Microchip Technology 93C86A-I/P

Overview

93C86A-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 4.5–5.5 V supply range, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, and Pb-free PDIP-8 packaging. It delivers nonvolatile storage for configuration data in microcontroller-based systems requiring robust write protection and long-term data retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93C86A-I/P datasheet, 93C86A-I/P pinout, 93C86A-I/P application, or 93C86A-I/P equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, validated pin functions, confirmed timing parameters, real-world use scenarios, and two rigorously cross-checked alternative parts for design continuity.

Technical Context

The 93C86A-I/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO pins-no ORG or PE pins-enabling fixed 8-bit word organization. Its self-timed erase/write cycles include automatic ERAL before WRAL, and power-on/off data protection ensures integrity during brownout conditions.

It uses CMOS technology with 1,000,000 endurance cycles and >200-year data retention. Ready/Busy status is signaled via DO pin polling during programming, and all operations are inhibited below VCC = 3.8 V to prevent corruption.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), 0.3 inch body width, through-hole mounting. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot; pin 1 ID confirmed per Microchip DS21797L-page 18.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C86A-I/P, the 93LC86A-I/P offers supply voltage flexibility at identical functionality and footprint, while the AT25040B-PU introduces SPI dependency and reduces memory density-making the 93C86A-I/P optimal for fixed 5 V Microwire systems prioritizing simplicity and guaranteed write safety.

Availability

93C86A-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control configuration, automotive body controller calibration, and medical device parameter storage requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant through-hole assembly.

Supply support for 93C86A-I/P 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, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and comprehensive development tools.

The 93C86A-I/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM product line, engineered specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications demanding proven reliability, simple 3-wire interfacing, and hardware-enforced data integrity.

FAQ

What is the memory organization and capacity of the 93C86A-I/P?

The 93C86A-I/P provides a fixed 2048 × 8-bit (16 Kbit) organization with no ORG pin-unlike 'C' variants, it does not support x16 mode. This simplifies design by eliminating external configuration logic and guarantees consistent 8-bit data access timing across all operations. The 93C86A-I/P is optimized for byte-oriented configuration storage in 5 V systems.

Does the 93C86A-I/P support write protection, and how is it implemented?

The 93C86A-I/P does not include a Program Enable (PE) pin-write protection is managed exclusively via the EWEN/EWDS instruction sequence. After power-up, the device defaults to EWDS mode; an EWEN command must precede any ERASE or WRITE. This software-controlled method eliminates external hardware but requires firmware discipline. The 93C86A-I/P relies on its 3.8 V VCC detect to block writes during brownout, providing hardware-level backup.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C86A-I/P, and under what conditions?

The 93C86A-I/P supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V or higher. At lower voltages within its 4.5–5.5 V range, timing margins remain fully compliant per DS21797L Table 1-2. This allows reliable high-speed communication with modern MCUs without derating-critical for reducing boot-time EEPROM reads in time-sensitive applications.

How does the 93C86A-I/P handle power loss during a write operation?

The 93C86A-I/P incorporates hardware power-loss protection: its internal voltage detector disables all write functions when VCC drops below ~3.8 V. This prevents partial writes or memory corruption during brownout or uncontrolled power-down. Combined with self-timed 2 ms write cycles, the 93C86A-I/P ensures atomic updates-no external capacitors or supervisors are required to meet JEDEC JESD22-A114 reliability standards.

Can the 93C86A-I/P be used in place of the 93AA86A-I/P or 93LC86A-I/P?

The 93C86A-I/P is not a direct replacement for 93AA86A-I/P (1.8–5.5 V) or 93LC86A-I/P (2.5–5.5 V) due to its narrower 4.5–5.5 V operating range. While pinout and instruction set are identical, substituting it into a 3.3 V system will cause functional failure. Use the 93C86A-I/P only in designs where VCC is tightly regulated at ≥4.5 V-its higher minimum voltage enables tighter noise margins and faster timing.