Microchip Technology 93C76CT-I/MNY

Overview

93C76CT-I/MNY from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8Kbit, 4.5–5.5V serial EEPROM with 512 × 16-bit organization ('B' variant), ORG and PE pins for configuration and write protection, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). It uses Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO) and supports self-timed erase/write cycles in automotive and industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 93C76CT-I/MNY datasheet, 93C76CT-I/MNY pinout, 93C76CT-I/MNY application, or 93C76CT-I/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range (4.5–5.5V), 16-bit word organization, PE-enabled write protection, ERAL/WRAL bulk operations, and TSSOP-8 packaging compatibility with space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface with dedicated CS, CLK, DI, and DO lines. Its internal architecture includes address counter, mode decode logic, and output buffer, enabling sequential read, ERAL (Erase All), and WRAL (Write All) commands with Ready/Busy status signaled via DO pin.

Operation requires external logic to drive ORG (for x8/x16 selection) and PE (to enable programming); both pins are mandatory and must be tied to valid logic levels. Power-on reset disables writes until EWEN command is issued, and VCC voltage detect (3.8V threshold) prevents operation below safe supply level.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93C76CT-I/MNY is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP package (ST), Pb-free matte tin finish, with 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body and 0.65 mm lead pitch. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner located at top-left when notch faces up.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C76BT-I/MNY, 93C76CT-I/MNY adds hardware-based write protection and configurable word size, increasing system robustness; compared with 93LC76CT-I/MNY, it trades wider VCC tolerance for higher minimum supply (4.5 V), simplifying power filtering in stable 5V environments.

Availability

93C76CT-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, and medical infusion pump designs requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93C76CT-I/MNY 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 nonvolatile memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.

The 93C76CT-I/MNY belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage with hardware write protection.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93C76CT-I/MNY?

The ORG pin on the 93C76CT-I/MNY selects memory word size: logic high configures 512 × 16-bit organization, logic low configures 1024 × 8-bit. Unlike 'A' or 'B' variants, the 'C' suffix means ORG is mandatory - it must be tied to VCC or VSS, not left floating. This pin directly determines instruction encoding and data width for READ, WRITE, and ERASE commands.

How does the PE pin protect against accidental writes in the 93C76CT-I/MNY?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93C76CT-I/MNY must be driven high to allow any erase or write operation; tying it low permanently inhibits programming. This hardware-level lock operates independently of EWEN/EWDS commands and remains active across power cycles. For secure deployment, PE is typically hardwired to VCC only during factory programming or service mode.

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 93C76CT-I/MNY?

The 93C76CT-I/MNY requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V for guaranteed operation, with internal voltage detection triggering at ~3.8 V to block all write functions. Below this threshold, the device enters read-only mode and rejects ERASE, WRITE, EWEN, and WRAL commands - preventing data corruption during power ramp-up or brown-out conditions.

Can the 93C76CT-I/MNY be used in place of a 93C76AT-I/MNY?

No - the 93C76CT-I/MNY is not a drop-in replacement for the 93C76AT-I/MNY. The 'A' variant has fixed 8-bit organization and no ORG/PE pins, while the 'C' variant requires both pins for configuration and write enable. Pinout differs: 93C76AT uses pins 6/7 for NC, whereas 93C76CT assigns them to ORG and PE. PCB layout and firmware initialization must be redesigned.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C76CT-I/MNY at 5.0 V VCC?

At VCC = 5.0 V (within the 4.5–5.5 V range), the 93C76CT-I/MNY supports a maximum clock frequency of 3 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (Param. A1). This allows up to 3 million instruction bits per second, sufficient for fast parameter loading in real-time control loops. Timing margins require TCKH ≥ 200 ns and TCKL ≥ 100 ns under these conditions.