Microchip Technology AT93C56-10TI-1.8

Overview

AT93C56-10TI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2-kbit serial EEPROM with three-wire interface, supporting 1.8V to 5.5V supply and user-selectable 256 × 8 or 128 × 16 organization via the ORG pin. It delivers 2 MHz clock rate at 5V, 10 ms max self-timed write cycle, 1 million write endurance, and 100-year data retention - deployed in automotive instrument clusters and industrial sensor calibration modules.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 datasheet, AT93C56-10TI-1.8 pinout, AT93C56-10TI-1.8 application, or AT93C56-10TI-1.8 equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage operation down to 1.8V, TSSOP-8 packaging for space-constrained PCBs, configurable x8/x16 memory mapping, automotive-grade temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), and compatibility with legacy Atmel serial EEPROM firmware stacks.

Technical Context

The AT93C56-10TI-1.8 implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with start-bit–driven instruction decoding. Its internal architecture supports dual memory organizations selected by the ORG pin state, and all write operations require prior EWEN enable - no separate erase cycle is needed before write.

Timing behavior is voltage-dependent: AC parameters such as tSKH/tSKL (250 ns min at 2.7–5.5V, 1000 ns max at 1.8–5.5V) and fSK (up to 2 MHz at 5V) are explicitly specified per VCC range. The DO pin provides Ready/Busy status during write cycles when CS is asserted after tCS ≥ 250 ns.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C56-10TI-1.8 is housed in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), 3.00 mm × 4.40 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free/halogen-free compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95256-WMN6TP and AT25020B-MAHL-T, the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 offers lowest pin count (4 active pins), deterministic three-wire timing, and TSSOP-8 compatibility - ideal for legacy designs constrained by GPIO count and board area, though newer SPI alternatives provide higher speed and density.

Availability

AT93C56-10TI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, industrial sensor calibration modules, consumer appliance control panels, and medical device configuration storage requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT93C56-10TI-1.8 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 delivering microcontrollers, analog devices, FPGAs, and memory solutions with emphasis on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.

The AT93C56-10TI-1.8 belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained applications needing simple nonvolatile storage with robust automotive and industrial qualification.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the AT93C56-10TI-1.8?

The ORG pin on the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 selects internal memory organization: tied to VCC for 128 × 16 mode, grounded for 256 × 8 mode. Unlike higher-voltage variants, the 1.8V version does not support floating ORG - it must be actively driven. This hardware-selectable configuration eliminates firmware bit manipulation during read/write operations and directly maps to host MCU data bus width.

Does the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?

No, the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 features an internally weak pull-up on the DO pin during output mode and transitions to high-impedance when CS is inactive. External pull-ups are unnecessary and may interfere with valid logic levels during status reads. The device meets specified VOL/VOH levels under load conditions defined in Table 3, confirming proper drive strength without external biasing.

Can the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 operate reliably at 1.8V while running at 2 MHz clock frequency?

No - the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 supports 2 MHz maximum clock frequency only at VCC = 5.0V. At 1.8V, the maximum SK clock frequency is 0.25 MHz per Table 4. Attempting 2 MHz operation at 1.8V violates AC timing specifications and risks data corruption or failed writes. Designers must scale clock rate according to actual VCC level using the min/max values in the AC Characteristics table.

How is write protection implemented on the AT93C56-10TI-1.8?

Write protection on the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 is controlled by the Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) and Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) instructions. The device powers up in EWDS state, blocking all programming. An EWEN command must precede any ERASE or WRITE operation. Once enabled, programming remains active until EWDS is issued or power is cycled. There is no hardware write-protect pin - security relies entirely on correct instruction sequencing in host firmware.

Is the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 pin-compatible with the AT93C56A series?

No - the AT93C56-10TI-1.8 is not pin-compatible with the AT93C56A series. While both share the same TSSOP-8 package outline and pin functions, the AT93C56A introduces enhanced ESD protection, tighter AC timing, and revised DC characteristics. The datasheet explicitly states "This device is not recommended for new designs. Please refer to AT93C56A." Migration requires validation of timing margins and firmware compatibility due to undocumented internal improvements in the A variant.