Microchip Technology 93LC56CT-E/ST
- Part No.:
- 93LC56CT-E/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC56CT-E/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 2KBIT MICROWIRE 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC56CT-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 2 Kbit (256 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating over 2.5–5.5 V supply, rated for automotive temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), and housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - used for configuration storage in engine control units and infotainment systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC56CT-E/ST datasheet, 93LC56CT-E/ST pinout, 93LC56CT-E/ST application, or 93LC56CT-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include automotive-grade temperature support, 8-bit fixed organization (no ORG pin), TSSOP-8 package compatibility, and Microwire protocol timing compliance at 2.5 V minimum VCC.
Technical Context
This device implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins. It uses a dedicated 8-bit memory organization (256 × 8), eliminating ORG pin dependency - unlike 'C' variants. All instructions (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS) are executed via rising-edge clocked bitstreams starting with a Start condition (CS high + DI high on CLK edge).
Internal logic includes power-on reset detection (VPOR = 1.5 V typical), Ready/Busy status output via DO pin during programming, and automatic erase-before-write. Write cycle time is 6 ms (TWC), with ERAL and WRAL requiring ≥4.5 V VCC and completing in 6 ms and 15 ms respectively.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 2 Kbit (256 × 8-bit organization; fixed, no ORG pin) |
| VCC range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide-input industrial and automotive rails |
| Temperature grade | Automotive (E): −40°C to +125°C - qualified for under-hood and safety-critical modules |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - enables long-term field calibration storage |
| Data retention | 200 years at 25°C - ensures firmware/config integrity over product lifetime |
| Write cycle time | 6 ms (TWC) - deterministic self-timed programming without external delay management |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage on microcontrollers |
Pinout & Package
8-lead TSSOP (ST) package with standard pinout: Pin 1 = CS, Pin 2 = CLK, Pin 3 = DI, Pin 4 = DO, Pin 5 = VSS, Pin 6 = NC, Pin 7 = ORG (NC on A/B variants), Pin 8 = VCC. The ORG pin is not internally connected on 93LC56A/B devices like this part, confirming fixed 8-bit operation.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; initiates self-timed write on falling edge |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O; supports stop/resume; no clock required during auto-erase/write |
| DI | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; tied high with CS to detect Start condition |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge |
| VSS | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog circuitry; must be low-impedance connection |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; internal POR triggers at ~1.5 V; ≥4.5 V required for ERAL/WRAL |
| NC | No Connection | Pin 6 is unconnected; no PCB routing or termination needed |
| ORG | Organization Select | No internal connection (NC) on 93LC56A - confirms fixed 8-bit mode; leave floating or grounded |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control or polling delays - simplifies firmware driver design |
| Auto-ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees full-array erase prior to bulk write, preventing stale data corruption without software intervention |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level inhibition below VPOR (~1.5 V) prevents partial writes during brown-out or power ramp |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables efficient polling instead of fixed delays - reduces worst-case latency by up to 4× vs. timeout-based waits |
| 100 µA max read current at 2.5 V | Supports ultra-low-power wake-up reads in battery-backed systems (e.g., telematics sleep modes) |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Infotainment System |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing adaptive fuel trim values and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that persist across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed via MCU SPI-compatible Microwire peripheral during boot and runtime logging. Use Value: Automotive temperature rating and 200-year data retention ensure reliability in under-hood thermal environments without periodic refresh. | Use Scenario: Holding user preferences (volume, EQ, display brightness) and last-played media state in head unit firmware. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration memory interfaced to application processor's GPIO-banged Microwire controller. Use Value: 1M endurance allows daily rewrites for 2,700+ years - far exceeding product lifecycle requirements. |
| Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) | Telematics Control Unit (TCU) |
Use Scenario: Saving camera calibration offsets and radar sensor alignment parameters after factory setup or field recalibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage element accessed only during initialization or service mode. Use Value: Hardware write-protection (EWDS/EWEN) prevents accidental overwrites during CAN bus firmware updates. | Use Scenario: Retaining SIM authentication keys, network registration state, and OTA update staging flags during vehicle power cycling. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-quiescent-current (1 µA standby) nonvolatile memory co-located with cellular modem SoC. Use Value: 2.5 V minimum VCC enables direct connection to 3.3 V or 2.8 V LDO outputs without level-shifting. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC56BT-E/ST | 128 × 16-bit organization; same VCC/temp/package; requires 16-bit data path handling | Used where MCU has native 16-bit serial peripherals or memory-mapped access via glue logic | Select only if system architecture mandates 16-bit word access; otherwise 93LC56AT-E/ST is closer functional match |
| AT25020B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 2 Kbit, 1.8–5.5 V, −40°C to +125°C, SOIC-8; no ERAL/WRAL commands | Requires different driver stack; lacks auto-erase-all and write-all primitives | Choose when SPI is already standardized in platform; avoid if Microwire-specific features (e.g., WRAL) are required |
Compared with 93LC56BT-E/ST, the 93LC56CT-E/ST offers identical automotive qualification but fixed 8-bit access - reducing firmware complexity. Versus AT25020B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and hardware-assisted bulk operations, critical for deterministic ECU configuration updates.
Availability
93LC56CT-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control modules, infotainment head units, and ADAS calibration systems requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC56CT-E/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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.
The 93LC56 series belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire-compatible EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained automotive and industrial systems needing reliable, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC56CT-E/ST?
The 93LC56CT-E/ST is a fixed 256 × 8-bit (2 Kbit) organization device. Unlike 'C' variants, it has no functional ORG pin - Pin 7 is NC. This eliminates configuration ambiguity and simplifies PCB layout and firmware initialization for 8-bit systems. The 93LC56CT-E/ST does not support 16-bit mode.
Does the 93LC56CT-E/ST require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93LC56CT-E/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 states. A pull-up may cause bus contention if DI and DO are shorted - which is not recommended per Microchip's DS21794G Section 2.2.
What is the minimum VCC required for ERAL and WRAL operations on the 93LC56CT-E/ST?
The 93LC56CT-E/ST requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V to execute ERAL (Erase All) or WRAL (Write All) commands reliably. Below this threshold, these instructions will not complete successfully. This is specified in DS21794G Figures 2-3, 2-4, 2-10, and 2-11, and applies regardless of ambient temperature or package type.
How is write protection implemented on the 93LC56CT-E/ST?
Write protection on the 93LC56CT-E/ST uses dual-command EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable). The device powers up in EWDS mode. An EWEN instruction must precede any ERASE or WRITE; subsequent EWDS disables further writes until next power cycle or another EWEN. This prevents accidental overwrites during noise events or firmware glitches.
Is the 93LC56CT-E/ST RoHS compliant and Pb-free?
Yes, the 93LC56CT-E/ST is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, as confirmed in DS21794G-page 1 Feature list and Packaging section. The TSSOP-8 (ST) package uses Matte Tin (Sn) finish per JEDEC standard, and marking includes "e3" or equivalent Pb-free designation per Microchip's packaging specification.
93LC56CT-E/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 2Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 256 x 8, 128 x 16
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 3 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 6ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
93LC56CT-E/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC56CT-E/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC56CT-E/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 93LC56CT-E/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC56CT-E/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC56CT-E/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC56CT-E/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC56CT-E/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC56CT-E/ST?
93LC56CT-E/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC56CT-E/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 93LC56CT-E/ST?
For technical support, including 93LC56CT-E/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC56CT-E/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC56CT-E/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC56CT-E/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 93LC56CT-E/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC56CT-E/ST?
All 93LC56CT-E/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC56CT-E/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 93LC56CT-E/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC56CT-E/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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