Microchip Technology 93C86CT-E/MS

Overview

93C86CT-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with 8-bit organization, 4.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and industry-standard 3-wire serial I/O. Used in embedded system configuration storage where low-voltage nonvolatile memory with robust write-protection is required.

For engineers reviewing the 93C86CT-E/MS datasheet, 93C86CT-E/MS pinout, 93C86CT-E/MS application, or 93C86CT-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit word size (no ORG pin), absence of PE/ORG pins, 2 ms program cycle time, 1 M endurance cycles, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. It supports READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all clocked on rising CLK edges with strict timing windows (e.g., TCKH ≥200 ns at VCC ≥4.5 V).

Internal logic includes address decoding for 2048 × 8-bit memory, auto-erase-before-write, Ready/Busy status reporting via DO pin polling, and voltage-based power-on reset (VPOR = 3.8 V typical). No external ORG or PE control is needed - fixed 8-bit organization and always-enabled programming distinguish it from C-variant parts.

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 (not electrically connected per datasheet Note 1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C86CT-E/MS, the 93LC86AT-I/MS offers broader supply flexibility but reduced noise margin at 5 V, while the AT25020B-MAU-T trades Microwire simplicity for SPI speed and smaller density - neither replicates the exact 4.5–5.5 V, industrial-temp, fixed-8-bit Microwire behavior of the 93C86CT-E/MS.

Availability

93C86CT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93C86CT-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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93Cxx series targets cost-sensitive, low-power nonvolatile memory applications in industrial, automotive, and consumer systems - emphasizing reliability, ease of integration, and long-term data integrity without complex initialization sequences.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93C86CT-E/MS?

The 93C86CT-E/MS has a fixed 2048 × 8-bit (16 Kbit) organization. Unlike C-variant parts, it lacks an ORG pin and is not configurable for 16-bit mode - all addresses access 8-bit words directly. This simplifies address decoding in 8-bit microcontroller systems and eliminates external logic for word-size selection.

Does the 93C86CT-E/MS include Program Enable (PE) or ORG pins?

No, the 93C86CT-E/MS does not include PE or ORG pins. As a 'C86A' variant, it is functionally identical to the 93C86A part - meaning programming is always enabled and word size is fixed at 8 bits. These pins are present only on 'C86C' versions and are omitted entirely in the 93C86CT-E/MS MSOP-8 pinout.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C86CT-E/MS?

The 93C86CT-E/MS supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when VCC is between 4.5 V and 5.5 V. At this rate, minimum clock high (TCKH) and low (TCKL) times are 200 ns and 100 ns respectively. Timing compliance must be verified across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C).

How does the 93C86CT-E/MS handle power loss during a write operation?

The 93C86CT-E/MS incorporates hardware power-loss protection: its internal voltage detector (VPOR) holds all operations inactive until VCC rises above ~3.8 V, and disables writes if VCC drops below that threshold. This prevents partial writes and data corruption during brown-out conditions - no external supervisor circuit is required for basic protection.

Is the 93C86CT-E/MS pin-compatible with other 93xx86 variants in MSOP-8?

Yes, the 93C86CT-E/MS shares identical MSOP-8 pinout (CS/CLK/DI/DO/VSS/VCC) with all 93xx86A/B/C variants in the same package - including 93AA86A, 93LC86A, and 93C86A. However, functional compatibility requires matching VCC range and organization: only other 'A'-suffix parts (8-bit, no ORG/PE) are direct functional replacements.