Microchip Technology 93C56C-I/MS

Overview

93C56C-I/MS from Microchip Technology is a 2 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG-pin-selectable 8-/16-bit word organization, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and self-timed erase/write operations including automatic ERAL before WRAL. It is used in microcontroller-based systems for storing calibration data, configuration settings, and firmware parameters.

For engineers reviewing the 93C56C-I/MS datasheet, 93C56C-I/MS pinout, 93C56C-I/MS application, or 93C56C-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (4.5–5.5 V), ORG-configurable memory width, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, sequential read capability, and MSOP-8 packaging for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93C56C-I/MS implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals, where instruction execution begins on a Start condition (CS high + DI high at CLK rising edge). Its ORG pin directly selects between 256 × 8-bit (ORG = LOW) and 128 × 16-bit (ORG = HIGH) memory mapping - no internal decoding logic required.

Write and erase operations are fully self-timed: for 93C-series devices, the rising edge of CLK on the final data bit initiates auto-erase-and-write, while ERAL and WRAL require VCC ≥ 4.5 V. Power-on/off data protection activates below 3.8 V, and EWEN/EWDS commands enforce explicit write-enable discipline to prevent accidental overwrites.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93C56C-I/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 3 mm × 3 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, and exposed pad (optional VSS connection). Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package is Pb-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC56C-I/MS and 93AA56C-I/MS, the 93C56C-I/MS provides optimal noise immunity and timing margin in pure 5 V systems, with tighter VCC lockout (3.8 V) enhancing robustness against supply droop during high-current MCU activity.

Availability

93C56C-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceability.

Supply support for 93C56C-I/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93Cxx family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count embedded systems needing reliable, easy-to-integrate serial EEPROM - emphasizing robustness, wide temperature operation, and Microwire compatibility without SPI overhead.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93C56C-I/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93C56C-I/MS selects memory organization: tied to VCC, it configures the device as 128 × 16-bit; tied to VSS, it configures as 256 × 8-bit. This pin is functional and required - unlike A/B versions where ORG is NC. The 93C56C-I/MS does not operate correctly if ORG is left floating.

Does the 93C56C-I/MS support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93C56C-I/MS supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock edges output the next memory location's data on DO. This enables efficient bulk data retrieval without reissuing addresses - a key feature confirmed in DS21794G Section 2.7.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93C56C-I/MS?

The 93C56C-I/MS requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V for full specification compliance. Its power-on reset threshold is approximately 3.8 V; below this, all operations (including reads) are inhibited to prevent data corruption. Operation below 4.5 V is not characterized and violates the datasheet's VCC range specification.

How does the 93C56C-I/MS indicate readiness after a write operation?

The 93C56C-I/MS uses the DO pin for Ready/Busy status: during erase or write, DO outputs LOW while programming is active and transitions to HIGH upon completion. To poll status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL; DO then reflects readiness synchronously with CLK. This behavior is explicitly defined in DS21794G Figures 2-2, 2-4, 2-9, and 2-11.

Is the 93C56C-I/MS pin-compatible with other 93XX56 variants in MSOP-8 package?

Yes - the 93C56C-I/MS shares identical MSOP-8 pinout (CS, CLK, DI, DO, VSS, ORG, NC, VCC) with all 93XX56A/B/C variants in the same package, including 93LC56C-I/MS and 93AA56C-I/MS. However, electrical differences (VCC range, POR threshold, timing) mean direct substitution requires validation of host interface voltage and timing margins.