Microchip Technology AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8

Overview

AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 2K-bit serial EEPROM with 3-wire interface, configurable 256 × 8 or 128 × 16 organization via ORG pin, 1.8V–5.5V supply range, and automotive-grade industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers self-timed write cycles (≤10 ms), 1 million endurance cycles, and 100-year data retention for embedded configuration storage in power-constrained systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 datasheet, AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 pinout, AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 application, or AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 equivalent, key selection factors include low-voltage compatibility (1.8V min), 3-wire serial protocol timing at 0.25 MHz (1.8V), standby current ≤0.1 µA at 1.8V, x8/x16 organization flexibility, and TSSOP-8 package suitability for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 implements a synchronous 3-wire serial interface (CS/SK/DI/DO) with instruction-based command set including READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, and EWDS. Its internal architecture supports sequential read mode and READY/BUSY status reporting via DO during write/erase operations.

Operation requires Chip Select (CS) activation followed by Start Bit (1), Op Code, and address. The ORG pin selects memory width-tied to VCC for 128 × 16, grounded for 256 × 8-and is not functional on 1.8V variants per datasheet note. All programming instructions require prior EWEN execution to exit default Erase/Write Disable state.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.00 mm × 4.40 mm body, and gull-wing leads. This RoHS-compliant, lead-free/halogen-free package supports automated SMT assembly and thermal performance suitable for industrial ambient conditions.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95256-WMN6TP and CAT25256VI-GT3, the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 offers unique x8/x16 organization selection and READY/BUSY signaling at ultra-low 1.8V operation, making it optimal for resource-constrained, low-power embedded systems where pin count and voltage compatibility are primary constraints.

Availability

AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, consumer appliance configuration, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT93C56AW-10SI-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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, with a focus on embedded control and connectivity.

The AT93C56A series belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power applications requiring simple 3-wire configuration storage in industrial, automotive, and consumer electronics.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8?

The ORG pin on the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 selects memory organization: tied to VCC for 128 × 16 mode, grounded for 256 × 8 mode. However, per the official datasheet, this feature is not available on 1.8V devices - the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 defaults to fixed configuration and ORG must be left unconnected or tied to a defined logic level without effect. The AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 datasheet explicitly states "The feature is not available on the 1.8V devices."

Does the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 support true SPI communication?

No, the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 does not support standard SPI protocol. It uses a proprietary 3-wire serial interface with separate CS, SK, DI, and DO lines - unlike SPI's shared MISO/MOSI bus. While functionally similar, it requires bit-banged GPIO control rather than hardware SPI peripheral use. The AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 instruction set (READ, WRITE, EWEN, etc.) and timing (e.g., dummy bit preceding data) are incompatible with SPI frame formatting.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 at 1.8V?

The AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 supports a maximum SK clock frequency of 0.25 MHz when operated at 1.8V, as specified in the AC Characteristics table. This limit scales with supply voltage: 1 MHz at 2.7V–5.5V and 2 MHz at 4.5V–5.5V. Exceeding 0.25 MHz at 1.8V violates timing specifications and may cause read/write failures. The AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 datasheet lists fSK = 0.25 MHz (min 0, max) for 1.8V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V.

How is write protection implemented on the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8?

Write protection on the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 is implemented exclusively through instruction sequencing: the device powers up in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) state, and all programming (WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, ERAL) requires prior execution of the EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) instruction. Absent EWEN, only READ and EWDS are accepted. The AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 has no hardware write-protect pin - protection relies entirely on software-controlled enable/disable cycles.

Is the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 pin-compatible with other AT93C56A variants like AT93C56A-10SI-2.7?

Yes, the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 is pin-compatible with all AT93C56A variants in the same package type (e.g., 8-lead TSSOP), including AT93C56A-10SI-2.7. Pin functions (CS, SK, DI, DO, VCC, GND, ORG, DC) and physical layout are identical across voltage grades and package options. However, electrical behavior differs: the AT93C56AW-10SI-1.8 operates down to 1.8V and disables ORG functionality, whereas the 2.7V variant supports 2.7V–5.5V and full ORG pin operation.