Microchip Technology 93LC56C-E/MS

Overview

93LC56C-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature grade, and Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface. It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention for nonvolatile parameter storage in automotive control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC56C-E/MS datasheet, 93LC56C-E/MS pinout, 93LC56C-E/MS application, or 93LC56C-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include ORG-pin-driven memory width configuration, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, self-timed erase/write timing (6 ms), industrial/automotive temp grade support, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93LC56C-E/MS implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals, where instruction execution is initiated by a Start bit (CS high + DI high on CLK rising edge). Memory organization is dynamically selected: ORG = VSS enables 256 × 8-bit mode; ORG = VCC enables 128 × 16-bit mode.

It features hardware-based power-on/off data protection, automatic ERAL before WRAL, EWEN/EWDS write-protection commands, and Ready/Busy status output on DO during erase/write operations - all operating within 2.5–5.5 V VCC and supporting both sequential read and single-byte/word programming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional (VSS or floating), Pb-free Matte Tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC56B-E/MS, the 93LC56C-E/MS adds runtime word-width flexibility at the cost of one additional bias resistor; versus AT25020B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and lower pin count but trades off maximum clock speed for broader voltage tolerance and automotive qualification.

Availability

93LC56C-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, ADAS modules, body electronics, and infotainment systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC56C-E/MS 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, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets.

The 93LC56C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, and automotive-qualified nonvolatile storage where Microwire compatibility and configurable word width are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC56C-E/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93LC56C-E/MS selects memory organization: tied to VCC it configures 128 × 16-bit mode; tied to VSS it configures 256 × 8-bit mode. This pin is absent on A/B variants and must be externally biased - the 93LC56C-E/MS does not include internal pull-up or pull-down. Incorrect ORG biasing results in undefined memory mapping and failed read/write operations.

Does the 93LC56C-E/MS support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93LC56C-E/MS supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock edges output the next memory location's data on DO. This eliminates the need to retransmit the opcode and address for consecutive bytes/words, improving throughput in configuration-loading routines.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93LC56C-E/MS?

The 93LC56C-E/MS requires VCC ≥2.5 V for full specification compliance. Its internal power-on reset (POR) circuit triggers at approximately 1.5 V, inhibiting all operations below this threshold. Operation below 2.5 V may result in incomplete writes, corrupted reads, or failure to enter EWEN mode - Microchip specifies 2.5–5.5 V as the valid operating range for the 93LC56C-E/MS.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93LC56C-E/MS DO pin?

During erase or write cycles, the DO pin of the 93LC56C-E/MS outputs Ready/Busy status: logic low indicates ongoing programming; logic high indicates completion. To sample this, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL, and DO must be read on CLK rising edges. The 93LC56C-E/MS enters High-Z state on CS falling edge, so status polling requires active CS management.

Is the 93LC56C-E/MS pin-compatible with other packages in the 93LC56x family?

Yes, the 93LC56C-E/MS (MSOP-8) shares identical pinout and signal mapping with 93LC56C in PDIP-8, SOIC-8, TSSOP-8, and DFN-8 packages per Microchip DS21794G-page 12. Pin 1 (CS) to Pin 8 (VCC) assignment is consistent across all 8-lead variants, enabling direct PCB footprint reuse when migrating between package types - provided thermal and mechanical constraints permit.