Microchip Technology 93LC76C-E/MS

Overview

93LC76C-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8 Kbit, low-voltage, serial Microwire-compatible EEPROM with user-selectable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, program enable (PE) write protection, and industrial/automotive temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, and retains data for >200 years - deployed in automotive body control modules for configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC76C-E/MS datasheet, 93LC76C-E/MS pinout, 93LC76C-E/MS application, or 93LC76C-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5 V), ORG/PE pin dependency for memory configuration and write-enable logic, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and MSOP-8 package constraints for space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93LC76C-E/MS implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with self-timed erase/write cycles including automatic ERAL before WRAL. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic applied to the ORG pin: high for 512 × 16-bit, low for 1024 × 8-bit organization.

Write operations require PE = VCC and are gated by EWEN/EWDS command sequence; DO provides real-time Ready/Busy status during programming. Power-on/off data protection activates below 1.5 V, and the device supports sequential read, WRAL (Write All), and ERAL (Erase All) instructions with VCC ≥4.5 V required for those bulk operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (150 mil) package with exposed pad (optional VSS connection), RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner defined per JEDEC MO-187.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76B-E/MS, the 93LC76C-E/MS adds hardware-configurable word size and dedicated write-enable control - critical for mixed-platform designs. Versus AT25DF041A-MAHN-T, it offers automotive-grade reliability and Microwire compatibility but lower density and no sector erase granularity.

Availability

93LC76C-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply with full lifecycle traceability and extended temperature compliance.

Supply support for 93LC76C-E/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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, serving automotive, industrial, consumer, and communications markets.

The 93LC76C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems with strict reliability and qualification requirements.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC76C-E/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93LC76C-E/MS selects memory organization: logic high configures 512 × 16-bit mode, logic low configures 1024 × 8-bit mode. It must be hardwired to VCC or VSS - floating is prohibited. This pin is absent on A/B variants and defines the 93LC76C-E/MS's flexibility across host MCU architectures. The 93LC76C-E/MS requires this external logic level to determine instruction decoding and data width during READ, WRITE, and ERASE operations.

How does the PE pin protect against accidental writes in the 93LC76C-E/MS?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93LC76C-E/MS must be driven high to allow any ERASE or WRITE instruction to execute; tying PE low permanently disables all programming functions regardless of EWEN state. Unlike software locks, this hardware gate prevents corruption during power transients, ESD events, or firmware faults. The 93LC76C-E/MS design mandates PE = VCC before the final data bit's rising CLK edge - a requirement enforced at the silicon level.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93LC76C-E/MS?

The 93LC76C-E/MS requires a minimum VCC of 2.5 V for full specification compliance across its automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C). Below 1.5 V, internal power-on reset circuitry inhibits all operations to prevent partial writes. The 93LC76C-E/MS datasheet specifies DC characteristics only down to 2.5 V, and AC timing (e.g., 3 MHz max clock) applies strictly within the 2.5–5.5 V window - operation outside this range voids guaranteed functionality.

Can the 93LC76C-E/MS support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93LC76C-E/MS supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock edges output the next memory location's data on DO. This eliminates host-side address management overhead and reduces transaction count. The 93LC76C-E/MS delivers either 8 or 16 bits per address depending on ORG state, with a dummy zero preceding each read burst - a behavior confirmed in Tables 1-3 and 1-4 of the datasheet.

What package type is used for the 93LC76C-E/MS variant?

The 93LC76C-E/MS uses an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 150-mil body width and exposed thermal pad, compliant with JEDEC MO-187. The "MS" suffix explicitly denotes this package; pin 1 is laser-marked, and the exposed pad may be connected to VSS for improved thermal performance. This package is distinct from PDIP (P), SOIC (SN), TSSOP (ST), or DFN (MC/MN) variants listed in the Device Selection Table for the 93LC76C family.