Microchip Technology 93C76BT-E/OT

Overview

93C76BT-E/OT from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8K-bit, 4.5–5.5V serial EEPROM with 1024 × 8-bit organization, Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO), and integrated power-on/off data protection. It features self-timed erase/write cycles (2 ms typical), 1M endurance cycles, and >200-year data retention - deployed in automotive body control modules for calibration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 93C76BT-E/OT datasheet, 93C76BT-E/OT pinout, 93C76BT-E/OT application, or 93C76BT-E/OT equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-pin SOT-23 package, -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature grade, PE-enabled write protection, and VCC ≥4.5V requirement for ERAL/WRAL operations.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with start-bit detection, opcode-driven instruction set (READ/EWEN/ERASE/ERAL/WRITE/WRAL/EWDS), and Ready/Busy status output via DO pin during programming. It requires external logic to drive CS high before CLK transitions to initiate commands.

Memory access uses 10-bit addressing (A9–A0) for 1024 locations; all erase/write operations include automatic pre-erase (ERAL before WRAL). The PE pin must be held high to enable programming - a hardware-level write-enable distinct from software EWEN/EWDS commands.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin SOT-23 package (OT suffix), 1.6 mm × 2.9 mm footprint, exposed pad optional (not electrically connected). Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 = CS, pin 2 = CLK, pin 3 = DI, pin 4 = DO, pin 5 = VSS, pin 6 = VCC.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C76B-E/OT, the 93C76BT-E/OT provides hardware write-enable via PE pin and matches automotive temperature requirements; compared with 93LC76BT-E/OT, it trades wider supply flexibility for guaranteed 4.5–5.5V operation optimized for 5V automotive subsystems.

Availability

93C76BT-E/OT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, engine control units, and body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93C76BT-E/OT 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, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, specializing in high-reliability semiconductor products for automotive, industrial, and consumer markets.

The 93Cxx EEPROM family targets cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing robust nonvolatile storage - designed specifically for automotive-grade reliability with extended temperature operation and hardware write protection.

FAQ

What is the function of the PE pin on the 93C76BT-E/OT?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93C76BT-E/OT is a hardware-level write-enable input. When tied to VCC, programming (ERASE/WRITE/WRAL) is permitted; when tied to VSS, all write operations are physically inhibited - independent of software EWEN/EWDS commands. This provides fail-safe protection against accidental overwrites in automotive environments. The 93C76BT-E/OT requires PE = high to execute any write cycle.

Does the 93C76BT-E/OT support both 8-bit and 16-bit memory organization?

No. The 93C76BT-E/OT is a fixed 8-bit organization device (1024 × 8-bit), designated by the "A" suffix in the 93C76A/B/C family. Unlike the "C" variants (e.g., 93C76C), it does not feature an ORG pin and cannot be configured for 16-bit operation. Its instruction set and timing parameters are optimized exclusively for x8 access.

What is the minimum VCC required for ERAL and WRAL operations on the 93C76BT-E/OT?

The 93C76BT-E/OT requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V to execute ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) operations. Below 4.5 V, these commands are disabled by internal voltage detection circuitry - a hardware safeguard preventing incomplete or corrupted bulk operations during power brown-out. This threshold is higher than the general operating range (4.5–5.5 V) and is explicitly specified in the datasheet's Electrical Characteristics table.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93C76BT-E/OT DO pin?

The DO pin of the 93C76BT-E/OT serves dual function: data output during READ, and Ready/Busy indicator during programming. During ERASE/WRITE/WRAL, DO outputs low while the operation executes and transitions high upon completion. To poll status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL; DO remains in High-Z if CS stays low throughout the cycle. This eliminates need for status registers or additional pins.

Is the 93C76BT-E/OT compatible with standard SPI interfaces?

The 93C76BT-E/OT uses a Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO), not standard SPI. It lacks separate MISO/MOSI lines and relies on bidirectional DO with start-bit detection and opcode-based command framing. While bit-banged GPIO can emulate its protocol, direct connection to hardware SPI peripherals requires careful signal mapping and firmware adaptation - especially for start condition detection and dummy-zero handling in READ sequences.