Microchip Technology 93LC86-I/SN

Overview

93LC86-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 16 Kbit (2048 × 8 or 1024 × 16) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG-pin-selectable memory organization, and integrated power-on/off data protection. It operates down to 2.5 V, draws only 1 mA active current and 5 µA standby current, and supports industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It is used in embedded systems for storing calibration data, configuration parameters, and firmware boot settings.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC86-I/SN datasheet, 93LC86-I/SN pinout, 93LC86-I/SN application, or 93LC86-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its x8/x16 configurable organization, self-timed erase/write cycles (3 ms/word), 1 million endurance cycles, 200+ year data retention, and SOIC-8 industrial-grade packaging - all critical for reliable nonvolatile storage in space-constrained, low-power designs.

Technical Context

The 93LC86-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO lines, where instruction execution is triggered by a Start bit (CS high + DI high on first CLK rising edge). Memory organization is dynamically selected via the ORG pin: tied to VCC enables 1024 × 16-bit mode; tied to VSS enables 2048 × 8-bit mode.

It features hardware-level data protection including automatic ERAL before WRAL, Power-On/Off voltage monitoring (1.4 V threshold), and dual write-enable control via EWEN/EWDS instructions and the PE pin. The DO pin serves dual roles: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during erase/write operations - eliminating need for external polling timers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC86-I/SN is housed in an 8-pin plastic SOIC package (150 mil body width), pin-compatible with industry-standard 3-wire serial EEPROM footprints and suitable for automated SMT assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC86-I/SN, the 93LC86C-I/SN offers identical functionality with documented production support, while the AT25160B-MAU-10UT-A provides higher-speed SPI access at the cost of interface redesign and loss of x8/x16 flexibility - making the former a seamless upgrade and the latter a platform-level alternative.

Availability

93LC86-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC86-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The 93LC86-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count systems requiring robust, low-voltage serial nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC86-I/SN?

The 93LC86-I/SN supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 6.0 V, and up to 2 MHz when VCC is 2.5 V to less than 4.5 V. This specification is defined in Table 1-2 of the DS21131F datasheet and directly impacts sequential read/write throughput in host systems using the 93LC86-I/SN.

How does the ORG pin affect memory organization in the 93LC86-I/SN?

The ORG pin selects between two memory configurations: when tied to VCC, the 93LC86-I/SN operates in 1024 × 16-bit mode; when tied to VSS, it operates in 2048 × 8-bit mode. An internal pull-up ensures x16 mode if ORG is left floating. This hardware-selectable organization allows the same 93LC86-I/SN part to serve both word- and byte-addressed architectures without firmware changes.

Does the 93LC86-I/SN require external circuitry for write protection?

No, the 93LC86-I/SN includes dual hardware write-protection mechanisms: the PE pin disables programming when tied to VSS, and the EWEN/EWDS instruction sequence controls erase/write enable state. These features eliminate need for external logic or jumpers, allowing secure, software-controllable memory locking in the 93LC86-I/SN.

What is the purpose of the DO pin during erase and write operations in the 93LC86-I/SN?

During erase and write operations, the DO pin of the 93LC86-I/SN outputs Ready/Busy status: logic low indicates ongoing programming, and logic high indicates completion. This real-time status signal allows host controllers to poll without fixed delays, optimizing timing margins and reducing firmware complexity in systems using the 93LC86-I/SN.

Is the 93LC86-I/SN suitable for new designs, or is it obsolete?

The 93LC86-I/SN is explicitly marked "Not recommended for new designs" in the DS21131F datasheet (page 1). Microchip recommends migrating to the 93LC86C-I/SN, which shares identical pinout, electrical behavior, and instruction set but benefits from updated manufacturing and active production status - ensuring long-term supply for new 93LC86-I/SN-based projects.