Microchip Technology 93C86C-E/P

Overview

93C86C-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with user-selectable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, program enable (PE) write protection, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, 1,000,000 endurance cycles, and >200-year data retention. Used in microcontroller configuration storage, calibration data logging, and power-management parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93C86C-E/P datasheet, 93C86C-E/P pinout, 93C86C-E/P application, or 93C86C-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (4.5–5.5 V), ORG/PE pin dependency for memory configuration and write control, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and compatibility with legacy Microwire host controllers requiring CS/CLK/DI/DO timing compliance per DS21797L.

Technical Context

The 93C86C-E/P implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface with start-bit detection, opcode-driven instruction set (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS), and dual-word-size addressing logic controlled by the externally biased ORG pin. Its internal architecture includes an address counter, mode decode logic, and output buffer with tri-state DO driven by CS and programming state.

Write operations require PE = VCC and are preceded by EWEN; after completion, DO signals Ready/Busy status when CS is reasserted ≥250 ns after TCSL. The device enters Standby mode when CS = low, with ICCS ≤5 µA, and features power-on/off data protection triggered at VPOR = 3.8 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP package (E/P suffix denotes Industrial temperature grade, 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/P and AT25128B-MAHL-T, the 93C86C-E/P delivers deterministic 5 V operation, hardware-level write protection via PE, and flexible x8/x16 organization - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, noise-prone industrial 5 V systems where Microwire compatibility and pin-level security are mandatory.

Availability

93C86C-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, microcontroller configuration memory, and power supply parameter retention requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93C86C-E/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 components, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 93C86C-E/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for Microwire-compatible, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems requiring hardware write protection and wide temperature tolerance.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93C86C-E/P selects memory word size: tied to VCC for 16-bit (1024 × 16) organization, or to VSS for 8-bit (2048 × 8) organization. This pin is absent on 'A' and 'B' variants and must be hardwired - floating is prohibited. The 93C86C-E/P uses this pin to maintain backward compatibility with both legacy 8-bit and newer 16-bit host interfaces without changing firmware.

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

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93C86C-E/P must be driven high to allow any WRITE or ERASE operation; tying PE low disables all programming functions permanently until PE is asserted again. Unlike software locks, this hardware-level protection prevents accidental writes during power transients or MCU faults. The 93C86C-E/P datasheet mandates PE = VCC prior to the final clock edge of WRITE/WRAL commands.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93C86C-E/P?

The 93C86C-E/P requires VCC ≥4.5 V for full specification compliance, with power-on reset (POR) triggering at 3.8 V to inhibit writes during brownout. Below 4.5 V, timing parameters (e.g., TWC = 2 ms) and AC characteristics are not guaranteed. This distinguishes it from the 93LC86C-E/P (2.5–5.5 V), making the 93C86C-E/P optimized for stable 5 V systems where noise margin is critical.

Can the 93C86C-E/P be used in automotive applications?

The 93C86C-E/P is rated for Industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C) only and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. While it may function in some under-hood environments, Microchip specifies the 'E' grade (e.g., 93C86C-E/MS) for Automotive (–40°C to +125°C) operation. For automotive body control or infotainment modules, the 93C86C-E/P is suitable only in cabin-controlled zones meeting Industrial temp limits - never in engine bay or powertrain locations.

What is the purpose of the ERAL and WRAL instructions in the 93C86C-E/P?

The ERAL (Erase All) instruction erases the entire 16 Kbit array to logic '1', while WRAL (Write All) performs an auto-erase followed by full-array programming with user-supplied data - both are self-timed and require VCC ≥4.5 V. These commands eliminate multi-step firmware sequences, reduce host CPU overhead, and ensure atomicity. The 93C86C-E/P executes WRAL only after EWEN and with PE = VCC, providing hardware-enforced safety for bulk updates.