Microchip Technology 93C86CT-E/SN

Overview

93C86CT-E/SN 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/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features 1,000,000 erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and integrated power-on/off data protection - used in automotive body control modules for storing calibration and configuration data.

For engineers reviewing the 93C86CT-E/SN datasheet, 93C86CT-E/SN pinout, 93C86CT-E/SN application, or 93C86CT-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-bit x 2048 organization, PE/ORG pin dependency for write-enable and memory configuration, TSSOP-8 package compatibility, and 2 ms program cycle time at 4.5–5.5 V.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with Ready/Busy status reporting via DO pin polling. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and auto-erase/write circuitry that initiates on the rising edge of CLK after final data bit input.

Operation requires explicit EWEN instruction before any ERASE or WRITE, followed by PE = VCC and ORG = VSS for 8-bit mode. VCC must be ≥4.5 V for ERAL and WRAL commands, and power-down protection activates below 3.8 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin TSSOP (SN) package with exposed pad option; pin 1 marked by laser; RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C86CT-E/SN, the 93C86CT-I/SN offers identical functionality at lower temperature grade, while AT25160B-SSHL-T provides SPI compatibility at the cost of losing Microwire-native timing and hardware write-enable control.

Availability

93C86CT-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control units, industrial PLC configuration storage, and medical infusion pump calibration requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93C86CT-E/SN 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 automotive, industrial, and medical systems where Microwire compatibility, hardware write protection, and extended temperature reliability are essential.

FAQ

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

The 93C86CT-E/SN is an 8-bit organization device (2048 × 8-bit), confirmed by its 'A' suffix and Device Selection Table entry. The ORG pin must be tied low (VSS) to enforce this configuration, as the 'C' variant supports both 8-bit and 16-bit modes depending on ORG logic level. This fixed 8-bit structure simplifies address decoding in host microcontrollers interfacing with the 93C86CT-E/SN.

Does the 93C86CT-E/SN require external pull-up resistors on its I/O lines?

The 93C86CT-E/SN does not require external pull-ups on CS, CLK, or DI for basic operation, as these inputs have CMOS-compatible thresholds. However, a 10 kΩ pull-down resistor on CS is recommended per Microchip application guidance to prevent spurious start conditions during power-up. DO is actively driven during read/status and tri-stated otherwise, so no pull-up is needed unless shared-bus contention mitigation is required in multi-device configurations using the 93C86CT-E/SN.

How is write protection implemented on the 93C86CT-E/SN?

Write protection on the 93C86CT-E/SN is implemented through two independent hardware mechanisms: the Program Enable (PE) pin must be held high (VCC) to allow any ERASE or WRITE command, and the Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) command must be issued after each programming operation to prevent accidental writes. Both conditions must be satisfied - if PE is low or EWDS is active, all programming functions are inhibited, ensuring robust data integrity in electrically noisy automotive environments where the 93C86CT-E/SN is deployed.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93C86CT-E/SN?

The 93C86CT-E/SN requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V for full specification compliance, including guaranteed ERAL and WRAL functionality. Its internal power-on reset circuit activates at approximately 3.8 V, below which all programming and read operations are inhibited to prevent data corruption. Operating below 4.5 V may result in undefined behavior or failure to complete self-timed write cycles - therefore, 4.5 V is the practical minimum for production use of the 93C86CT-E/SN.

Can the 93C86CT-E/SN be used in place of the 93LC86CT-E/SN?

No, the 93C86CT-E/SN cannot directly replace the 93LC86CT-E/SN due to incompatible supply voltage ranges: the 93C86CT-E/SN operates only from 4.5–5.5 V, while the 93LC86CT-E/SN supports 2.5–5.5 V. Additionally, the 93LC86CT-E/SN lacks PE and ORG pins, uses different DC/AC timing parameters, and has distinct instruction set behavior. Substituting the 93C86CT-E/SN would require hardware redesign (VCC regulation, pin routing) and firmware revalidation - it is not a functional or pin-compatible alternative for the 93LC86CT-E/SN.