Microchip Technology 93LC86C-I/MS

Overview

93LC86C-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with user-selectable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), and MSOP-8 package. It features Program Enable (PE) pin for full-array write protection, self-timed erase/write cycles, and Ready/Busy status output on DO - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and power-management parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86C-I/MS datasheet, 93LC86C-I/MS pinout, 93LC86C-I/MS application, or 93LC86C-I/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include ORG-dependent memory mapping, PE-controlled write-enable logic, VCC-dependent timing (e.g., 3 MHz max clock at 4.5–5.5 V), endurance (1M cycles), and data retention (>200 years).

Technical Context

The 93LC86C-I/MS implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with dual-mode memory organization: ORG = VSS selects 2048 × 8-bit mode; ORG = VCC selects 1024 × 16-bit mode. All instructions - READ, WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS - are initiated by a Start bit followed by opcode, address, and data fields clocked on CLK rising edges.

Write operations require both PE = VCC and prior execution of EWEN; auto-erase precedes every WRITE/WRAL. The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and open-drain Ready/Busy status indicator during programming - low = busy, high = ready - with status valid after CS reassertion following TCSL ≥ 250 ns.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin MSOP (150-mil) package with exposed pad (optional VSS connection). Pinout matches standard Microwire serial EEPROM layout and is identical across PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and MSOP variants per DS21797L-page 11.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86C-I/SN and 93LC86C-I/ST, the 93LC86C-I/MS offers optimal balance of compactness (3.0 mm width), thermal performance (exposed pad option), and manufacturability for fine-pitch SMT lines - making it ideal for space-constrained industrial control modules.

Availability

93LC86C-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, embedded system configuration memory, and power management unit parameter backup requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 93LC86C-I/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, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93LC86C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power, Microwire-compatible nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC86C-I/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93LC86C-I/MS selects memory organization: tied to VSS (ground), it configures the device as 2048 × 8-bit; tied to VCC, it configures as 1024 × 16-bit. This hardware-selectable mode eliminates software-based data packing/unpacking and ensures deterministic addressing - critical for deterministic boot-time configuration loading in the 93LC86C-I/MS.

How does the PE pin protect memory in the 93LC86C-I/MS?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93LC86C-I/MS must be driven high (VCC) to permit any write operation - including EWEN, WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, or ERAL. When PE is low (VSS), all programming functions are disabled regardless of instruction sequence. This hardwired lockout prevents firmware bugs or transient noise from corrupting stored data in the 93LC86C-I/MS.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC86C-I/MS at 3.3 V?

At VCC = 3.3 V, the 93LC86C-I/MS supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz (per DS21797L Table 1-2, A1). This is confirmed by the 2.5–4.5 V row specifying 2 MHz max. Exceeding this violates AC timing - particularly TCKH (250 ns min) and TCKL (200 ns min) - and risks command misinterpretation or incomplete writes in the 93LC86C-I/MS.

Does the 93LC86C-I/MS require external pull-up resistors on its I/O pins?

The 93LC86C-I/MS does not require external pull-ups on CS, CLK, or DI - these inputs have CMOS-compatible thresholds and sufficient noise margin. However, DO is open-drain during Ready/Busy status reporting and requires an external pull-up (typically 4.7–10 kΩ to VCC) to assert high-level status. This pull-up is mandatory for reliable status polling in the 93LC86C-I/MS.

Can the 93LC86C-I/MS be used in automotive applications?

The 93LC86C-I/MS is rated for Industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C) and is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For automotive use, Microchip offers the 93LC86C-E/MS variant (–40°C to +125°C, Automotive grade), which shares identical pinout, timing, and functionality. Substituting the 93LC86C-I/MS in automotive designs risks thermal derating failure and voids compliance - always specify the E-temp version for under-hood or cabin-control applications using the 93LC86C-I/MS footprint.