Microchip Technology 93C76-E/P

Overview

93C76-E/P from Microchip Technology is an 8K-bit (1024 × 8 or 512 × 16) Microwire-compatible serial EEPROM with single 5.0 V supply, 1 mA typical active current, and ORG-pin-selectable memory organization. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and power-on/off data protection - deployed in industrial control panels for parameter storage and calibration retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93C76-E/P datasheet, 93C76-E/P pinout, 93C76-E/P application, or 93C76-E/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated 8-pin PDIP pin mapping, real-world use cases in automotive and industrial systems, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and packaging differences.

Technical Context

The 93C76-E/P implements a 3-wire Microwire serial interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO) with synchronous read/write timing referenced to CLK rising edges. Its dual-organization architecture (x8/x16) is determined by the ORG pin state, and all programming operations require prior EWEN instruction execution.

Internal status reporting uses DO as a Ready/Busy indicator during erase/write cycles, while PE pin enables hardware-level write protection. The device supports sequential read mode with auto-incrementing address pointer when CS remains high across clock transitions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), 300 mil body width, JEDEC MS-001 compliant. Lead finish: Matte Tin (Pb-free).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C76-E/P, the 93LC76C-I/P offers higher performance and modern qualification but requires design revision, while the AT93C46-10PU-2.7 trades capacity and temperature range for broader supply compatibility - neither is pin- or code-compatible without hardware or firmware changes.

Availability

93C76-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, automotive body electronics, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.

Supply support for 93C76-E/P 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 memory products for embedded applications.

The 93C76-E/P belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems with strict qualification requirements.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C76-E/P?

The 93C76-E/P supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz under recommended operating conditions (VCC ≥ 4.5 V). This limit is defined in Table 1-2 of the DS21132F datasheet and applies across all temperature grades. Exceeding this frequency may result in unreliable instruction execution or data corruption during read/write operations. The 93C76-E/P does not support higher-speed variants like the 93LC76C, which operates up to 3 MHz.

How does the ORG pin affect memory organization in the 93C76-E/P?

In the 93C76-E/P, the ORG pin selects between two memory configurations: when tied to VCC, it enables 512 × 16-bit (x16) organization; when tied to VSS, it configures 1024 × 8-bit (x8) organization. An internal pull-up resistor defaults to x16 if ORG is left unconnected. This selection determines address width (10-bit for x8, 9-bit for x16) and data bus width, directly impacting how host firmware addresses and reads/writes memory locations.

Is the 93C76-E/P still recommended for new designs?

No - the official Microchip datasheet (DS21132F, Revision F) explicitly states "Not recommended for new designs" and recommends migrating to the 93LC76C or 93LC86C series. These successors offer improved speed, enhanced ESD protection, and updated qualification, though they are not pin- or code-compatible with the 93C76-E/P. The 93C76-E/P remains available for legacy support and repair, particularly in automotive E-grade applications.

What role does the PE pin play in protecting data on the 93C76-E/P?

The PE (Program Enable) pin provides hardware-level write protection for the entire memory array of the 93C76-E/P. When PE is tied to VSS, all erase and write operations are disabled regardless of instruction sequence. If left floating or connected to VCC, programming is enabled. An internal pull-up ensures default writability. This feature complements the EWEN/EWDS software commands, adding a physical layer of security against accidental or malicious writes during system operation.

Does the 93C76-E/P support sequential read mode, and how is it implemented?

Yes, the 93C76-E/P supports sequential read mode. When CS remains high across multiple clock cycles after a READ instruction, the internal address pointer automatically increments, allowing continuous output of consecutive memory locations on the DO pin. This eliminates the need to reissue the READ command and address for each byte/word, reducing host MCU overhead and improving throughput in applications such as firmware patch loading or configuration block reads.