Microchip Technology 93C76C-I/MS

Overview

93C76C-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8Kbit, 4.5–5.5V serial EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via the ORG pin and hardware write protection via the PE pin. It supports Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO), delivers 1M erase/write cycles and >200-year data retention, and is used in industrial control systems for parameter storage and calibration data backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93C76C-I/MS datasheet, 93C76C-I/MS pinout, 93C76C-I/MS application, or 93C76C-I/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range (4.5–5.5V), ORG/PE pin dependency for configuration and write-enable, industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C), MSOP-8 packaging, and self-timed 2 ms erase/write cycle timing.

Technical Context

The 93C76C-I/MS implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface with CS-active-high selection, rising-edge clocked I/O, and Ready/Busy status output on DO. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic applied to the ORG pin-high for 512×16-bit, low for 1024×8-bit-while the PE pin must be driven high to enable programming.

It features automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and EWEN/EWDS command-based write-locking. All erase/write operations are self-timed and require VCC ≥4.5V; the device enters Standby mode when CS is low, drawing only 1 µA typical ICCS.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional (not electrically connected per datasheet Note 1).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C76C-I/MS, the 93LC76C-I/MS offers broader supply compatibility but relaxes the 4.5 V minimum, while the AT25080B-MAHL-T replaces hardware PE/ORG control with software command sequencing and changes the physical interface entirely.

Availability

93C76C-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive ECUs, medical diagnostics equipment, and point-of-sale terminals requiring stable component supply with long-term lifecycle assurance.

Supply support for 93C76C-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded applications.

The 93C76C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power industrial and automotive systems requiring simple, robust, and pin-configurable memory with hardware-level write protection.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93C76C-I/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93C76C-I/MS selects memory word size: logic high configures the device as 512 × 16-bit, logic low as 1024 × 8-bit. It must be statically tied to VCC or VSS - floating is prohibited. This pin is absent on 93C76A/B variants, which are fixed-organization devices. The 93C76C-I/MS requires this external bias to determine instruction decoding and data width during READ/WRITE operations.

Can the 93C76C-I/MS operate below 4.5 V?

No. The 93C76C-I/MS has a minimum VCC requirement of 4.5 V, with internal power-on reset (POR) activating at approximately 3.8 V. Operation below 4.5 V is undefined and unsupported; attempting to power the 93C76C-I/MS at 3.3 V or lower will prevent reliable communication, erase/write execution, and status reporting. For 2.5–5.5 V operation, consider the pin-compatible 93LC76C-I/MS instead.

How does the PE pin protect memory on the 93C76C-I/MS?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93C76C-I/MS must be driven high to allow ERASE, WRITE, or WRAL commands to execute; tying PE low permanently disables all programming functions. Unlike software-based locks (e.g., EWEN/EWDS), this is a hardware gate that operates independently of instruction sequence or power state. This ensures memory integrity even during firmware faults or unintended command transmission - a critical safeguard in safety-critical 93C76C-I/MS deployments.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C76C-I/MS?

The 93C76C-I/MS supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. At this rate, timing parameters such as TCKH (200 ns min), TCKL (100 ns min), and TDIS (50 ns min) remain valid. Frequencies above 3 MHz violate AC specifications and may cause opcode misreads or data corruption. The 93C76C-I/MS does not support higher speeds even with tighter tolerances - its Microwire interface is architected for deterministic, low-pin-count communication, not high-throughput streaming.

Is the 93C76C-I/MS RoHS compliant and Pb-free?

Yes, the 93C76C-I/MS is Pb-free and RoHS compliant, with a Matte Tin (Sn) finish on all leads per Microchip's DS21796M documentation. This applies to the MSOP-8 package variant (I/MS suffix) and is verified in the device selection table and packaging section. No leaded or non-RoHS versions are offered for this temperature/package combination; compliance is inherent to the 93C76C-I/MS manufacturing flow.