Microchip Technology 93LC86C-I/SNG

Overview

93LC86C-I/SNG 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, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and integrated Program Enable (PE) pin for full-array write protection. It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and Ready/Busy status signaling - deployed in industrial sensor calibration storage and embedded system configuration memory.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86C-I/SNG datasheet, 93LC86C-I/SNG pinout, 93LC86C-I/SNG application, or 93LC86C-I/SNG equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (2.5–5.5 V), dual-word-size flexibility (via ORG), hardware write-protection (PE pin), self-timed erase/write (5 ms typical), and industrial temperature support (−40°C to +85°C).

Technical Context

The 93LC86C-I/SNG implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its dual-organization architecture requires external logic-level control of the ORG pin to select between 2048 × 8-bit (ORG = low) or 1024 × 16-bit (ORG = high) memory mapping.

Write operations require prior EWEN instruction and active-high PE signal; ERAL and WRAL commands perform full-array erase and write with auto-erase, while DO provides real-time Ready/Busy polling during all programming cycles. Power-on data protection activates below 1.5 V VCC threshold.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC86C-I/SNG is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150-mil body width and Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner located at top-left when notch faces up.

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/SNG adds critical hardware-based write security and configuration flexibility; versus AT25128B-MAHL-T, it trades interface standardization and density for deterministic Microwire timing and pin-level protection - making it optimal for resource-constrained industrial controllers.

Availability

93LC86C-I/SNG is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system configuration, and automotive subsystem logging requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93LC86C-I/SNG 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 components, 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 cost-sensitive, low-pin-count embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and flexible memory organization.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93LC86C-I/SNG selects memory organization: tied to VCC for 1024 × 16-bit mode, or to VSS for 2048 × 8-bit mode. This hardware-configurable feature allows the 93LC86C-I/SNG to match host processor data bus width without external logic. The ORG pin must be hardwired - floating is not permitted - and its state determines instruction set behavior (e.g., address length and data width per READ/WRITE).

How does the PE pin protect memory on the 93LC86C-I/SNG?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93LC86C-I/SNG provides hardware-level write protection: when held low, all erase and write operations (including ERAL and WRAL) are inhibited regardless of EWEN state. This differs from software-only locking (EWEN/EWDS), offering immunity to firmware glitches or power faults. For secure operation, the 93LC86C-I/SNG requires PE = VCC before any programming command executes.

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

At VCC = 3.3 V (within 2.5–4.5 V range), the 93LC86C-I/SNG supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz per Table 1-2 (A1). This limit ensures reliable setup/hold timing for DI and CS signals. Exceeding 2 MHz risks command misinterpretation or incomplete write cycles, especially under temperature extremes or PCB trace impedance mismatches.

Does the 93LC86C-I/SNG support sequential read mode?

Yes, the 93LC86C-I/SNG supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ command, the device automatically increments the internal address counter and outputs subsequent memory locations on each CLK rising edge. This eliminates repeated address transmission overhead and is confirmed in Section 2.7 of the datasheet. Sequential read works identically in both 8-bit and 16-bit configurations selected by the ORG pin.

What happens to the DO pin during a write operation on the 93LC86C-I/SNG?

During a write operation on the 93LC86C-I/SNG, the DO pin transitions from High-Z to active output to signal Ready/Busy status: DO = low indicates programming is in progress; DO = high confirms completion. This status is valid only after CS is brought high following ≥250 ns low time (TCSL). Once complete, issuing a Start bit then lowering CS clears the status and returns DO to High-Z - a behavior explicitly defined in Figures 2-6 and 2-7.