Microchip Technology 93LC86B-I/SN

Overview

93LC86B-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16K-bit, 1024 × 16-bit organization serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V across industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), featuring self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL/WRAL, and Ready/Busy status output - used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86B-I/SN datasheet, 93LC86B-I/SN pinout, 93LC86B-I/SN application, or 93LC86B-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include guaranteed 16-bit word access, VCC-dependent max clock frequency (up to 3 MHz at 4.5–5.5V), 1M endurance cycles, >200-year data retention, and SOIC-8 package compatibility with legacy board layouts.

Technical Context

The 93LC86B-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with dedicated CS, CLK, DI, and DO pins - no ORG or PE pins - enforcing fixed 16-bit word organization. It uses internal auto-erase before write and supports sequential read, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS commands via 14-clock-cycle instruction framing.

Its timing behavior is voltage- and temperature-governed: TCKH/TCKL minima scale with VCC (e.g., 200 ns/100 ns at 4.5–5.5V), and program cycle time (TWC) is fixed at 5 ms for erase/write operations. Power-on reset logic disables writes below 1.5V, and DO pin serves dual role as data output and Ready/Busy indicator during programming.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin SOIC (SN) package with standard 150-mil body width, gull-wing leads, and Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner defined per JEDEC MS-012.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86A-I/SN, the 93LC86B-I/SN delivers native 16-bit word access without software bit-packing, while versus AT25128B-MAHL-T it provides guaranteed Ready/Busy signaling for tighter real-time control loop integration despite lower density and speed.

Availability

93LC86B-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, motor control, and medical instrumentation requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93LC86B-I/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93LCxx family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable, pin-compatible serial EEPROMs with Microwire interface compatibility and extended endurance - targeting industrial, automotive, and consumer control applications.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93LC86B-I/SN?

The 93LC86B-I/SN has a fixed 1024 × 16-bit organization - meaning it stores 1024 words of 16 bits each, totaling 16 Kbits. Unlike the 'C' variants, it does not have an ORG pin; its 16-bit word size is hardwired. This eliminates external configuration logic and simplifies firmware for 16-bit-aligned data such as ADC calibration tables or motor control coefficients. The 93LC86B-I/SN does not support 8-bit mode.

Does the 93LC86B-I/SN support hardware write protection?

No, the 93LC86B-I/SN does not include a Program Enable (PE) pin or hardware write-protection feature. Write protection is implemented exclusively through firmware using the EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) commands. After power-up, the device defaults to EWDS mode, requiring an explicit EWEN instruction before any ERASE or WRITE operation. This differs from the 93LC86C variant, which adds a dedicated PE pin for hardware-level disable.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC86B-I/SN at 3.3V operation?

At VCC = 3.3V (within the 2.5–5.5V range), the 93LC86B-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1). This is determined by the 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V timing bin. Exceeding this frequency risks setup/hold violations - particularly TDIS and TDIH - leading to opcode misreads or incomplete write cycles. For robust operation at 3.3V, clock edges must meet minimum TCKH (250 ns) and TCKL (200 ns) requirements.

How does the Ready/Busy status function on the 93LC86B-I/SN DO pin?

The DO pin of the 93LC86B-I/SN serves dual purpose: data output during READ and Ready/Busy status during programming. To read status, CS must be brought high after ≥250 ns low time (TCSL); then DO = low indicates ongoing erase/write, and DO = high signals completion. Status is invalid if CS remains low throughout the cycle. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status latch. This hardware signaling eliminates need for fixed timeout delays in firmware.

Is the 93LC86B-I/SN pin-compatible with other packages in the 93LCxx family?

Yes, the 93LC86B-I/SN in SOIC-8 (SN) package shares identical pinout and signal mapping with all other 8-pin variants in the 93LCxx family - including PDIP (P), TSSOP (ST), MSOP (MS), and DFN/TDFN (MC/MN) - as confirmed in Table 3-1 and Package Types diagrams. All use CS/CLK/DI/DO/VSS/VCC on pins 1–4 and 5–8 respectively. This allows direct PCB footprint reuse across package types for cost or thermal optimization without schematic or firmware changes.