Microchip Technology 93LC56BT-I/MNY

Overview

93LC56BT-I/MNY 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, industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), and 1 million erase/write cycles. It features automatic erase-before-write, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin, and power-on/off data protection - used in embedded system configuration storage for microcontrollers.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC56BT-I/MNY datasheet, 93LC56BT-I/MNY pinout, 93LC56BT-I/MNY application, or 93LC56BT-I/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), MSOP-8 package, 3-wire serial protocol timing compliance, and automotive-grade endurance at 2.5 V operation.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins. Communication requires a start condition (CS high + DI high on first CLK rising edge), followed by opcode, address, and data bits clocked on CLK rising edges. The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during ERASE/WRITE.

Internal logic enforces power-on write protection - device powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, requiring explicit EWEN command before any programming. All operations (ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, WRAL) are self-timed, with cycle times ranging from 2 ms (93C-series) to 6 ms (93AA/93LC-series); 93LC56BT-I/MNY uses the 6 ms timing per DS21794G.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC56BT-I/MNY is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, body size 3.0 × 3.0 mm, and exposed pad (optional VSS connection). Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package is Pb-free and RoHS compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC56B-I/SN, the 93LC56BT-I/MNY saves >50% board area in space-constrained designs; versus AT25020B-MAHL-T, it offers simpler timing control and hardware-ready signaling but lacks SPI ecosystem compatibility.

Availability

93LC56BT-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer remote control memory, and medical diagnostic device settings requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93LC56BT-I/MNY 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, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93LC56 series belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring simple 3-wire nonvolatile storage with robust data integrity.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93LC56BT-I/MNY?

The 93LC56BT-I/MNY is a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) organization device with no ORG pin - it operates exclusively in x8 mode. Unlike the 'C' variants, the 'B' and 'A' versions (including 93LC56BT-I/MNY) have ORG pin designated as NC (No Connect), eliminating configuration ambiguity and simplifying layout and firmware.

Does the 93LC56BT-I/MNY require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?

No, the 93LC56BT-I/MNY 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 inactive. However, if DI and DO are shorted (shared bus), a current-limiting resistor (~1 kΩ) is recommended to prevent bus conflict during dummy-zero read phases.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC56BT-I/MNY at 2.5 V?

At VCC = 2.5 V, the 93LC56BT-I/MNY supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1 parameter). This limit ensures reliable setup/hold timing margins across the industrial temperature range and accounts for slower internal logic propagation at lower supply voltages.

How does the 93LC56BT-I/MNY handle power loss during a write operation?

The 93LC56BT-I/MNY incorporates hardware-level power-loss protection: its internal POR circuit disables all write functions when VCC drops below ~1.5 V. Combined with automatic erase-before-write and self-timed cycles, this ensures that partial writes cannot corrupt memory - the device either completes the operation or retains the pre-write data state.

Is the 93LC56BT-I/MNY pin-compatible with other 93LC56x variants in MSOP-8?

Yes, the 93LC56BT-I/MNY is pin-compatible with all 93LC56x variants offered in the MSOP-8 package (e.g., 93LC56AT-I/MNY, 93LC56CT-I/MNY), sharing identical pinout, footprint, and mechanical dimensions. However, functional differences exist: 'A' and 'B' versions lack ORG functionality, while 'C' versions support x8/x16 reconfiguration via the ORG pin.