Microchip Technology 93LC56C-E/SN

Overview

93LC56C-E/SN 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, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It implements Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS, CLK, DI, DO), supports self-timed erase/write cycles, and delivers 1 million endurance cycles with >200 years data retention - used for configuration storage in automotive control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC56C-E/SN datasheet, 93LC56C-E/SN pinout, 93LC56C-E/SN application, or 93LC56C-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include ORG-pin-configurable memory width, automotive-grade temperature operation, microwire timing compliance at 2 MHz (VCC = 2.5 V), ERAL/WRAL bulk operations, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy PCB footprints.

Technical Context

The 93LC56C-E/SN uses a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface with start-bit detection, opcode-driven instruction set (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS), and Ready/Busy status signaled on the DO pin during programming. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic level applied to the ORG pin: VSS selects 128 × 16-bit mode, VCC selects 256 × 8-bit mode.

Internal power-on reset and voltage-detect circuitry (VPOR = 1.5 V typical) inhibit all operations below VCC threshold. Erase/write cycles are fully self-timed (TWC = 6 ms for 93LC versions), with automatic ERAL preceding WRAL, and sequential read enabled while CS remains high.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC56C-E/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN) with standard pinout: Pin 1 = CS, Pin 2 = CLK, Pin 3 = DI, Pin 4 = DO, Pin 5 = VSS, Pin 6 = ORG, Pin 7 = NC, Pin 8 = VCC. The ORG pin enables runtime word-width selection; NC pin has no internal connection and must be left unconnected or tied to VSS/VCC per layout constraints.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC56B-E/SN, the 93LC56C-E/SN offers runtime word-width reconfiguration at the cost of one additional pin; versus AT25DF021-SSH-T, it provides Microwire legacy support and lower power but less density and speed - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, pin-constrained automotive subsystems requiring flexible interface alignment.

Availability

93LC56C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, industrial HMI panels, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC56C-E/SN 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, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93LC56C-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-effective, low-power, nonvolatile configuration storage in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems where Microwire compatibility and wide VCC range are essential.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93LC56C-E/SN selects memory word size: logic high (VCC) configures 256 × 8-bit organization, logic low (VSS) configures 128 × 16-bit organization. This pin must be held at a valid logic level before any instruction is issued, and its state determines opcode interpretation and data width for READ/WRITE operations. The 93LC56C-E/SN is the only version in the 93LC56 family with this configurable feature.

Does the 93LC56C-E/SN support sequential read operation?

Yes, the 93LC56C-E/SN supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock cycles output data from consecutive memory locations. This eliminates the need to reissue the READ command and address for each byte/word, improving throughput in continuous configuration retrieval scenarios.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC56C-E/SN at 2.5 V VCC?

At VCC = 2.5 V, the 93LC56C-E/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1 parameter). This limit ensures reliable setup/hold timing for DI and proper DO output delay (TPD ≤ 400 ns) under worst-case voltage and temperature conditions (−40°C to +125°C).

How does the 93LC56C-E/SN protect against accidental writes during power-up or brownout?

The 93LC56C-E/SN incorporates hardware-level power-on/off data protection: an internal voltage detector (VPOR ≈ 1.5 V) inhibits all erase/write operations when VCC falls below this threshold. Additionally, the device powers up in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) mode, requiring an explicit EWEN instruction before any programming - preventing spurious writes due to noise or incomplete initialization.

Can the 93LC56C-E/SN be used in place of the 93LC56A-E/SN or 93LC56B-E/SN?

The 93LC56C-E/SN is pin-compatible with 93LC56A-E/SN and 93LC56B-E/SN in SOIC-8 (SN) package, sharing identical pinout and electrical characteristics. However, it differs functionally: unlike the fixed-organization A/B variants, the 93LC56C-E/SN requires external connection of the ORG pin (Pin 6) to select 8-bit or 16-bit mode. Substitution is feasible only if ORG is properly routed and configured in the target design.