Microchip Technology 93LC86C-E/P

Overview

93LC86C-E/P from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with user-selectable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, program enable (PE) write protection, and industrial/automotive temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and operates from 2.5V to 5.5V - deployed in embedded control systems for parameter storage and calibration data logging.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86C-E/P datasheet, 93LC86C-E/P pinout, 93LC86C-E/P application, or 93LC86C-E/P equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range compatibility, ORG/PE pin configuration for memory layout and write security, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, self-timed ERAL/WRAL operations, and package-specific layout constraints for PDIP-8.

Technical Context

The 93LC86C-E/P implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic level applied to the ORG pin - high for x16 (1024 × 16), low for x8 (2048 × 8) - enabling flexible memory mapping without hardware redesign.

Write protection is enforced by the dedicated PE pin: only when PE = VCC can EWEN be issued to enable erase/write; PE = VSS permanently inhibits programming. All operations - including auto-erase-before-write, ERAL (6 ms), WRAL (15 ms), and individual WRITE (5 ms) - are fully self-timed and signaled via DO pin status (low = busy, high = ready).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP package (E/P suffix denotes Automotive grade, Pb-free Matte Tin finish). Pin 1 marked by laser dot; body dimensions per Microchip drawing 00000001A.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86C-I/P, the 93LC86C-E/P adds automotive temperature qualification and tighter VCC monitoring; versus AT25128B-MAHL-T, it trades SPI compatibility for hardware-level write protection and configurable word size using only three MCU pins.

Availability

93LC86C-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial PLCs, motor drive calibration systems, and medical device usage logging requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC86C-E/P 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 nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and robust data integrity - targeting automotive, industrial, and consumer applications where field reliability is critical.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC86C-E/P?

The ORG pin on the 93LC86C-E/P selects memory word size: logic high configures the device as 1024 × 16-bit (x16), while logic low configures it as 2048 × 8-bit (x8). This hardware-selectable organization eliminates the need for separate part numbers and enables flexible memory mapping in the same PCB footprint. The 93LC86C-E/P requires ORG to be externally tied to a stable VCC or VSS level before any instruction is issued.

How does the PE pin protect against accidental writes in the 93LC86C-E/P?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93LC86C-E/P provides hardware-level write inhibition: when PE is tied to VSS, all erase and write operations are permanently blocked - even if EWEN is issued. Only when PE = VCC can the device accept EWEN to enable programming. This prevents corruption during power-up transients, debug sessions, or software faults. The 93LC86C-E/P datasheet mandates PE be hardwired, not left floating.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC86C-E/P at 3.3V VCC?

At VCC = 3.3V (within the 2.5–5.5V range), the 93LC86C-E/P supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1 parameter). This applies to both x8 and x16 configurations. Higher frequencies (up to 3 MHz) are only permitted when VCC ≥ 4.5V. Timing margins must also satisfy minimum TCKH (250 ns), TCKL (200 ns), and TDIS (100 ns) requirements at this voltage.

Can the 93LC86C-E/P be used in a single-line (DI/DO shared) configuration?

Yes, the 93LC86C-E/P supports single-line bus configuration where DI and DO share a net, but a series resistor (typically 10 kΩ) is required between them to prevent bus conflict during the dummy zero preceding READ operations. The 93LC86C-E/P datasheet warns that undefined voltage levels may occur at DO if A0 is high during this phase, and the resistor limits current flow to ensure signal integrity and prevent damage to either the EEPROM or driving MCU.

What is the purpose of the Ready/Busy status on the DO pin of the 93LC86C-E/P?

The DO pin of the 93LC86C-E/P serves dual purpose: during READ, it outputs data; during ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, or WRAL, it indicates Ready/Busy status - low = operation in progress, high = complete. To sample status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL; DO returns to High-Z on CS falling edge. This enables efficient polling without dedicated status lines, reducing MCU pin count and simplifying firmware for the 93LC86C-E/P.