Microchip Technology AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T

Overview

AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2 Kbit three-wire serial EEPROM with user-selectable 256 × 8 or 128 × 16 organization, 1.8 V to 5.5 V supply operation, and TSSOP-8 packaging. It supports self-timed write cycles (≤10 ms), 1 million write endurance, and 100-year data retention - deployed in industrial control panels, embedded sensor calibration storage, and power management configuration memory.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T datasheet, AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T pinout, AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T application, or AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T equivalent, key selection criteria include low-voltage compatibility (1.8 V min), ORG-pin configurable memory width, sequential read capability, and TSSOP-8 footprint suitability for space-constrained PCBs.

Technical Context

The AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T implements a synchronous three-wire interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with instruction-based command protocol including READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, and EWDS. Its internal organization is dynamically selected via the ORG pin: tied to VCC for 128 × 16 mode or GND for 256 × 8 mode.

It operates across −40°C to +85°C with standby current as low as 0.4 µA at 1.8 V, supports clock rates up to 2 MHz at 5 V (0.25 MHz minimum at 1.8 V), and delivers output timing parameters (e.g., tPD0/tPD1 ≤1000 ns) validated over full voltage and temperature range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T is housed in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP) per JEDEC MO-153, 4.4 mm body width, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and 0.45–0.75 mm lead length. Pin 1 marked by index notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95256-DRMN6TP/K and AT25020B-SSHL-T, the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T uniquely offers ORG-pin-configurable memory width and true three-wire simplicity - reducing MCU GPIO count and enabling compact firmware drivers for resource-limited microcontrollers.

Availability

AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control panels, embedded sensor calibration storage, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence support.

Supply support for AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T 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 nonvolatile memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification programs.

The AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring simple, reliable, and pin-efficient nonvolatile storage.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T?

The AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T supports a maximum SK clock frequency of 2 MHz at VCC = 5.0 V. At 1.8 V, the minimum guaranteed clock period is 4 µs (250 kHz), per AC characteristics Table 3-3. The device does not specify a maximum frequency below 2.7 V, so operation above 250 kHz at 1.8 V is not characterized - design margins should respect the 4 µs tSKH/tSKL minimum.

How does the ORG pin affect memory organization in the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T?

The ORG pin on the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T selects between two internal configurations: when tied to VCC, the device organizes as 128 words × 16 bits; when tied to GND, it configures as 256 words × 8 bits. If left unconnected, the internal 1 MΩ pull-up defaults to x16 mode. This selection determines address width (A7 vs A8) and data width per READ/WRITE instruction.

Can the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T be used in automotive applications?

No - the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T is rated for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and is not qualified to AEC-Q100 standards. While some automotive subsystems may use industrial-grade parts, Microchip explicitly states in its datasheet disclaimer that "Atmel's products are not intended, authorized, or warranted for use as components in applications intended to support or sustain life," including automotive safety-critical systems.

What is the purpose of the NC pin on the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T?

The NC (No Connect) pin on the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T is internally unconnected and must remain electrically floating or grounded - it must never be driven or loaded. Routing traces to this pin or connecting it to active signals risks undefined behavior or increased leakage. Its presence accommodates package compatibility across the AT93CxxA family but serves no functional role in the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T.

Does the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T require an external erase cycle before writing?

No - the AT93C56A-10TU-1.8-T performs self-timed erase-and-write operations internally. A WRITE instruction automatically erases the target location prior to programming; no separate ERASE command is required unless selective erasure is needed. The EWEN instruction must precede any WRITE or ERASE operation to enable programming mode, and EWDS disables it afterward for data protection.