Microchip Technology 93C76C-I/SN

Overview

93C76C-I/SN from Microchip Technology is an 8Kbit, 4.5–5.5V serial EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, Program Enable (PE) write-protection, and Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface. It delivers 1M erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C) in an 8-lead SOIC package. Used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management systems.

For engineers reviewing the 93C76C-I/SN datasheet, 93C76C-I/SN pinout, 93C76C-I/SN application, or 93C76C-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range compatibility (4.5–5.5V), ORG/PE pin control logic, self-timed 2ms write cycle, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and SOIC-8 package footprint constraints.

Technical Context

The 93C76C-I/SN implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals, requiring precise timing per AC specs (e.g., TCKH ≥200 ns at 4.5–5.5V). Its dual-word-size architecture is controlled solely by the externally biased ORG pin-logic high selects 512 × 16-bit, low selects 1024 × 8-bit-and PE must be high to enable erase/write operations.

Internal power-on protection disables programming below 3.8V VCC, and all erase/write cycles (ERAL, WRAL, ERASE, WRITE) are fully self-timed with automatic ERAL before WRAL. Status is monitored via DO pin during active cycles, with TSV ≤400 ns and TCZ ≤100 ns at 4.5–5.5V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead SOIC (SN) package with 150-mil body width, Pb-free Matte Tin finish, and standard JEDEC MS-012AC outline. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner indicated on top marking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76C-I/SN, the 93C76C-I/SN offers tighter VCC tolerance and simpler write-enable logic but sacrifices low-voltage flexibility; versus AT25080B-MAHL-T, it provides deterministic hardware write protection and Microwire compatibility at the cost of lower maximum clock speed and legacy interface support.

Availability

93C76C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, and medical device design requiring stable component supply, long-term obsolescence planning, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93C76C-I/SN 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 devices, and memory solutions, specializing in embedded control and connectivity technologies for industrial, automotive, and consumer markets.

The 93C76C-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count applications requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and robust power-fail immunity.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93C76C-I/SN selects memory organization: logic high configures the device as 512 × 16-bit, logic low as 1024 × 8-bit. This hardware-selectable mode eliminates firmware reconfiguration and enables flexible data packing. The 93C76C-I/SN requires ORG to be statically tied to VCC or VSS before any operation - floating is not permitted. This pin is absent on A/B variants.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin protect memory on the 93C76C-I/SN?

The PE pin on the 93C76C-I/SN acts as a hardware gate for all erase/write functions: only when PE is high can EWEN, ERASE, WRITE, or WRAL instructions execute. Tying PE low permanently disables programming, preventing accidental writes during power transients or firmware errors. Unlike software-based locks, this protection remains active even if the host MCU fails - a critical feature for safety-critical 93C76C-I/SN deployments.

What is the minimum VCC voltage that permits reliable operation of the 93C76C-I/SN?

The 93C76C-I/SN guarantees functional operation only within 4.5 V to 5.5 V. Its internal voltage detector (VPOR) inhibits all programming below ~3.8 V to prevent data corruption. While DC characteristics are specified down to 4.5 V, AC timing (e.g., FCLK ≤3 MHz, TCKH ≥200 ns) is validated exclusively across the 4.5–5.5 V range. Operation outside this window is undefined and unsupported for the 93C76C-I/SN.

Can the 93C76C-I/SN be used in place of a 93C76A-I/SN or 93C76B-I/SN?

No - the 93C76C-I/SN is not a direct replacement for 93C76A-I/SN or 93C76B-I/SN due to pinout and functional differences. The 93C76C-I/SN adds ORG and PE pins (pins 6 and 7), while A/B variants omit them entirely. Software must manage ORG state and assert PE high before writes. Migration requires PCB layout changes and firmware updates to handle the additional control signals unique to the 93C76C-I/SN.

What timing parameter governs the maximum clock frequency for the 93C76C-I/SN?

The maximum clock frequency for the 93C76C-I/SN is governed by the Clock High Time (TCKH) and Clock Low Time (TCKL) specifications: at 4.5–5.5 V, TCKH ≥200 ns and TCKL ≥100 ns, permitting up to 3 MHz operation. Exceeding these minima risks setup/hold violations on DI and incorrect opcode/address sampling. The 93C76C-I/SN does not specify a maximum FCLK limit beyond these timing constraints - compliance with TCKH/TCKL ensures reliable communication.