation aligns with isolated 5 V medical power rails; 125°C rating supports sterilization process margin. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC56B-E/MS | 128 × 16-bit organization; same VCC (2.5–5.5 V), temp range, and MSOP-8 package. | Requires 16-bit MCU data path; incompatible with 8-bit firmware interfaces designed for 93C56A-E/MS. | Select only if system uses native 16-bit word access and requires wider data bus efficiency. |
| AT25020B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 2 Kbit (256 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, same endurance/retention, SOIC-8/MSOP-8. | Requires SPI peripheral instead of GPIO-banged Microwire; no Ready/Busy pin - relies on WIP flag polling. | Choose when migrating to SPI-standard peripherals or needing broader voltage flexibility below 4.5 V. |
Compared with 93LC56B-E/MS and AT25020B-MAHL-T, the 93C56A-E/MS offers deterministic 2 ms write timing and hardware VCC lockout at 3.8 V - critical for automotive brown-out resilience - but lacks SPI compatibility and 1.8 V operation.
Availability
93C56A-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, industrial motor drives, medical infusion pumps, and body electronics requiring stable component supply with AEC-Q100-aligned qualification.
Supply support for 93C56A-E/MS 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, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93Cxx series was engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and robust power-supply immunity - especially in automotive and industrial environments.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C56A-E/MS?
The 93C56A-E/MS is a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) serial EEPROM. Unlike 'C' variants, it has no ORG pin and does not support 16-bit configuration. Its memory map is strictly byte-addressable with 8-bit data words, making it compatible with 8-bit microcontrollers without data-width translation logic.
Does the 93C56A-E/MS support 3.3 V operation?
No, the 93C56A-E/MS requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V and operates only within 4.5–5.5 V. It is not compatible with 3.3 V systems. For 2.5–5.5 V operation, consider the 93LC56A-E/MS; for 1.8–5.5 V, the AT25020B-MAHL-T is a SPI-based alternative.
How is write protection implemented on the 93C56A-E/MS?
Write protection is enforced through dual mechanisms: hardware VCC lockout below ~3.8 V prevents all operations during brown-out, and software-controlled EWDS/EWEN commands disable or enable erase/write functions. The device powers up in EWDS mode, requiring an explicit EWEN before any WRITE or ERASE command executes.
What is the purpose of the NC pins on the 93C56A-E/MS MSOP package?
Pins 6 and 7 of the 93C56A-E/MS in MSOP-8 are No Connect (NC) terminals - internally unconnected and electrically inactive. They exist for mechanical and pinout compatibility with other 93XX56 family packages (e.g., PDIP, SOIC) and must be left floating or tied to VSS per PCB layout guidelines; they serve no functional role in circuit operation.
Can the 93C56A-E/MS be used in AEC-Q100 qualified automotive designs?
Yes - the 'E' suffix in 93C56A-E/MS denotes Automotive grade qualification with operating temperature range −40°C to +125°C and compliance with AEC-Q100 stress test requirements. Its 4.5–5.5 V VCC range, 200-year data retention, and hardware brown-out protection make it suitable for ECU, BCM, and ADAS module designs requiring automotive-grade reliability.
93C56A-E/MS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 2Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 256 x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 2 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 2ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-MSOP
93C56A-E/MS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C56A-E/MS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C56A-E/MS on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 93C56A-E/MS reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C56A-E/MS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C56A-E/MS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C56A-E/MS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C56A-E/MS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C56A-E/MS?
93C56A-E/MS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C56A-E/MS order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 93C56A-E/MS?
For technical support, including 93C56A-E/MS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C56A-E/MS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C56A-E/MS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C56A-E/MS products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 93C56A-E/MS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C56A-E/MS?
All 93C56A-E/MS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C56A-E/MS, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 93C56A-E/MS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C56A-E/MS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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