Microchip Technology 93C86C-E/MS

Overview

93C86C-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, program enable (PE) write protection, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It features 1,000,000 erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, self-timed erase/write, and automatic ERAL/WRAL support. Used in embedded system configuration storage requiring nonvolatile parameter retention under power cycling.

For engineers reviewing the 93C86C-E/MS datasheet, 93C86C-E/MS pinout, 93C86C-E/MS application, or 93C86C-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (4.5–5.5 V), ORG/PE pin dependency for memory configuration and write lock, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93C86C-E/MS implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic level applied to ORG to select either 2048 × 8-bit or 1024 × 16-bit organization - unlike fixed-organization A/B variants.

Write operations require prior EWEN instruction and active-high PE signal; programming is inhibited when PE = VSS. The device asserts Ready/Busy status on DO during self-timed erase/write cycles (TWC = 2 ms max), with status valid after TSV delay and disable time TCZ ≤ 100 ns at 4.5–5.5 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional (VSS or floating), Pb-free Matte Tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86C-E/MS and 93AA86C-E/MS, the 93C86C-E/MS offers narrower but robust 4.5–5.5 V operation ideal for legacy 5 V industrial systems, while retaining full configurability and hardware write protection - making it optimal where supply stability and noise immunity are prioritized over voltage flexibility.

Availability

93C86C-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93C86C-E/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 series targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable nonvolatile storage - designed specifically for Microwire-compatible hosts in industrial, automotive, and consumer applications where simplicity, endurance, and hardware-level security are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93C86C-E/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93C86C-E/MS determines memory word size: logic high selects 1024 × 16-bit organization, and logic low selects 2048 × 8-bit organization. This pin must be externally tied to VCC or VSS - floating is not permitted. Unlike 93C86A/B variants, the 93C86C-E/MS requires this pin for configuration, and its state directly affects instruction addressing and data width during READ/WRITE operations.

How does the PE pin protect memory on the 93C86C-E/MS?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93C86C-E/MS provides hardware-level write protection: when PE is driven low, all erase and write operations are inhibited regardless of EWEN state or command sequence. This physical lock prevents accidental overwrites due to software errors or noise. For secure operation, PE should be tied to VSS in production; the 93C86C-E/MS will not execute ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, or WRAL unless PE = VCC.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C86C-E/MS?

The 93C86C-E/MS supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when VCC is between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. At lower voltages, the limit decreases: 2 MHz for 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V (not applicable to 93C86C-E/MS), and 1 MHz for 1.8 V ≤ VCC < 2.5 V (also not applicable). Timing parameters including TCKH, TCKL, and TDIS are specified per voltage range, and all AC characteristics assume CL = 100 pF load.

Does the 93C86C-E/MS require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?

No, the 93C86C-E/MS does not require an external pull-up on the DO pin. The output buffer actively drives DO high or low during READ or Ready/Busy status reporting, and enters High-Z when CS is low or during idle periods. However, if DI and DO are shorted (shared bus configuration), a current-limiting resistor (~10 kΩ) is recommended between them to prevent bus conflict during the dummy zero phase of READ operations.

What is the purpose of the ERAL and WRAL commands in the 93C86C-E/MS?

The ERAL (Erase All) command resets the entire 16 Kbit array to logical '1' in 6 ms, while WRAL (Write All) writes a single 8-bit or 16-bit value to every address after performing an implicit ERAL - completing in 15 ms. Both commands require VCC ≥ 4.5 V and EWEN activation. They enable factory reset, bulk initialization, or secure data erasure without host-side address iteration, reducing firmware complexity and execution time compared to individual-address operations.