Microchip Technology 93LC86CT-E/MS

Overview

93LC86CT-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with 8-bit organization, operating at 2.5–5.5 V, supporting Industrial and Automotive temperature ranges (−40°C to +125°C), and housed in an 8-lead MSOP package. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used for configuration storage in automotive body control modules.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86CT-E/MS datasheet, 93LC86CT-E/MS pinout, 93LC86CT-E/MS application, or 93LC86CT-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5 V), automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +125°C), MSOP package footprint, 8-bit word organization, and PE/ORG pin dependency for write-enable and memory configuration control.

Technical Context

The 93LC86CT-E/MS implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-based command decoding. Its internal architecture includes address counter, mode decode logic, and output buffer, enabling sequential read, ERAL, WRAL, and individual erase/write operations.

It requires external logic-level control of ORG (to select x8/x16) and PE (to enable programming); both pins are active and mandatory for full functionality. The device enters EWDS state on power-up and requires explicit EWEN before any erase/write operation - ensuring robust data integrity in noisy automotive environments.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (150-mil) package with exposed pad (optional VSS connection). Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner defined per JEDEC MO-187.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86C-I/MS, the 93LC86CT-E/MS adds automotive qualification and guaranteed operation up to +125°C; compared with AT25DF041A-SSH-T, it provides simpler command protocol, integrated status signaling, and true EEPROM endurance - critical for frequent small-parameter updates.

Availability

93LC86CT-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC86CT-E/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, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets with vertically integrated silicon and development tools.

The 93LC86 series targets cost-sensitive, low-power nonvolatile storage applications requiring simple 3-wire interfaces and robust data integrity - especially in automotive subsystems where reliability under thermal stress is mandatory.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC86CT-E/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93LC86CT-E/MS selects memory word size: logic high configures 1024 × 16-bit (x16) organization, logic low configures 2048 × 8-bit (x8) organization. For the 93LC86CT-E/MS, this pin must be statically tied to VSS or VCC - floating is prohibited. This configuration determines instruction length, address width, and data bus width during READ/WRITE operations.

Does the 93LC86CT-E/MS require external pull-up resistors on its I/O lines?

The 93LC86CT-E/MS does not require external pull-ups on CS, CLK, or DI for basic operation, as internal weak pull-downs are absent and signal levels are actively driven. However, a 10 kΩ pull-down on CS is recommended per Microchip application guidance to prevent accidental activation during power-up transients. DO is high-impedance when inactive and should not be pulled unless shared with DI (in which case a series resistor is mandatory).

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin affect write operations on the 93LC86CT-E/MS?

The PE pin on the 93LC86CT-E/MS must be held at logic high before the rising edge of the final clock cycle of any WRITE or WRAL command to permit programming; if PE is low, all erase/write functions are inhibited regardless of EWEN state. Unlike software locks, PE is a hardware gate - making it ideal for permanent write-protection in field-deployed systems using the 93LC86CT-E/MS.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC86CT-E/MS at 3.3 V VCC?

At VCC = 3.3 V, the 93LC86CT-E/MS supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1: FCLK). This is derived from the 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V bin, where FCLK max = 2 MHz. Exceeding this limit risks setup/hold timing violations, particularly TDIS and TDIH, and may cause opcode misreads or incomplete writes.

Can the 93LC86CT-E/MS be used in a shared-bus configuration with multiple devices?

Yes, the 93LC86CT-E/MS supports multi-drop configurations via independent CS lines - each device requires its own chip-select signal. Since it uses a 3-wire Microwire interface without address pins, daisy-chaining is not supported; parallel connection with individual CS control is the only valid topology. Shared CLK and DI/DO lines are permitted, provided DO high-Z behavior is respected and bus contention is avoided during transitions.