Microchip Technology 93LC76C-E/SN

Overview

93LC76C-E/SN 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 features self-timed erase/write cycles, 1 million endurance cycles, >200 years data retention, and operates from 2.5V to 5.5V - used in automotive body control modules for calibration storage.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC76C-E/SN datasheet, 93LC76C-E/SN pinout, 93LC76C-E/SN application, or 93LC76C-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range compatibility (2.5–5.5 V), PE/ORG pin logic requirements, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and package-specific thermal and layout constraints for TSSOP-8 (SN) mounting.

Technical Context

The 93LC76C-E/SN implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with instruction-based memory access including READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS. Its dual-word-size architecture relies on external logic applied to the ORG pin (VSS = x8, VCC = x16), while the PE pin must be held high to enable programming.

Internal power-on/off data protection circuitry activates below 1.5 V (typical), and all erase/write operations are self-timed with automatic ERAL preceding WRAL. The DO pin serves dual roles: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming - requiring CS reassertion after ≥250 ns low time (TCSL) to sample status.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC76C-E/SN is packaged in 8-lead TSSOP (SN), with lead pitch 0.65 mm, body size 4.4 mm × 3.0 mm × 1.2 mm, and Pb-free Matte Tin finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76B-E/SN and AT25DF041A-SHN-T, the 93LC76C-E/SN uniquely combines hardware-programmable word width, dedicated write-enable control, and broad 2.5–5.5 V operation - making it optimal for mixed-signal automotive systems requiring both flexibility and robustness.

Availability

93LC76C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body electronics, industrial PLCs, and medical device calibration storage requiring stable component supply, extended temperature qualification, and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 93LC76C-E/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 microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.

The 93LC76C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, nonvolatile storage in automotive, industrial, and consumer systems requiring Microwire compatibility and hardware-level data protection.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93LC76C-E/SN selects memory organization: tied to VSS (ground) configures 1024 × 8-bit mode; tied to VCC enables 512 × 16-bit mode. This pin must be held at a valid logic level before any instruction is issued. Unlike 93LC76A/B variants, the 93LC76C-E/SN requires this external configuration - enabling one hardware design to support both 8-bit and 16-bit microcontrollers using the same 93LC76C-E/SN part.

How does the PE pin protect memory on the 93LC76C-E/SN?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93LC76C-E/SN must be driven high to allow any erase or write operation - including WRITE, WRAL, ERASE, and ERAL. When PE is low, all programming functions are inhibited regardless of EWEN state. This hardware lock provides immunity to software glitches or noise-induced commands, making the 93LC76C-E/SN suitable for safety-critical applications where accidental overwrites must be physically prevented.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC76C-E/SN at 3.3 V?

At VCC = 3.3 V, the 93LC76C-E/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1: FCLK). This limit applies across the full industrial and automotive temperature ranges. Exceeding 2 MHz at 3.3 V risks setup/hold timing violations and unreliable instruction execution - designers must scale clock rate per VCC per the datasheet's voltage-dependent AC specifications.

Can the 93LC76C-E/SN be used in place of the 93LC76A-E/SN?

No - the 93LC76C-E/SN is not a direct replacement for the 93LC76A-E/SN. While both are 8Kbit EEPROMs, the 93LC76A-E/SN has fixed 8-bit organization and no ORG or PE pins. Substituting 93LC76C-E/SN requires adding external pull-up/down resistors for ORG and PE, updating firmware to manage the extra control signals, and verifying timing margins. The 93LC76C-E/SN offers greater flexibility but demands additional board and software design effort.

What does the "E" suffix indicate in the 93LC76C-E/SN part number?

Within the 93LC76C-E/SN part number, the "E" denotes the Automotive temperature grade, specifying operation from –40°C to +125°C and compliance with AEC-Q100 stress test requirements. This distinguishes it from the "I" (Industrial) version (–40°C to +85°C). The "E" grade ensures reliability in under-hood and powertrain environments where thermal cycling and long-term stability are critical - a key requirement for automotive ECUs using the 93LC76C-E/SN.