Microchip Technology 93LC56A/P
- Part No.:
- 93LC56A/P
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC56A/P.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 2KBIT MICROWIRE 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:443
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Product details
Overview
93LC56A/P 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 temperature grade (−40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - used for parameter storage in embedded microcontroller systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC56A/P datasheet, 93LC56A/P pinout, 93LC56A/P application, or 93LC56A/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), PDIP-8 package compatibility, 3 MHz max clock frequency at VCC ≥ 4.5 V, and power-on data protection circuitry ensuring nonvolatile integrity during brown-out conditions.
Technical Context
The 93LC56A/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO pins - no ORG pin present, confirming fixed x8 organization. Communication requires a Start bit (CS high + DI high on first CLK rising edge), followed by opcode, address (7-bit), and data (8-bit) clocked on CLK rising edges.
Erase and write operations are fully self-timed: falling edge of CS initiates auto-erase-and-program cycle (6 ms typical), while DO pin provides active-low Ready/Busy status when polled after TCSL ≥ 250 ns. Power-on reset logic holds device in EWDS mode until explicit EWEN command enables programming.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 2 Kbit = 256 × 8-bit organization; no word-size configuration required. |
| VCC range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V; supports direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers. |
| Clock frequency | Up to 3 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V; reduces to 2 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V - constrains maximum write throughput. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - sufficient for firmware parameter logging in industrial controllers. |
| Data retention | Greater than 200 years at 25°C - ensures long-term calibration data persistence without refresh. |
| Interface | Industry-standard 3-wire Microwire (CS/CLK/DI/DO); no SPI mode or dual I/O support. |
| Temp grade | Industrial (−40°C to +85°C); validated across full range per DC/AC specs in DS21794G. |
Pinout & Package
8-lead PDIP (P) package with 0.3-inch body width; lead finish is Pb-free matte tin. Pin 1 is CS, pin 2 is CLK, pin 3 is DI, pin 4 is DO, pin 5 is VSS, pin 6 is NC (no internal connection), pin 7 is NC, pin 8 is VCC. ORG pin absent - confirms fixed 8-bit operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby (ICC ≤ 1 µA). |
| CLK (Pin 2) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence. |
| DI (Pin 3) | Data Input | Receives Start bit, instruction opcodes (e.g., 01 for WRITE), 7-bit address, and 8-bit data. |
| DO (Pin 4) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS low or during write cycle unless polled. |
| VSS (Pin 5) | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog functions; must be low-impedance connection. |
| NC (Pin 6, 7) | No Connection | Internally unconnected; pins 6 and 7 are unused - no routing or termination required. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | Supplies core logic and memory array; includes internal POR detection at ~1.5 V threshold. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | 6 ms typical cycle time eliminates need for external timing control or busy-wait loops beyond DO polling. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full-array write reliability without requiring separate erase command - simplifies firmware implementation. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Internal voltage detector disables writes below ~1.5 V, preventing corruption during power ramp-up/down. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables efficient polling instead of fixed delays; DO low = ongoing erase/write, DO high = ready for next command. |
| 1,000,000 endurance cycles | Supports frequent recalibration storage (e.g., sensor offset updates every 10 sec) for >3 years continuous operation. |
Applications
| Motor Control Parameter Storage | Industrial Sensor Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing motor winding resistance compensation values and PID tuning constants in HVAC blower controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter register accessed during boot and runtime via MCU's GPIO-banged Microwire interface. Use Value: Enables field-updatable tuning without firmware reflash; retains settings across 10+ year product lifetime. | Use Scenario: Holding factory-calibrated gain/offset coefficients for 4–20 mA pressure transmitters operating in harsh environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated calibration memory mapped to MCU's I/O port; read once at startup, then cached in RAM. Use Value: Eliminates need for external trim pots; maintains accuracy over −40°C to +85°C with <0.01% drift/year. |
| Medical Device Configuration | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Settings |
Use Scenario: Storing user-configurable alarm thresholds and measurement units in portable pulse oximeters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration store isolated from main flash; accessed only during setup mode via dedicated I/O lines. Use Value: Prevents accidental overwrite during normal operation using EWDS/EWEN protocol; meets IEC 62304 Class B requirements. | Use Scenario: Retaining tariff schedules, CT ratio settings, and communication parameters in ANSI C12.22-compliant electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Tamper-resistant settings bank updated infrequently (<10×/year) but requiring guaranteed retention over 20-year service life. Use Value: 200-year data retention and 1M-cycle endurance exceed ANSI C12.20 lifetime validation requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC56B/P | 128 × 16-bit organization; same VCC range, timing, and package - requires 16-bit MCU interface alignment. | Used where wider data path reduces transaction count (e.g., storing 16-bit ADC calibration words). | Select only if system architecture natively supports 16-bit serial transfers and avoids software bit-packing overhead. |
| AT25020B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 2 Kbit, 1.8–5.5 V, 20 MHz clock; no Ready/Busy pin - relies on WIP flag polling via STATUS register. | Preferred in designs already using SPI peripherals; higher speed but lacks dedicated status pin for deterministic timing. | Choose when migrating from Microwire to SPI ecosystem or when >3 MHz throughput is required. |
Compared with 93LC56B/P, the 93LC56A/P saves MCU GPIO resources by eliminating ORG pin handling and simplifies firmware with fixed 8-bit framing; versus AT25020B-MAHL-T, it offers deterministic Ready/Busy signaling without STATUS register reads but trades off maximum clock speed and interface flexibility.
Availability
93LC56A/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control parameter storage, industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and smart energy meter firmware settings requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC56A/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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets.
The 93LCxx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable, byte-erasable nonvolatile memory with minimal pin count and simple firmware drivers - targeting applications where SPI overhead or I²C arbitration is undesirable.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC56A/P?
The 93LC56A/P has a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C' variants, it lacks an ORG pin and therefore does not support configurable 16-bit mode - all read/write operations transfer exactly 8 bits per address. This simplifies driver development and eliminates external logic for word-size selection.
Does the 93LC56A/P require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93LC56A/P does not require an external pull-up on DO. The DO pin actively drives high/low during read or Ready/Busy polling and enters High-Z only when CS is low or during write cycles. However, a 10 kΩ pull-down on CS is recommended per Microchip's design guidance to prevent spurious activation.
What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 93LC56A/P?
The 93LC56A/P requires VCC ≥ 2.5 V for guaranteed operation across the full industrial temperature range. Its internal power-on reset circuit disables write operations below ~1.5 V, but functional read/write behavior is only specified from 2.5 V upward per DS21794G Section 1.0.
Can the 93LC56A/P be used in automotive applications?
The 93LC56A/P is rated for industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C) only. For automotive applications requiring −40°C to +125°C, Microchip specifies the 93LC56A-E/P variant ('E' suffix), which undergoes additional qualification testing and uses different process characterization - the standard 93LC56A/P is not qualified for under-hood use.
How is write protection implemented on the 93LC56A/P?
Write protection on the 93LC56A/P uses an Erase/Write Enable/Disable (EWEN/EWDS) protocol. The device powers up in EWDS mode, blocking all erase/write commands until EWEN is issued. After each write, executing EWDS restores protection - this prevents accidental overwrites due to noise or firmware errors, independent of VCC level.
93LC56A/P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- 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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
93LC56A/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC56A/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC56A/P 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/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC56A/P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC56A/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC56A/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC56A/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC56A/P?
93LC56A/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC56A/P 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/P?
For technical support, including 93LC56A/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC56A/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC56A/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC56A/P 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/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC56A/P?
All 93LC56A/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC56A/P, 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/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC56A/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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