Microchip Technology 93C56A-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 93C56A-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C56A-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 2KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:730
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Product details
Overview
93C56A-I/SN 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 temperature grade (−40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - deployed in microcontroller-based system configuration storage.
For engineers reviewing the 93C56A-I/SN datasheet, 93C56A-I/SN pinout, 93C56A-I/SN application, or 93C56A-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms typical write cycle time, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained embedded systems.
Technical Context
The 93C56A-I/SN implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins, requiring no external clock source beyond the master's CLK signal. Its command set includes READ (20 clocks), WRITE (20 clocks), ERASE (12 clocks), ERAL (12 clocks), and WRAL (20 clocks), all initiated by rising-edge clocked opcodes and addresses.
Unlike C-variant parts, the 93C56A has no ORG pin (NC on pin 6), permanently configured for 8-bit word access. Write operations are triggered by the rising edge of CLK on the final data bit, and VCC must be ≥4.5 V for ERAL/WRAL execution - distinguishing it from 93AA/93LC variants with wider voltage ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 2 Kbit (256 × 8-bit) - supports up to 256 bytes of nonvolatile configuration or calibration data |
| VCC range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - requires stable 5 V rail; incompatible with 3.3 V or mixed-voltage systems |
| Write cycle time | 2 ms typical - enables fast field updates without blocking host MCU for extended periods |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - suitable for applications with frequent parameter logging or firmware patching |
| Data retention | 200 years at 25°C - ensures long-term reliability in unattended industrial equipment |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - interoperable with legacy PIC® and 8051 controllers without protocol translation |
| Temperature grade | Industrial (−40°C to +85°C) - validated for operation in factory automation, HVAC, and motor control enclosures |
Pinout & Package
93C56A-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150-mil body width and Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 6 is NC (no internal connection), confirming fixed 8-bit organization.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions to reset internal logic |
| 2 CLK | Serial Clock | Positive-edge synchronized timing; stops/resumes freely during transmission |
| 3 DI | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode, address, and data; shares bus with DO only with current-limiting resistor |
| 4 DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS goes low |
| 5 VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance |
| 6 NC | No Connection | Unused pad; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout guidelines - not ORG |
| 7 NC | No Connection | Unused pad; electrically isolated - no routing or thermal tie required |
| 8 VCC | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V input; internal POR triggers at 3.8 V - prevents spurious writes during brownout |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing circuitry or software delay loops - reduces host MCU overhead |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees full-array readiness prior to bulk write - prevents partial-data corruption on power loss |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-enforced write inhibition below 3.8 V VCC - blocks accidental writes during power ramp-up/down |
| Ready/Busy status via DO | Enables polling-based flow control without dedicated status lines - saves GPIO resources |
| Sequential read mode | Allows continuous byte streaming while CS remains high - accelerates bulk read operations |
Applications
| Motor Control Configuration | Industrial Sensor Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing PID coefficients, fault thresholds, and encoder zero-offset values in brushless DC motor drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed at startup and during field service via UART-to-Microwire bridge. Use Value: Enables plug-and-play motor replacement without reprogramming host firmware - reduces commissioning time by >70%. | Use Scenario: Retaining sensor-specific linearization tables and temperature compensation parameters in pressure transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone calibration memory interfaced directly to analog front-end ASIC over Microwire. Use Value: Supports NIST-traceable recalibration in-field without disassembly - extends device service life by 3×. |
| Legacy PLC I/O Module | Medical Infusion Pump Settings |
Use Scenario: Holding module identification, channel mapping, and safety watchdog timeout values in DIN-rail mounted I/O expanders. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System-level configuration store accessed exclusively during boot by 8051-based controller. Use Value: Ensures deterministic initialization sequence across 100+ module variants - eliminates firmware version mismatches. | Use Scenario: Securing drug library limits, dose rate profiles, and alarm hysteresis settings in battery-powered infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tamper-resistant parameter vault with hardware write-protection activated at power-on. Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class B software safety requirements - prevents unauthorized parameter modification. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC56A-I/SN | Wider VCC range (2.5–5.5 V); same 256 × 8-bit organization and SOIC-8 package | Supports 3.3 V systems; lacks 93C56A's 4.5–5.5 V optimization for noise immunity in industrial 5 V rails | Select for mixed-voltage designs or where brownout tolerance below 3.8 V is required |
| AT25020B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 2 Kbit, 1.8–5.5 V; different command set and status reporting | Requires SPI-capable host; no Ready/Busy pin - relies on WIP flag polling | Select when migrating to SPI-based platforms or needing higher clock rates (>5 MHz) |
Compared with 93LC56A-I/SN and AT25020B-MAHL-T, the 93C56A-I/SN delivers superior noise margin in 5 V industrial environments and deterministic 2 ms write timing - critical for time-sensitive configuration updates in motion control.
Availability
93C56A-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control configuration, industrial sensor calibration, and legacy PLC I/O modules requiring stable component supply with guaranteed long-term availability.
Supply support for 93C56A-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, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93C56A-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability industrial systems requiring simple 3-wire nonvolatile storage without protocol complexity.
FAQ
What is the function of pin 6 on the 93C56A-I/SN?
Pin 6 on the 93C56A-I/SN is NC (No Connection) - it has no internal connection and must not be used as ORG. This confirms the device's fixed 8-bit organization, unlike 93C56C variants where pin 6 serves as the ORG configuration input. The 93C56A-I/SN datasheet explicitly states ORG is not available on 'A' versions, and pin 6 is designated NC in the Pin Function Table and Package Types diagram.
Does the 93C56A-I/SN support 3.3 V operation?
No, the 93C56A-I/SN does not support 3.3 V operation. Its specified VCC range is strictly 4.5 V to 5.5 V, and its power-on reset threshold is 3.8 V. Attempting to operate the 93C56A-I/SN below 4.5 V may result in unreliable communication, failed writes, or data corruption. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 93LC56A-I/SN (2.5–5.5 V) or AT25020B-MAHL-T (1.8–5.5 V) as alternatives.
How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93C56A-I/SN?
The 93C56A-I/SN reports Ready/Busy status on the DO pin: DO = low indicates an erase or write operation is in progress; DO = high means the operation completed successfully. To read status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after the operation starts. DO returns to High-Z when CS goes low. This polling mechanism eliminates the need for additional status lines and integrates cleanly with resource-constrained microcontrollers.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C56A-I/SN?
The 93C56A-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. This is specified in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) under parameter A1 (FCLK). At lower voltages, the max clock rate decreases - but since the 93C56A-I/SN operates only within 4.5–5.5 V, 3 MHz is its absolute upper limit. Exceeding this violates timing specs and risks command misinterpretation.
Can the 93C56A-I/SN be used as a direct replacement for the 93AA56A-I/SN?
No, the 93C56A-I/SN is not a direct replacement for the 93AA56A-I/SN due to differing VCC ranges (4.5–5.5 V vs. 1.8–5.5 V) and power-on reset thresholds (3.8 V vs. 1.5 V). While both are 256 × 8-bit Microwire EEPROMs in SOIC-8, the 93C56A-I/SN will not function reliably below 4.5 V and lacks the ultra-low-voltage capability of the 93AA56A-I/SN. Interchange requires validation of supply stability and brownout behavior.
93C56A-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- 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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93C56A-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C56A-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C56A-I/SN 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-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C56A-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C56A-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C56A-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C56A-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C56A-I/SN?
93C56A-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C56A-I/SN 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-I/SN?
For technical support, including 93C56A-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C56A-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C56A-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C56A-I/SN 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-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C56A-I/SN?
All 93C56A-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C56A-I/SN, 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-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C56A-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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