Microchip Technology 93AA76CT-I/MS

Overview

93AA76CT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8 Kbit, low-voltage, serial Microwire-compatible EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, program enable (PE) write protection, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports self-timed erase/write cycles, and delivers 1,000,000 endurance cycles with >200-year data retention - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration memory, and power-management parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA76CT-I/MS datasheet, 93AA76CT-I/MS pinout, 93AA76CT-I/MS application, or 93AA76CT-I/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC operating range compatibility, ORG/PE pin control logic for memory width and write lock, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and MSOP-8 package footprint constraints in space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93AA76CT-I/MS implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-based command execution. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic level applied to the ORG pin: high for 512 × 16-bit, low for 1024 × 8-bit organization - both supported within the same device without reconfiguration of address/data bus width.

Write operations require prior EWEN instruction and active-high PE signal; ERAL and WRAL commands execute fully self-timed cycles with automatic pre-erase. The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and open-drain Ready/Busy status indicator during programming, requiring CS ≥250 ns low before status sampling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (150-mil) package with exposed pad optional for thermal enhancement; pin 1 marked by laser dot. Pin functions conform to standard Microwire topology with dedicated ORG and PE control inputs unique to 'C'-suffix variants.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76CT-I/MS, the 93AA76CT-I/MS enables true 1.8V operation critical for ultra-low-power designs, while versus 93AA76C-I/SN it offers 33% smaller footprint and improved high-density layout compatibility - both alternatives retain identical instruction set and ORG/PE control behavior.

Availability

93AA76CT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93AA76CT-I/MS 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 microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93AA76CT-I/MS belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count nonvolatile memory applications where Microwire protocol compatibility, flexible word sizing, and robust data integrity are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93AA76CT-I/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93AA76CT-I/MS selects memory organization: logic high configures 512 × 16-bit mode, logic low configures 1024 × 8-bit mode. It must be statically tied to VCC or VSS - floating is prohibited. This feature allows one 93AA76CT-I/MS device to serve either 8-bit or 16-bit data path architectures without redesign.

How does the PE pin affect write operations in the 93AA76CT-I/MS?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93AA76CT-I/MS must be driven high to allow any erase or write command (EWEN, ERASE, WRITE, WRAL) to execute. When PE is low, all programming functions are inhibited - providing hardware-level write protection independent of firmware state. This is a mandatory condition verified before each 93AA76CT-I/MS write cycle.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93AA76CT-I/MS?

The 93AA76CT-I/MS requires a minimum VCC of 1.8V for full specification compliance, including read, write, and erase functions across the industrial temperature range. Below 1.8V, internal power-on reset (POR) disables all operations; the datasheet specifies VPOR at ~1.5V, but functional operation begins only at 1.8V.

Can the 93AA76CT-I/MS be used with a 3.3V microcontroller without level shifting?

Yes, the 93AA76CT-I/MS is fully compatible with 3.3V microcontrollers: its VIH1 threshold is 2.0V (min) at VCC ≥2.7V, and VIL2 is 0.2×VCC - ensuring clean logic recognition. With VCC = 3.3V, input high is guaranteed above 2.0V and input low below 0.66V, eliminating need for external level shifters in standard 3.3V systems.

Does the 93AA76CT-I/MS support sequential read mode?

Yes, the 93AA76CT-I/MS supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ command, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock edges output data from consecutive memory locations on the DO pin - enabling efficient bulk reads without reissuing opcodes or addresses.