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

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,507
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Product details
Overview
93LC56A/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, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used for firmware parameter storage in embedded microcontroller systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC56A/ST datasheet, 93LC56A/ST pinout, 93LC56A/ST application, or 93LC56A/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 6 ms typical write cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, and compatibility with SOIC-8 (ST) packaging for board-level nonvolatile configuration memory.
Technical Context
The 93LC56A/ST implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with CS, CLK, and DI/DO signals. All instructions - READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, EWDS - are initiated by a Start bit (CS high + DI high on CLK rising edge), followed by opcode, address, and data bits clocked on CLK rising edges.
It uses internal auto-erase-before-write logic and supports sequential read mode when CS remains high. The DO pin serves dual function: data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming - low = busy, high = ready - requiring CS reassertion after TCSL ≥250 ns to sample status.
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 |
| Write cycle time | 6 ms typical - self-timed; includes auto-erase; enables deterministic firmware update timing |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - ensures long-term reliability in field-updatable systems |
| Data retention | >200 years at 25°C - guarantees parameter integrity across product lifecycle |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage on host MCU |
| Temp range | −40°C to +125°C (E grade) - qualified for under-hood and industrial control environments |
Pinout & Package
93LC56A/ST is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (ST), with lead finish 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, not ORG); pin 7 is NC; pin 8 is VCC.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between commands; deselects device into standby |
| 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, addresses, and write data; shares bus with DO only with external current-limiting resistor |
| DO (Pin 4) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge |
| VSS (Pin 5) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal circuitry; must be low-impedance connection |
| NC (Pin 6) | No Connection | Not bonded; must remain unconnected - differs from ORG pin on 'C' variants |
| NC (Pin 7) | No Connection | Not bonded; floating or grounded per layout best practice; no functional role |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; internal POR triggers at ~1.5 V; powers EEPROM array and logic |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control; 6 ms typical cycle enables predictable firmware update latency |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees full-array readiness prior to bulk write; prevents partial writes due to residual data |
| Power-on/off data protection | Internal voltage monitor disables writes below ~1.5 V; prevents corruption during brown-out or hot-swap |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables polling-based host synchronization without dedicated interrupt lines or timeouts |
| 1,000,000 endurance cycles | Supports frequent calibration or logging use cases over 10+ years of operation |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration Storage | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated sensor offsets and gain coefficients in industrial pressure transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory holding critical calibration constants accessed at boot and during field recalibration. Use Value: Ensures measurement accuracy across temperature and lifetime; leverages 200-year data retention and −40°C to +125°C operation. | Use Scenario: Retaining user-configured lighting preferences and door lock settings in automotive BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parameter EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU via Microwire; updated during vehicle personalization events. Use Value: Supports E-grade qualification and withstands engine bay thermal cycling; 1M endurance handles repeated user updates. |
| Medical Infusion Pump Settings | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Parameters |
Use Scenario: Storing drug library profiles, alarm thresholds, and dose history in battery-powered infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power serial EEPROM enabling safe, infrequent writes during maintenance mode. Use Value: 2.5 V minimum VCC allows direct connection to Li-ion battery rail; 1 µA standby current extends battery life. | Use Scenario: Holding tariff tables, metering calibration factors, and communication keys in ANSI C12.22-compliant smart meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration store accessed by metrology SoC; write-protected via EWEN/EWDS sequence. Use Value: Built-in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) prevents accidental overwrites during firmware upgrades or power faults. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC56B/ST | 128 × 16-bit organization; same VCC range, package, and timing | Requires 16-bit host interface; incompatible with 8-bit software drivers | Select only if system architecture mandates 16-bit word access and host supports x16 addressing |
| AT25020B-SSHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 2 Kbit, 1.8–5.5 V, 5 ms write time, same endurance | Requires SPI-capable MCU; different command set and CS/CLK timing behavior | Choose when migrating to SPI ecosystem or needing faster clock rates (up to 20 MHz) |
Compared with 93LC56B/ST, the 93LC56A/ST provides native 8-bit compatibility without address translation; versus AT25020B-SSHL-T, it retains Microwire simplicity and lower pin count but lacks SPI speed and daisy-chain capability.
Availability
93LC56A/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical infusion pump designs requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93LC56A/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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The 93LC56A/ST belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal MCU resource usage.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC56A/ST?
The 93LC56A/ST has a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C' variants, it does not feature an ORG pin - its x8 structure is hardwired, eliminating external configuration logic and simplifying PCB layout and firmware driver design for 8-bit hosts.
Does the 93LC56A/ST require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93LC56A/ST does not require an external pull-up on DO. The DO pin actively drives high/low during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting, and enters High-Z when CS is low or during non-read operations - consistent with Microwire protocol requirements.
How is write protection implemented on the 93LC56A/ST?
Write protection on the 93LC56A/ST is enforced via the EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) instructions. The device powers up in EWDS mode; an explicit EWEN command must precede any ERASE or WRITE operation, and EWDS should follow to relock the array - preventing accidental overwrites.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC56A/ST at 3.3 V?
At VCC = 3.3 V (within 2.5–5.5 V range), the 93LC56A/ST supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz. This is specified in Table 1-2 (A1) for 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 5.5 V, ensuring reliable setup/hold timing margins for robust communication with diverse MCUs.
Is the 93LC56A/ST pin-compatible with the 93AA56A/ST?
Yes, the 93LC56A/ST and 93AA56A/ST share identical 8-lead SOIC (ST) packaging, pinout, and x8 organization. However, they differ in VCC range (93AA56A: 1.8–5.5 V; 93LC56A: 2.5–5.5 V) and temperature grading - verify voltage compliance before substitution.
93LC56A/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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
93LC56A/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC56A/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC56A/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/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC56A/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/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC56A/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC56A/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC56A/ST?
93LC56A/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC56A/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/ST?
For technical support, including 93LC56A/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC56A/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC56A/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC56A/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/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC56A/ST?
All 93LC56A/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC56A/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/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC56A/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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