Microchip Technology 93LC86C-I/SN

Overview

93LC86C-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, Industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), and SOIC-8 package. It supports self-timed erase/write cycles, program enable (PE) write protection, and Ready/Busy status polling - used in embedded system configuration storage for microcontrollers.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86C-I/SN datasheet, 93LC86C-I/SN pinout, 93LC86C-I/SN application, or 93LC86C-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include voltage compatibility (2.5–5.5 V), ORG/PE pin control logic, 3-wire serial interface timing at up to 3 MHz, and endurance (1 million cycles) with >200-year data retention.

Technical Context

The 93LC86C-I/SN implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-based command decoding. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic level applied to the ORG pin: VSS selects 2048 × 8-bit mode; VCC selects 1024 × 16-bit mode.

Write operations require prior execution of EWEN, followed by valid address/data and high PE signal; ERAL and WRAL commands perform full-array erase/write with auto-erase. Status is monitored via DO pin during CS-high intervals after TCSL ≥250 ns, with DO low = Busy, DO high = Ready.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin SOIC (SN), Pb-free Matte Tin finish, body dimensions 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm × 1.75 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86B-I/SN, the 93LC86C-I/SN adds flexible word sizing and hardware write protection; versus AT25160B-SSHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and ORG-driven configurability but lacks sub-2.5 V support.

Availability

93LC86C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive ECU trim settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC86C-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, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets with high-reliability semiconductor products.

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

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93LC86C-I/SN selects memory word size: tied to VSS (ground) configures 2048 × 8-bit organization; tied to VCC configures 1024 × 16-bit organization. This pin is absent on 93LC86A/B variants and must be externally biased - floating is not permitted. The 93LC86C-I/SN requires this pin to be set at power-up to determine instruction addressing and data width behavior.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin protect the 93LC86C-I/SN memory array?

The PE pin on the 93LC86C-I/SN acts as a hardware write gate: only when PE is driven high can ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, or WRAL commands execute. If PE is low, all programming functions are inhibited regardless of EWEN state. This provides fail-safe protection against spurious writes during power transients - a critical feature not present in A/B variants. The 93LC86C-I/SN requires PE high prior to the final clock edge of any write operation.

What are the voltage requirements for ERAL and WRAL commands on the 93LC86C-I/SN?

The 93LC86C-I/SN requires V_CC ≥4.5 V to execute ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands reliably. Below this threshold, these operations may fail or produce undefined results. This is distinct from standard READ/WRITE, which operate down to 2.5 V. The 93LC86C-I/SN datasheet specifies 4.5–5.5 V as the valid range for full-array commands, and designers must ensure stable supply headroom during bulk reconfiguration sequences.

Can the 93LC86C-I/SN be used with a shared DI/DO bus line?

Yes, the 93LC86C-I/SN supports single-line bidirectional bus operation by connecting DI and DO together, but a series resistor (typically 10 kΩ) is required to prevent bus conflict during the dummy-zero phase of READ. Without it, undefined voltage levels may occur if address bit A0 is high. This configuration reduces pin count on host MCUs but adds minor timing constraints - the 93LC86C-I/SN's DO pin enters High-Z on CS falling edge, enabling safe bus sharing.

What is the significance of the "I" suffix in 93LC86C-I/SN?

The "I" in 93LC86C-I/SN denotes Industrial temperature grade, specifying guaranteed operation from –40°C to +85°C ambient. This distinguishes it from Automotive-grade ("E") variants rated to +125°C. The "I" grade applies to both electrical specifications (e.g., 2.5–5.5 V V_CC, 3 MHz max clock) and reliability parameters (1M cycles, >200-year retention) across that full range. The 93LC86C-I/SN is qualified per Microchip's industrial test flow and marked accordingly on the SOIC-8 package body.