Microchip Technology 93C56A-I/ST
- Part No.:
- 93C56A-I/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C56A-I/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 2KBIT MICROWIRE 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93C56A-I/ST 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 rating (–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 - used for parameter storage in embedded controllers and sensor calibration modules.
For engineers reviewing the 93C56A-I/ST datasheet, 93C56A-I/ST pinout, 93C56A-I/ST application, or 93C56A-I/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms write cycle time, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, and compatibility with legacy Microwire-based microcontroller peripherals requiring minimal GPIO overhead.
Technical Context
The 93C56A-I/ST implements a synchronous serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, supporting READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all clocked on rising CLK edges.
Unlike C-variant parts, the 93C56A-I/ST has no ORG pin (NC), permanently configured for 256 × 8-bit organization. Write initiation occurs on the rising edge of CLK at the final data bit, and VCC must be ≥4.5 V for ERAL and WRAL operations. Power-on reset disables erase/write until EWEN is issued.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 2 Kbit (256 words × 8 bits) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin required. |
| VCC Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - incompatible with 3.3 V or 2.5 V systems; requires stable 5 V rail. |
| Write Cycle Time | 2 ms - self-timed; eliminates need for external timing control during programming. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - supports frequent field updates in telemetry or configuration logging. |
| Data Retention | 200 years - ensures long-term reliability in unpowered storage applications. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - software-bitbangable on most MCUs. |
| Temperature Range | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - validated for use in industrial PLCs and motor drives. |
Pinout & Package
93C56A-I/ST is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (ST) with Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 is CS; pin 2 is CLK; pin 3 is DI; pin 4 is DO; pin 5 is VSS; pin 6 is NC (no internal connection); pin 7 is NC (no internal connection); pin 8 is VCC. ORG pin is not present on A/B variants and is internally omitted.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between commands; deselects device into standby. |
| CLK (Pin 2) | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O; clocking stops during self-timed write; no clock needed post-initiation. |
| DI (Pin 3) | Data Input | Accepts start bit, opcode, address, and data; high impedance when CS = low. |
| DO (Pin 4) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge. |
| VSS (Pin 5) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal logic; must be low-impedance connection. |
| NC (Pin 6 & 7) | No Internal Connection | Unbonded; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice; no functional role. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V only; voltage detect threshold is 3.8 V - below which all operations are inhibited. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates MCU wait-state polling or timer management; reduces firmware complexity. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees clean memory state prior to full-array write; prevents partial-write corruption. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level lockout below 3.8 V VCC prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out conditions. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables efficient status polling without dedicated interrupt lines or additional GPIO. |
| Industry-standard Microwire interface | Ensures drop-in compatibility with existing 3-wire EEPROM drivers across 8/16-bit MCUs. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Embedded Controller Configuration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-trimmed ADC offset/gain coefficients and temperature compensation tables in pressure transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter storage with infrequent writes and long retention; accessed at power-up or calibration event. Use Value: Eliminates need for external trimming components; enables field recalibration and firmware-independent calibration updates. |
Use Scenario: Holding user-defined I/O mapping, communication protocol settings, and alarm thresholds in programmable logic controllers (PLCs). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Configuration memory accessed during boot and runtime reconfiguration; write-protected during normal operation. Use Value: Supports zero-touch commissioning and remote parameter updates without firmware reload or hardware change. |
| Power Supply Startup Parameters | Motor Drive Fault Logging |
Use Scenario: Saving last-known operating point (voltage, current, soft-start ramp) in AC/DC SMPS controllers for graceful restart after brown-out. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Critical state backup memory written during shutdown sequence; read at next power-on. Use Value: Maintains operational continuity across brief outages; avoids reinitialization delays in mission-critical power systems. |
Use Scenario: Recording overcurrent, thermal fault, and bus voltage events in servo drives for diagnostic traceability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Circular log buffer updated asynchronously during fault conditions; retained across power cycles. Use Value: Enables root-cause analysis without external debug tools; supports predictive maintenance via historical fault pattern analysis. |
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/ST | Wider VCC range (2.5–5.5 V); same 256 × 8-bit organization and pinout. | Supports 3.3 V systems; lacks 93C56A's higher VCC noise immunity and tighter 4.5–5.5 V specification. | Select for mixed-voltage designs where 3.3 V compatibility is required; verify system noise margin at lower VCC. |
| AT25020B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 2 Kbit, 1.8–5.5 V; no Ready/Busy pin; uses WIP flag in status register. | Requires SPI peripheral instead of bit-banged Microwire; no direct DO-status polling; different command set. | Select when migrating to SPI-based platforms or when footprint compatibility is secondary to interface standardization. |
Compared with 93LC56A-I/ST and AT25020B-MAHL-T, the 93C56A-I/ST offers superior noise immunity in 5 V industrial environments and simpler status monitoring via DO pin, but lacks multi-voltage flexibility and modern SPI integration.
Availability
93C56A-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and power supply startup parameter storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 93C56A-I/ST 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 nonvolatile memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The 93C56A-I/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count industrial and automotive applications requiring robust Microwire compatibility and long-term data integrity.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C56A-I/ST?
The 93C56A-I/ST is a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) EEPROM with no ORG pin. Unlike C-variant parts, it does not support x16 configuration and operates exclusively in 8-bit mode. This simplifies PCB layout and firmware design by eliminating external ORG pin routing and logic level selection.
Does the 93C56A-I/ST require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93C56A-I/ST does not require an external pull-up on DO. The DO pin actively drives high/low during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting, and enters High-Z when CS is low or during non-read operations. External pull-ups may interfere with valid low-level status signaling.
Can the 93C56A-I/ST operate at 3.3 V?
No, the 93C56A-I/ST requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V and is specified only for 4.5–5.5 V operation. Attempting to power it at 3.3 V will inhibit all programming functions due to its 3.8 V VCC detect threshold, and may result in unreliable reads or undefined behavior.
How is write protection enabled on the 93C56A-I/ST?
Write protection is enforced via the EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) command. The 93C56A-I/ST powers up in EWDS mode. After issuing EWEN to enable writes, EWDS must be sent after each WRITE or ERASE to re-lock the memory - preventing accidental overwrites during noise events or software glitches.
What is the purpose of the NC pins on the 93C56A-I/ST TSSOP package?
Pins 6 and 7 on the 93C56A-I/ST (TSSOP) are No Connect (NC) terminals with no internal bond wire. They must be left floating or tied to VSS per Microchip's layout recommendations. Routing signals to these pins risks signal coupling or mechanical stress on unbonded die pads and is strictly prohibited.
93C56A-I/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm 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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
93C56A-I/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C56A-I/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C56A-I/ST 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/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C56A-I/ST 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/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C56A-I/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C56A-I/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C56A-I/ST?
93C56A-I/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C56A-I/ST 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/ST?
For technical support, including 93C56A-I/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C56A-I/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C56A-I/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C56A-I/ST 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/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C56A-I/ST?
All 93C56A-I/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C56A-I/ST, 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/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C56A-I/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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