Microchip Technology 93LC86CT-I/SN

Overview

93LC86CT-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL/WRAL support, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86CT-I/SN datasheet, 93LC86CT-I/SN pinout, 93LC86CT-I/SN application, or 93LC86CT-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range (2.5–5.5 V), 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), absence of PE/ORG pins ('T' suffix confirms 'A' variant), SOIC-8 package compatibility, and 1 million endurance cycles with >200-year data retention.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals. All instructions - READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, EWDS, ERAL, WRAL - are initiated by a Start bit followed by opcode, address, and optional data bits clocked on CLK rising edges. The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming.

Unlike 'C' variants, the 93LC86CT-I/SN lacks ORG and PE pins, fixing it as an 8-bit-only, always-programmable device. Its internal power-on reset and voltage detect circuitry (VPOR = 1.5 V) ensure data protection during brown-out conditions, and standby current is limited to 1 µA at industrial temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead SOIC (SN) package with gull-wing leads, 1.27 mm pitch, JEDEC MS-012AC compliant. Pin 1 marked by laser dot or bevelled edge.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86B-I/SN, the 93LC86CT-I/SN offers native 8-bit alignment and simpler address mapping; versus AT25080B-SSHL-T, it provides hardware status signaling and atomic full-array operations - both critical for deterministic embedded control loops.

Availability

93LC86CT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system configuration, and firmware parameter backup requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for 93LC86CT-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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.

The 93LCxx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power serial nonvolatile memory applications in industrial, automotive, and consumer systems - emphasizing robustness, ease of integration, and long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93LC86CT-I/SN?

The 93LC86CT-I/SN is a fixed 2048 × 8-bit (16 Kbit) EEPROM. As a 'T'-suffixed 'A' variant, it has no ORG pin and does not support 16-bit mode - all addresses resolve to 8-bit words. This simplifies address decoding and eliminates external logic needed for word-size selection.

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

Yes, the 93LC86CT-I/SN requires external pull-up resistors on CS, DI, and DO lines - typically 4.7 kΩ to VCC - to ensure valid logic levels during idle and multi-drop configurations. CLK may be driven directly by the controller without pull-up, as it is strictly input-only.

Can the 93LC86CT-I/SN operate at 1.8 V?

No, the 93LC86CT-I/SN has a minimum VCC of 2.5 V per DS21797L. For 1.8 V operation, consider the 93AA86A-I/SN variant, which supports 1.8–5.5 V but shares identical pinout and instruction set - requiring only VCC and timing adjustments in system design.

How is write protection implemented on the 93LC86CT-I/SN?

The 93LC86CT-I/SN has no hardware write-protection pin (PE is absent). Write protection is enforced exclusively through firmware: the EWEN instruction must precede any ERASE or WRITE, and EWDS must follow to disable further writes. This provides flexible, software-controlled security without additional pins or external components.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC86CT-I/SN at 3.3 V?

At VCC = 3.3 V (within 2.5–4.5 V range), the 93LC86CT-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz per Table 1-2 (A1). Clock high/low times must each be ≥200 ns, and setup/hold times for CS and DI require ≥100 ns - all easily met by standard 32-bit MCU GPIO peripherals.