Microchip Technology AT93C56-10SC-2.5

Overview

AT93C56-10SC-2.5 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2-kbit serial EEPROM with 3-wire interface, organized as 256 × 8 or 128 × 16 bits selectable via ORG pin, operating at V_CC = 2.5V to 5.5V, with 10 ms max self-timed write cycle and 1 million write endurance. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded microcontroller systems requiring low-voltage operation and space-constrained PCB layouts.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 datasheet, AT93C56-10SC-2.5 pinout, AT93C56-10SC-2.5 application, or AT93C56-10SC-2.5 equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage range compatibility (2.5V min), 8-pin SOIC JEDEC package footprint, 2 MHz clock support at 5V, ORG-pin-configurable memory organization, and READY/BUSY status reporting via DO pin during write cycles.

Technical Context

The AT93C56-10SC-2.5 implements a synchronous 3-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with instruction-based command set including READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, EWDS, ERAL, and WRAL. Its internal logic decodes 9-bit addresses (A8–A0 for x8 mode; A7–A0 for x16 mode) and supports both byte-wide and word-wide data transfers depending on ORG pin state.

Write operations require explicit Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) before programming and report status via DO pin when CS is asserted post-command; no external erase cycle is needed. The device features an internal pull-up on ORG pin (≈1 MΩ) that defaults to x16 organization if left unconnected - a behavior confirmed for 2.5V versions per datasheet Section "Absolute Maximum Ratings" footnote and ordering table constraints.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C56-10SC-2.5 is housed in an 8-lead JEDEC-standard SOIC package (package code 8S1), 0.150" wide, with gull-wing leads and standard 1.27 mm pitch. Pin 1 is marked by a beveled corner or dot; orientation follows JEDEC MS-001 BA outline.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95256-WMN6TP and STK12C68-5BI, the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 offers unique Microwire protocol compatibility, ORG-pin configurability, and ultra-low 6–10 µA standby current at 2.5V - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained, and battery-aware designs where moderate write frequency suffices.

Availability

AT93C56-10SC-2.5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer device configuration, automotive body control modules, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for AT93C56-10SC-2.5 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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full technical and manufacturing continuity for the AT93C family of serial EEPROMs.

The AT93C56 belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire-compatible EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-pin-count, low-power, and cost-sensitive embedded systems needing reliable nonvolatile storage without complex interface peripherals.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the AT93C56-10SC-2.5?

The ORG pin on the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 selects internal memory organization: tied to V_CC, it configures the device as 128 × 16 bits; tied to GND, it configures as 256 × 8 bits. When left unconnected, an internal ~1 MΩ pull-up defaults to x16 mode. This hardware-selectable width eliminates firmware address translation and is fully supported in the 2.5V version per datasheet Section "Features" and "Functional Description".

Does the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 support write protection?

Yes, the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 supports hardware-assisted write protection via the EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) instructions. Programming operations (WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, ERAL) are only permitted after issuing EWEN; executing EWDS disables all write functions until the next power cycle or another EWEN. This prevents accidental overwrites during system operation or brown-out conditions.

What is the maximum clock frequency for the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 at 2.5V supply?

At V_CC = 2.5V, the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 supports a maximum SK clock frequency of 0.5 MHz, as specified in the AC Characteristics table under "f_SK" for the 2.5V ≤ V_CC ≤ 5.5V condition. This limit ensures reliable setup/hold timing margins for DI and DO signals and is verified across the full industrial temperature range (-40°C to +85°C).

Can the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 be used in automotive applications?

Yes - the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 is explicitly qualified for automotive-grade operation per datasheet "Features" section stating "Automotive Grade and Extended Temperature Devices Available". Its 8-lead SOIC package (8S1) and guaranteed performance from -40°C to +85°C meet AEC-Q100 stress test requirements for passive components, making it suitable for body control modules, infotainment configuration storage, and sensor calibration in passenger vehicles.

How does the AT93C56-10SC-2.5 indicate write completion status?

The AT93C56-10SC-2.5 uses its DO pin to report READY/BUSY status: after initiating a WRITE or ERASE command, if CS is brought high for ≥250 ns (t_CS) while the internal cycle is active, DO outputs logic 0 (BUSY); once complete, DO transitions to logic 1 (READY). This eliminates need for fixed delays and allows host firmware to poll efficiently - a feature confirmed in the "Functional Description" and "Timing Diagrams" sections of the datasheet.