Microchip Technology 93LC56A-E/ST
- Part No.:
- 93LC56A-E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC56A-E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 2KBIT MICROWIRE 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC56A-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit (256 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - used in microcontroller configuration storage and calibration data retention for automotive ECUs.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC56A-E/ST datasheet, 93LC56A-E/ST pinout, 93LC56A-E/ST application, or 93LC56A-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), TSSOP-8 package, automotive-grade qualification, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained embedded systems.
Technical Context
The 93LC56A-E/ST implements a synchronous serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, data register, mode decode logic, and output buffer - enabling READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS operations without external timing control.
All programming operations (WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, ERAL) are self-timed and initiated by CS falling edge (for 93LC variants); DO provides real-time Ready/Busy status during active cycles, while power-on reset and voltage-detect circuitry (VPOR = 1.5 V typical) ensure data integrity during brown-out conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 2 Kbit (256 words × 8 bits) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin required. |
| VCC range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide-input industrial and automotive power rails. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - enables long-term field calibration updates. |
| Data retention | 200 years at +25°C - ensures nonvolatile storage integrity over product lifetime. |
| Write cycle time | 6 ms max (TWC) - deterministic self-timed programming eliminates need for external delay management. |
| Operating temp | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E grade) - qualified for under-hood and powertrain applications. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - interoperable with legacy MCU peripherals without protocol translation. |
Pinout & Package
93LC56A-E/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, JEDEC MO-153 compliant, Pb-free Matte Tin finish, and exposed pad option (not connected internally). Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 location confirmed per DS21794G-page 17.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby but allows ongoing write completion. |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcodes, addresses, and data; stoppable at any point without corruption. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Receives start bit, instruction opcodes, address bits, and write data; high-impedance when not selected. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data on rising CLK edge; signals Ready/Busy (low = busy) during programming when CS is reasserted after TCSL. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference return path for all I/O and core logic; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
| 6 (NC) | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice - no functional role. |
| 7 (ORG) | Organization | No internal connection on 'A' version - pin is NC; not used for memory size selection in 93LC56A-E/ST. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | Primary supply input; voltage detect (VPOR = 1.5 V) prevents operation below safe threshold to avoid data corruption. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control or software delays - reduces firmware complexity and improves reliability. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full array is erased prior to bulk write, preventing stale data remnants without requiring separate erase command sequence. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level voltage monitoring blocks all writes when VCC drops below 1.5 V, preventing partial writes during power transitions. |
| Ready/Busy status via DO | Enables polling-based synchronization instead of fixed delays - optimizes system response time and avoids unnecessary wait states. |
| 1,000,000 endurance cycles | Supports frequent field updates (e.g., odometer, fault logs, adaptive parameters) across full automotive service life. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Infotainment System Configuration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing fuel map coefficients, idle adaptation values, and diagnostic trouble code (DTC) history in automotive powertrain modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration and runtime parameter storage interfaced directly to MCU SPI/Microwire peripheral. Use Value: Automotive-grade temperature range and 200-year data retention ensure calibration persistence across vehicle lifetime without battery backup. | Use Scenario: Retaining user preferences (display brightness, audio EQ, language settings) and firmware patch metadata in head unit modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial EEPROM providing persistent storage for settings updated infrequently but accessed on every boot. Use Value: Low 1 μA standby current (ICCS) minimizes parasitic drain on always-on infotainment power rail. |
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Smart Meter Firmware Patch Storage |
Use Scenario: Holding factory-calibrated offset/gain coefficients and temperature compensation tables for pressure or current sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Read-only during sensor operation; written once during manufacturing calibration or field recalibration. Use Value: Fixed 8-bit organization simplifies MCU driver implementation and avoids ORG pin routing complexity on dense PCBs. | Use Scenario: Storing signed firmware delta patches for secure over-the-air (OTA) updates in utility meters with limited flash resources. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant auxiliary storage for verified update payloads awaiting validation and installation. Use Value: 1M endurance and hardware write-protection (EWEN/EWDS) prevent accidental overwrite during power-interrupted OTA processes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC56B-E/ST | 128 × 16-bit organization; same VCC range, temp grade, and package - requires 16-bit data path and different addressing. | Used where MCU interfaces natively with 16-bit words; incompatible with 8-bit-only drivers or legacy 8-bit firmware. | Select only if system architecture mandates 16-bit word access and memory mapping aligns with 128-word depth. |
| AT25020B-MAHL-T | 2 Kbit SPI EEPROM (SPI mode), 1.8–5.5 V, −40°C to +125°C, SOIC-8 - uses 4-wire SPI vs. 3-wire Microwire; no DO status polling. | Requires SPI master peripheral and different command set; lacks Ready/Busy pin - relies on fixed delays or WIP flag polling via STATUS register. | Choose when migrating from Microwire to SPI ecosystem or when leveraging existing SPI infrastructure and accepting longer worst-case write latency. |
Compared with 93LC56B-E/ST and AT25020B-MAHL-T, the 93LC56A-E/ST delivers optimal fit for legacy Microwire-based automotive designs requiring deterministic 8-bit access, hardware status signaling, and minimal pin count - avoiding both ORG pin routing and SPI protocol overhead.
Availability
93LC56A-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU design, industrial sensor calibration, smart meter firmware storage, and infotainment configuration retention requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC56A-E/ST 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 93LC56A-E/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and broad voltage/temperature operation.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC56A-E/ST?
The 93LC56A-E/ST has a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C' variants, it does not use the ORG pin - the 'A' suffix denotes dedicated 8-bit communication. This eliminates external ORG pin routing and simplifies firmware driver development for byte-oriented access.
Does the 93LC56A-E/ST support Ready/Busy polling?
Yes, the 93LC56A-E/ST supports hardware Ready/Busy polling via the DO pin. After initiating a WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, or ERAL command, asserting CS high for ≥250 ns (TCSL) enables reading DO: low indicates ongoing operation, high confirms completion. This replaces fixed-delay loops with deterministic status checking.
What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93LC56A-E/ST?
The 93LC56A-E/ST incorporates a voltage detect circuit with VPOR = 1.5 V (typical). Below this threshold, all operations - including reads - are inhibited to prevent data corruption. The specified operating range remains 2.5 V to 5.5 V, ensuring functionality across automotive battery transients and industrial 3.3 V/5 V rails.
Is the ORG pin functional on the 93LC56A-E/ST?
No, the ORG pin is not functional on the 93LC56A-E/ST. Per DS21794G-page 12, ORG is labeled "No Internal Connection / 93XX56A/B" in the pin function table. On this 'A'-version device, memory organization is permanently fixed at 8-bit, and the ORG pin must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout guidelines.
What packaging and marking identify the 93LC56A-E/ST?
The 93LC56A-E/ST uses an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST suffix), marked with "L56A" on the first line and "E" (for Automotive grade) plus year/week code (e.g., "528") on subsequent lines. The "E" in the part number explicitly denotes −40°C to +125°C qualification, and the TSSOP body meets JEDEC MO-153 standards.
93LC56A-E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 2Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 256 x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 2 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 6ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
93LC56A-E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC56A-E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC56A-E/ST on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 93LC56A-E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC56A-E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC56A-E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC56A-E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC56A-E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC56A-E/ST?
93LC56A-E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC56A-E/ST order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 93LC56A-E/ST?
For technical support, including 93LC56A-E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC56A-E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC56A-E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC56A-E/ST products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 93LC56A-E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC56A-E/ST?
All 93LC56A-E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC56A-E/ST, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 93LC56A-E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC56A-E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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