Microchip Technology 93LC76C-I/P

Overview

93LC76C-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8 Kbit, low-voltage, serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, supporting configurable 8-bit or 16-bit word organization via the ORG pin, write protection via the PE pin, and industrial temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention for nonvolatile storage in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC76C-I/P datasheet, 93LC76C-I/P pinout, 93LC76C-I/P application, or 93LC76C-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), self-timed erase/write timing (5 ms typical), Ready/Busy status signaling on DO, sequential read capability, and compatibility with microcontroller SPI-like serial masters requiring Microwire protocol support.

Technical Context

The 93LC76C-I/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals, where instruction execution begins on detection of a Start condition (CS high + DI high at CLK rising edge). Its dual-word-size architecture is controlled solely by the logic level on the dedicated ORG pin - tied to VCC for x16 mode (512 × 16), or to VSS for x8 mode (1024 × 8).

Write operations require prior execution of EWEN, followed by valid opcode/address/data sequences; the PE pin must be held high during the final clock edge of WRITE/WRAL to enable programming. All erase/write cycles are fully self-timed, with device status accessible via polling DO while CS is high after TCSL ≥ 250 ns.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP package (P suffix), with lead finish Pb-free Matte Tin. 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 93LC76B-I/P, the 93LC76C-I/P adds flexible word sizing and hardware write disable - critical for mixed-host architectures and safety-critical storage. Versus AT25080B-SSHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and integrated status signaling but trades off speed for protocol simplicity and legacy system support.

Availability

93LC76C-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, medical device configuration, and smart energy meter firmware patch storage requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93LC76C-I/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 leading provider of microcontrollers, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, serving industrial, automotive, consumer, and communications markets with high-reliability silicon and development tools.

The 93LC76C-I/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for low-power, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems requiring Microwire protocol compatibility and industrial-grade reliability.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC76C-I/P?

The ORG pin on the 93LC76C-I/P selects memory word size: logic high (VCC) configures the device as 512 × 16-bit (x16), while logic low (VSS) configures it as 1024 × 8-bit (x8). This pin is absent on A/B variants and must be externally biased - floating is not permitted. The 93LC76C-I/P uses this pin to maintain backward compatibility with both byte- and word-oriented host systems without requiring separate part numbers.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin protect the 93LC76C-I/P memory array?

The PE pin on the 93LC76C-I/P acts as a hardware gate for all write operations: only when PE is held high can ERASE, WRITE, or WRAL commands execute. If PE is tied low, all programming functions are permanently disabled - even if EWEN is issued. This provides fail-safe write protection against power glitches, firmware bugs, or unauthorized access, making the 93LC76C-I/P suitable for safety-critical configuration storage where data integrity is mandatory.

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable operation of the 93LC76C-I/P?

The 93LC76C-I/P requires VCC ≥ 2.5 V for guaranteed functional operation across its industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). Below 2.5 V, internal power-on reset circuitry disables write operations to prevent corruption; the device enters a protected state when VCC drops below ~1.5 V. This behavior ensures safe brown-out handling and eliminates the need for external reset supervisors in many designs using the 93LC76C-I/P.

Can the 93LC76C-I/P support sequential read operations, and how is this enabled?

Yes, the 93LC76C-I/P supports sequential read: after issuing a READ command with a starting address, holding CS high causes the internal address counter to auto-increment, outputting consecutive memory locations on DO with each subsequent CLK rising edge. No retransmission of opcode or address is needed. This feature reduces command overhead and accelerates bulk data retrieval - especially valuable in applications like loading calibration tables or firmware headers using the 93LC76C-I/P.

What package type does the 'P' suffix indicate for the 93LC76C-I/P?

The 'P' suffix in 93LC76C-I/P denotes an 8-lead Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP) with Pb-free Matte Tin finish. This through-hole package features a standard 0.3-inch body width, 0.1-inch lead pitch, and laser-marked pin 1 identification. It is intended for prototyping, legacy board designs, and applications where mechanical robustness and hand-soldering compatibility are prioritized over miniaturization - distinct from surface-mount variants like SOIC (SN), TSSOP (ST), or DFN (MC).