Microchip Technology 93AA76CT-I/MNY

Overview

93AA76CT-I/MNY from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8 Kbit, low-voltage, serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, supporting both 8-bit (x8) and 16-bit (x16) word organization via the ORG pin, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, industrial temperature grade (–40°C to +85°C), and 1 million erase/write cycles. It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in microcontroller-based sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA76CT-I/MNY datasheet, 93AA76CT-I/MNY pinout, 93AA76CT-I/MNY application, or 93AA76CT-I/MNY equivalent, key selection considerations include ORG/PE pin configuration for memory width and write protection, self-timed erase/write timing (5 ms max), Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and compatibility with 3-wire serial controllers in space-constrained industrial control nodes.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with start-bit detection, opcode-driven instruction set (READ, WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS), and hardware-level data protection via VCC brown-out detection (1.5 V threshold). It supports sequential read and automatic ERAL-before-WRAL operation.

The ORG pin selects x8 (low) or x16 (high) organization; the PE pin must be high to enable programming. All erase/write operations are self-timed and generate Ready/Busy status on the DO pin when CS is reasserted after ≥250 ns low time.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead 2×3 mm DFN package (MNY suffix), exposed pad (may be connected to VSS or left floating), RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76CT-I/MNY, the 93AA76CT-I/MNY offers wider voltage operation (1.8 V min) for ultra-low-power systems, while the 93AA76C-I/SN provides identical functionality in a more serviceable package - enabling design flexibility across production volume, thermal, and manufacturing constraints.

Availability

93AA76CT-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, motor control parameter storage, and PLC I/O module configuration requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 93AA76CT-I/MNY 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 Inc. is a leading provider of microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93XX76 family was designed specifically for low-power, serially interfaced nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems - emphasizing robustness, wide VCC tolerance, and hardware-enforced data integrity.

FAQ

What memory organization does 93AA76CT-I/MNY support, and how is it selected?

The 93AA76CT-I/MNY supports both 1024 × 8-bit (x8) and 512 × 16-bit (x16) organizations. Selection is controlled by the ORG pin: logic high selects x16 mode, logic low selects x8 mode. This configuration must be hardwired before power-up and cannot be changed dynamically during operation. The 93AA76CT-I/MNY datasheet confirms this behavior applies specifically to the 'C' variant, unlike fixed-organization 'A'/'B' versions.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin function on 93AA76CT-I/MNY?

The PE pin on 93AA76CT-I/MNY must be held high to allow any erase or write operation; pulling it low disables all programming functions permanently until PE is returned high. Unlike software locks, this is a hardware gate - no command can override it. The 93AA76CT-I/MNY requires PE = high before the final clock edge of WRITE or WRAL instructions, as specified in Section 2.8 of the official datasheet.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by 93AA76CT-I/MNY across its voltage range?

The 93AA76CT-I/MNY supports up to 3 MHz CLK frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V, 2 MHz at 2.5–4.5 V, and 1 MHz at 1.8–2.5 V. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) of the DS21796M datasheet and reflect guaranteed timing margins - exceeding them risks setup/hold violations and command misreads.

Does 93AA76CT-I/MNY require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?

No, the 93AA76CT-I/MNY has an internally weak pull-up on DO during Read mode, but a discrete pull-up is recommended only when DI and DO are shorted (bus-sharing configuration) to prevent undefined voltage levels during the dummy zero phase. Per Section 2.2, a 10 kΩ resistor between DI and DO mitigates bus conflict risk - this is optional for standard 4-wire use but advised for 3-wire implementations.

How is Ready/Busy status monitored during a write operation on 93AA76CT-I/MNY?

During erase/write, the DO pin outputs low while busy and high when complete - but only if CS is brought high for ≥250 ns after being low (TCSL). If CS remains low throughout the operation, DO stays in High-Z and no status is available. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status flag. This behavior is explicitly documented in Sections 2.4, 2.6, and 3.4 for 93AA76CT-I/MNY.