Microchip Technology 93C56AT-E/MNY

Overview

93C56AT-E/MNY 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 operation (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used in embedded system configuration storage and calibration data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93C56AT-E/MNY datasheet, 93C56AT-E/MNY pinout, 93C56AT-E/MNY application, or 93C56AT-E/MNY 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 compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained industrial control modules.

Technical Context

The 93C56AT-E/MNY implements a synchronous serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO signals with start-bit detection and opcode-based command execution. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, data register, mode decode logic, and output buffer, supporting READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions.

All operations are initiated by rising-edge clocked opcodes and addresses; for WRITE and ERASE, the programming cycle starts on the rising edge of CLK at the final data bit (93C-series behavior). The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during erase/write - requiring CS high ≥250 ns after TCSL to sample.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93C56AT-E/MNY is packaged in an 8-lead MSOP (MS) - 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional - pin-compatible with SOIC-8 and TSSOP-8 footprints but with reduced board area.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC56AT-I/MNY, the 93C56AT-E/MNY offers higher VCC tolerance (5.5 V vs. 5.5 V) but lacks 3.3 V operation; versus AT25020B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and faster 2 ms writes but requires different command framing and pin assignment.

Availability

93C56AT-E/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, sensor calibration, PLC I/O modules, and medical device logging requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93C56AT-E/MNY 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 93Cxx EEPROM family was designed for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable, low-pin-count serial configuration storage with robust power-fail immunity and long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93C56AT-E/MNY?

The 93C56AT-E/MNY is a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) EEPROM with no ORG pin - it operates exclusively in x8 mode. Unlike 'C' variants, it does not support dynamic word-size selection. This simplifies PCB layout and firmware design by eliminating external ORG biasing components and mode-handling logic. The 93C56AT-E/MNY maintains full instruction set compatibility with other 93C56A devices.

Does the 93C56AT-E/MNY support 3.3 V operation?

No, the 93C56AT-E/MNY requires a 4.5–5.5 V supply and is not rated for 3.3 V operation. Its power-on reset (POR) threshold is 3.8 V, meaning operation below 4.5 V risks undefined behavior or data corruption. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 93LC56AT-I/MNY (2.5–5.5 V range) or AT25020B-MAHL-T (1.8–5.5 V), both of which require interface and firmware adaptation.

How is the Ready/Busy status monitored on the 93C56AT-E/MNY?

The Ready/Busy status is signaled on the DO pin: logic low indicates active erase/write, logic high indicates completion. To read status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL (minimum CS low time), then DO sampled on CLK rising edges. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status flag. This avoids fixed-delay polling and improves real-time responsiveness.

What is the write endurance and data retention specification for the 93C56AT-E/MNY?

The 93C56AT-E/MNY is rated for 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.0 V, with data retention exceeding 200 years under the same conditions. These values are characterized - not tested per unit - and apply to standard industrial temperature operation. Endurance decreases logarithmically above 85°C; retention degrades above 125°C ambient per Arrhenius modeling.

Is the 93C56AT-E/MNY pin-compatible with SOIC-8 or TSSOP-8 packages?

Yes, the 93C56AT-E/MNY in MSOP-8 (MNY) shares identical pinout and signal mapping with SOIC-8 (SN) and TSSOP-8 (ST) variants of the same part number. All three packages use the same 8-pin arrangement: CS(1), CLK(2), DI(3), DO(4), VSS(5), NC(6), VCC(7), ORG/NC(8). Layout migration requires only footprint change - no schematic or firmware modification.