Microchip Technology 93C76BT-E/ST

Overview

93C76BT-E/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8K-bit, 4.5–5.5V serial EEPROM with 512 × 16-bit organization, Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO), Program Enable (PE) and ORG pins, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and self-timed erase/write with automatic ERAL before WRAL - used in embedded system configuration storage where nonvolatile parameter persistence is required.

For engineers reviewing the 93C76BT-E/ST datasheet, 93C76BT-E/ST pinout, 93C76BT-E/ST application, or 93C76BT-E/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 16-bit word size (no ORG pin function), PE-controlled write protection, TSSOP-8 package compatibility, and 2 ms program cycle time at 4.5–5.5V - critical for real-time firmware update buffers and calibration data logging.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface with dedicated CS, CLK, DI, and DO lines. Its internal architecture includes address decoding, mode logic, and output buffering, supporting READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all clocked on the rising edge of CLK.

It features power-on/off data protection via VCC voltage detection (trip point 3.8V), automatic Ready/Busy status signaling on DO during programming, and sequential read capability when CS remains high. The PE pin must be held high to enable write operations; floating PE is prohibited.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93C76BT-E/ST is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and exposed pad optional per Microchip spec. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C76B-I/ST, the 93C76BT-E/ST adds mandatory PE-driven write enable - enhancing reliability in noisy environments - while differing from AT25DF041A-SSH-T in fundamental interface architecture, supply voltage, and security model.

Availability

93C76BT-E/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration storage, automotive BCM configuration, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93C76BT-E/ST 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, serving industrial, automotive, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 93Cxx EEPROM product line targets cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing simple, robust nonvolatile storage - optimized for Microwire interface simplicity, hardware write protection, and extended data retention without battery backup.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93C76BT-E/ST?

On the 93C76BT-E/ST, the ORG pin is internally tied high to select 16-bit word organization (512 × 16-bit), and it is not user-configurable. Unlike the 'C' variants with selectable ORG, this part is fixed in x16 mode - confirmed by its marking code 'C76B' and Device Selection Table entry. The ORG pin must still be externally connected to VCC per datasheet requirement.

Does the 93C76BT-E/ST require the PE pin to be actively driven?

Yes - the 93C76BT-E/ST requires the PE pin to be externally tied to VCC (logic high) to enable any erase or write operation. If PE is low or floating, all programming functions (WRITE, ERASE, WRAL, ERAL) are inhibited. This is a hardware safety feature explicitly mandated in Section 3.6 of the datasheet and applies to all 'C' versions including 93C76BT-E/ST.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C76BT-E/ST?

The 93C76BT-E/ST supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V (Table 1-2, A1). At this speed, minimum clock high/low times are 200 ns and 100 ns respectively. Operation above 3 MHz violates AC specifications and may cause instruction misreads or failed writes.

Can the 93C76BT-E/ST be used in automotive applications requiring –40°C to +125°C?

No - the 93C76BT-E/ST is rated for Industrial temperature range only (–40°C to +85°C), as indicated by the 'I' suffix in its part number and confirmed in the Device Selection Table. For automotive-grade operation up to +125°C, Microchip specifies the 'E' version (e.g., 93C76BT-E/ST is not valid; correct part would be 93C76CT-E/ST or similar E-temp 'C' variant).

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

During erase or write operations, the DO pin outputs Ready/Busy status: logic low indicates ongoing programming, logic high indicates completion. To read status, CS must be brought high after ≥250 ns low time (TCSL); DO remains High-Z if CS stays low throughout the cycle. This polling mechanism is defined in Sections 2.4, 2.5, and 2.8 and applies identically to 93C76BT-E/ST.