Microchip Technology 93AA76/P

Overview

93AA76/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8K-bit (1024 × 8 or 512 × 16) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire interface, operating down to 1.8V, featuring self-timed erase/write cycles, ORG-pin-selectable memory organization, and Program Enable (PE) pin for hardware write protection. It delivers 1 mA typical active current and 5 µA standby current at 3.0V, and is used in embedded system configuration storage where nonvolatile memory with single-supply operation and industrial temperature tolerance is required.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA76/P datasheet, 93AA76/P pinout, 93AA76/P application, or 93AA76/P equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, confirmed pin functions, real-world use scenarios, and validated alternative parts - all grounded in Microchip's DS21130F specification and package documentation.

Technical Context

The 93AA76/P implements a 3-wire Microwire-compatible serial interface with CS, CLK, and bidirectional DI/DO pins, supporting x8 or x16 organization selected via the ORG pin. Its internal logic includes address decoding, data register, and mode decode generator, enabling sequential read, ERAL (Erase All), WRAL (Write All), and status polling via DO pin during programming.

It uses advanced CMOS technology to achieve 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention. Power-on/off protection inhibits programming below 1.4V, and EWEN/EWDS commands provide software-controlled write enable/disable - both independent of READ operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 300-mil body width; JEDEC MS-001 compliant; lead finish is matte tin (Pb-free).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93AA76C/P, the 93AA76/P offers identical functionality but lower ESD immunity and older timing specs; versus AT25080B-PU, it provides Microwire compatibility and dual-organization flexibility at the cost of protocol-specific driver support.

Availability

93AA76/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, consumer appliance configuration memory, and embedded bootloader parameter tables requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 93AA76/P 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 93AA76/P belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing simple, reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and voltage flexibility.

FAQ

What is the memory organization flexibility of the 93AA76/P?

The 93AA76/P supports two memory configurations selected by the ORG pin: 1024 × 8-bit (ORG = VSS) or 512 × 16-bit (ORG = VCC). An internal pull-up ensures x16 mode when ORG is left unconnected. This dual-organization capability allows the 93AA76/P to serve both byte-addressable and word-oriented applications without changing the physical part, simplifying BOM management across variants.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin protect memory in the 93AA76/P?

The PE pin on the 93AA76/P provides hardware-level write protection: tying PE to VSS disables all erase and write operations permanently, while floating or connecting it to VCC enables programming. The 93AA76/P powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, so even with PE enabled, an explicit EWEN instruction is required before any WRITE or ERASE command executes - adding a second layer of safety against accidental writes.

What timing parameters define the 93AA76/P's maximum operational speed?

The 93AA76/P supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC ≥ 4.5V, with minimum clock high/low times of 200 ns/100 ns respectively. At 1.8V, max clock drops to 1 MHz with 500 ns/500 ns timing. These AC characteristics - documented in Table 1-2 of DS21130F - directly determine instruction throughput: READ requires 22–29 clock cycles, while WRAL completes in ≤30 ms regardless of clock rate due to its self-timed internal execution.

Does the 93AA76/P support sequential read, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the 93AA76/P supports sequential read: when CS remains high and clock transitions continue after the first READ instruction, the internal address pointer automatically increments, outputting consecutive memory locations on DO without re-sending the address. This feature reduces host MCU overhead and eliminates inter-byte delays - critical for fast configuration loading during system boot or sensor initialization sequences using the 93AA76/P.

Why is the 93AA76/P marked "Not recommended for new designs"?

Microchip explicitly marks the 93AA76/P as "Not recommended for new designs" in DS21130F because it has been superseded by the 93AA76C/P, which features improved ESD robustness (6 kV HBM), tighter AC timing specifications, and extended lifecycle support. While the 93AA76/P remains functional and available, new projects should adopt the 93AA76C/P to ensure long-term supply stability and access to updated technical support - both share identical pinout, memory map, and instruction set with the 93AA76/P.