Encyclopedia Entry: 93LC56A-E/SN

Product Overview

Category

The 93LC56A-E/SN belongs to the category of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips.

Use

This chip is commonly used for non-volatile data storage in various electronic devices, such as microcontrollers, computers, and consumer electronics.

Characteristics

• Electrically erasable: The 93LC56A-E/SN can be erased and reprogrammed electronically, eliminating the need for physical erasure.
• Non-volatile: The stored data remains intact even when power is removed.
• High storage capacity: This chip has a storage capacity of 56 kilobits (7 kilobytes).
• Low power consumption: It operates on low power, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.

Package

The 93LC56A-E/SN is available in an 8-pin small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package.

Essence

The essence of the 93LC56A-E/SN lies in its ability to provide reliable and non-volatile data storage in a compact form factor.

Packaging/Quantity

These chips are typically sold in reels or tubes, with each reel containing a specific quantity, usually around 1000 units.

Specifications

• Storage Capacity: 56 kilobits (7 kilobytes)
• Operating Voltage: 2.5V to 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Write Endurance: 1 million cycles
• Data Retention: 200 years

Detailed Pin Configuration

The 93LC56A-E/SN features the following pin configuration:

1. Chip Select (/CS)
2. Serial Clock (SCK)
3. Serial Data Input (SI)
4. Serial Data Output (SO)
5. Write Enable (WE)
6. VCC (Power Supply)
7. Ground (GND)
8. Not Connected (NC)

Functional Features

• Sequential Read: The chip allows sequential reading of data, enabling efficient retrieval of stored information.
• Byte and Page Write: It supports both byte-level and page-level write operations, providing flexibility in data programming.
• Hardware Protection: The 93LC56A-E/SN offers hardware protection features to prevent accidental writes or erasures.
• Self-Timed Programming: The chip incorporates self-timed programming algorithms, simplifying the programming process.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Compact form factor
• High storage capacity
• Low power consumption
• Reliable non-volatile data storage
• Flexible write operations

Disadvantages

• Limited write endurance (1 million cycles)
• Relatively higher cost compared to other memory technologies

Working Principles

The 93LC56A-E/SN utilizes a combination of electronic circuits and floating-gate transistors to store and retrieve data. When data is written, charges are trapped in the floating gate, altering the transistor's behavior. These charges can be erased by applying an electric field, allowing new data to be programmed.

Detailed Application Field Plans

The 93LC56A-E/SN finds applications in various fields, including:

1. Microcontrollers: Used for storing firmware, configuration settings, and calibration data.
2. Computers: Employed in BIOS chips and other non-volatile memory requirements.
3. Consumer Electronics: Integrated into devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles for data storage purposes.

Detailed and Complete Alternative Models

1. 93LC66A-E/SN: Similar to the 93LC56A-E/SN but with a higher storage capacity of 66 kilobits.
2. 93LC46A-E/SN: A lower capacity variant with 46 kilobits of storage.
3. 93LC256A-E/SN: Offers a larger storage capacity of 256 kilobits.

These alternative models provide options for different storage requirements while maintaining similar functionality and characteristics.

In conclusion, the 93LC56A-E/SN is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chip that offers reliable non-volatile data storage in a compact form factor. With its high storage capacity, low power consumption, and flexible write operations, it finds applications in various fields such as microcontrollers, computers, and consumer electronics.