Microchip Technology 93C86AT-I/MS

Overview

93C86AT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) 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/WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used in embedded system configuration storage and firmware parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93C86AT-I/MS datasheet, 93C86AT-I/MS pinout, 93C86AT-I/MS application, or 93C86AT-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (4.5–5.5 V), 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), absence of PE/ORG pins, MSOP-8 packaging, and support for sequential read and WRAL/ERAL commands.

Technical Context

The 93C86AT-I/MS implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals. It operates exclusively in fixed 8-bit organization ('A' variant), requiring no external ORG logic or PE control - unlike 'C' variants. All instructions (READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, EWDS, ERAL, WRAL) are clocked on rising CLK edges with strict timing windows (e.g., TCKH ≥ 200 ns at VCC ≥ 4.5 V).

Internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer driving DO during read or Ready/Busy polling. Power-on reset circuitry inhibits operation below ~3.8 V, and write cycles are automatically erased before programming (Auto-Erase). Standby current is ≤5 µA with CS = 0 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin MSOP package (150 mil width), RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, with exposed pad optional (not electrically connected per datasheet). Pin 1 marked by laser dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C86AT-I/MS, the 93C86A-I/SN offers identical electrical behavior but different mechanical integration, while 93LC86A-I/MS extends voltage flexibility at the cost of reduced noise margin above 3.3 V - both require validation of timing margins under target VCC conditions.

Availability

93C86AT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive ECU bootloader settings requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence management, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 93C86AT-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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93Cxx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power serial EEPROM applications in industrial, automotive, and medical equipment - emphasizing voltage robustness, data integrity, and drop-in replaceability across package variants.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93C86AT-I/MS?

The 93C86AT-I/MS is an 'A'-variant device with fixed 2048 × 8-bit organization - no ORG pin is present or required. It does not support 16-bit word access. This differs from 'B' (1024 × 16) and 'C' (selectable via ORG pin) variants. The 93C86AT-I/MS datasheet confirms dedicated x8 structure in the Device Selection Table and Pin Function Table.

Does the 93C86AT-I/MS have a Program Enable (PE) pin?

No, the 93C86AT-I/MS does not include a PE pin. As an 'A'-variant part, it lacks both ORG and PE pins - write protection is managed solely via EWEN/EWDS commands. The PE pin is exclusive to 'C'-variant devices (e.g., 93C86C). This is explicitly stated in the Pin Function Table and Device Selection Table for 93C86AT-I/MS.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C86AT-I/MS?

The 93C86AT-I/MS supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. AC Characteristic Table A1 specifies this limit, with reduced max frequencies (2 MHz, 1 MHz) for lower VCC ranges - but those do not apply to 93C86AT-I/MS due to its 4.5–5.5 V rating. Timing parameters like TCKH (≥200 ns) and TCKL (≥100 ns) are derived from this 3 MHz limit.

Can the 93C86AT-I/MS operate at 3.3 V?

No, the 93C86AT-I/MS requires 4.5–5.5 V and cannot operate reliably at 3.3 V. Its VCC min is 4.5 V, and power-on reset triggers at ~3.8 V - below which all operations are inhibited. For 3.3 V systems, consider the pin-compatible 93LC86A-I/MS (2.5–5.5 V range), which shares the same MSOP-8 package and 2048×8 organization.

What package type is used for the 93C86AT-I/MS?

The 93C86AT-I/MS uses an 8-pin MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 150-mil width, as indicated by the 'MS' suffix in the part number and confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Package Types diagram. It is Pb-free with matte tin finish and includes a laser-marked pin 1 indicator. The exposed pad is optional and not electrically connected per Microchip's DS21797L package notes.