Microchip Technology AT93C56-10PI-2.7

Overview

AT93C56-10PI-2.7 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2-kbit serial EEPROM with three-wire interface, user-selectable 256 × 8 or 128 × 16 organization via ORG pin, 2.7V to 5.5V supply operation, and 10 ms max self-timed write cycle. It supports industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) in 8-lead PDIP package and is used for configuration storage in embedded controllers, power supplies, and sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C56-10PI-2.7 datasheet, AT93C56-10PI-2.7 pinout, AT93C56-10PI-2.7 application, or AT93C56-10PI-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (2.7–5.5 V), organization flexibility (x8/x16), endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (100 years), and industrial-grade temperature performance.

Technical Context

The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with instruction-based command set including READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN/EWDS, and bulk operations (ERAL/WRAL). Its internal architecture supports dual memory mapping selected by the ORG pin state-ground for x8, VCC for x16-and includes on-chip logic to manage erase/write enable states and Ready/Busy status reporting via DO during CS high transitions.

Timing compliance is specified across voltage ranges: SK clock frequency up to 2 MHz at 5 V, with minimum SK high/low times of 250 ns (4.5–5.5 V), scaling to 1000 ns at 1.8–2.7 V. Write cycle time is fixed at 10 ms maximum, independent of VCC within rated range, and no external erase step is required prior to write.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C56-10PI-2.7 is housed in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual Inline Package), 0.300" wide body, with standard through-hole mounting and JEDEC MS-001 compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT93C56A-10PI-2.7, the AT93C56-10PI-2.7 lacks updated ESD specs and has looser tSKH/tSKL limits; compared with M95256-WMN6TP, it offers simpler three-wire control and lower pin count but significantly less memory and slower throughput.

Availability

AT93C56-10PI-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, smart power supplies, embedded sensor nodes, and medical device usage logging requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT93C56-10PI-2.7 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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification capabilities.

The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count applications requiring reliable nonvolatile storage in space-constrained industrial and consumer systems.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by AT93C56-10PI-2.7?

The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 supports a maximum SK clock frequency of 2 MHz at VCC = 5.0 V. At lower voltages (2.7–5.5 V), the maximum clock rate remains 2 MHz, but timing margins increase - for example, minimum SK high/low times widen to 250 ns at 4.5–5.5 V and 1000 ns at 1.8–2.7 V. The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 datasheet specifies these values in Table 4 (AC Characteristics).

How does the ORG pin affect memory organization in AT93C56-10PI-2.7?

The ORG pin on the AT93C56-10PI-2.7 selects between two internal memory configurations: tying ORG to GND configures the device as 256 × 8 (256 words of 8 bits), while connecting it to VCC selects 128 × 16 (128 words of 16 bits). This hardware-selectable organization allows flexible data alignment without firmware changes. The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 does not support dynamic reconfiguration - the setting is fixed at power-on based on ORG voltage.

Is AT93C56-10PI-2.7 compatible with 1.8 V systems?

No, AT93C56-10PI-2.7 is rated for 2.7 V to 5.5 V operation only. It is not compatible with 1.8 V systems. For 1.8 V operation, Microchip offers the AT93C56-10PI-1.8 variant, which shares the same pinout and instruction set but has separate DC and AC specifications optimized for lower voltage. Using AT93C56-10PI-2.7 below 2.7 V may result in unreliable read/write behavior or failure to meet timing specs.

What is the purpose of the DC pin on AT93C56-10PI-2.7?

The DC (Don't Connect) pin on the AT93C56-10PI-2.7 has no internal connection and must remain unconnected in the circuit. It is not tied to ground or VCC internally, and soldering it to any net may cause mechanical stress or unintended coupling. The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 datasheet explicitly states "DC" in the pin function table and warns against routing traces to this terminal to avoid compromising package integrity or electrical performance.

Does AT93C56-10PI-2.7 require an external erase command before writing?

No, the AT93C56-10PI-2.7 does not require a separate erase command before writing. Each WRITE instruction automatically erases the target memory location prior to programming, and the entire write cycle (erase + program) is self-timed and completes within 10 ms maximum. However, the device must first be placed in Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) state using the EWEN instruction - this is a security feature to prevent accidental writes. The AT93C56-10PI-2.7 handles erase internally as part of the write sequence.