Microchip Technology 93LC76C-I/SN

Overview

93LC76C-I/SN from Microchip Technology 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, self-timed erase/write cycles, and industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C). It operates from 2.5V to 5.5V and delivers 1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention - used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration memory, and power-management parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC76C-I/SN datasheet, 93LC76C-I/SN pinout, 93LC76C-I/SN application, or 93LC76C-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC operating range compatibility, ORG/PE pin control logic, Ready/Busy status polling via DO, and Microwire protocol timing compliance at 1–3 MHz clock rates across voltage grades.

Technical Context

The 93LC76C-I/SN implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO) with dual-mode memory mapping: ORG = VSS selects 1024 × 8-bit organization; ORG = VCC selects 512 × 16-bit organization. Its internal logic enforces automatic ERAL before WRAL and requires PE = high for write operations.

Power-on data protection is enforced by a built-in VCC detect circuit (VPOR = 1.5 V typical), and all programming modes require explicit EWEN instruction execution prior to erase or write - with automatic reset to EWDS state on power-up. Standby current is ≤1 µA at I-temp with CS, CLK, and DI held static.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC76C-I/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with 150-mil body width and Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package meets JEDEC MS-012AA standards.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76B-I/SN and AT25080B-MAHL-T, the 93LC76C-I/SN uniquely combines hardware-configurable word size, dedicated write-enable gating, and Microwire compatibility - making it optimal for legacy microcontroller platforms requiring flexible, robust, and pin-efficient nonvolatile storage.

Availability

93LC76C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded configuration storage, and power management parameter backup requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 93LC76C-I/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93LC76C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM product line, engineered for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable, pin-efficient nonvolatile memory with flexible word-width configuration and hardware write protection.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93LC76C-I/SN determines memory word size: tied to VSS it configures the device as 1024 × 8-bit; tied to VCC it configures as 512 × 16-bit. This allows one 93LC76C-I/SN part number to serve both byte-oriented and word-oriented firmware architectures without redesign. The ORG state must be stable before CS goes high to avoid undefined behavior during instruction decode.

How does the PE pin protect against accidental writes in the 93LC76C-I/SN?

The PE (Program Enable) pin on the 93LC76C-I/SN acts as a hardware gate for all erase and write operations: only when PE = high can EWEN, ERASE, WRITE, or WRAL commands execute. If PE = low, all programming functions are disabled regardless of software state - preventing corruption during debug sessions, brownouts, or firmware glitches. The pin must be hardwired to VCC or VSS; floating is prohibited.

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

At VCC = 3.3 V (within the 2.5–5.5 V range), the 93LC76C-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, per Table 1-2 AC Characteristics (2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V row). This ensures reliable setup/hold timing for DI and DO signals under typical industrial 3.3 V rail conditions, with TCKH ≥ 250 ns and TCKL ≥ 200 ns.

Does the 93LC76C-I/SN require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?

No, the 93LC76C-I/SN does not require an external pull-up on DO. Its output buffer actively drives high or low during READ or Ready/Busy polling, and enters High-Z when CS is low or during non-read states. However, if DI and DO are shorted (bus-sharing configuration), a series resistor (e.g., 10 kΩ) is recommended between them to prevent bus conflict when A0 = high during the dummy-zero phase of READ.

What is the purpose of the EWEN and EWDS instructions in the 93LC76C-I/SN command set?

The EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) instructions control programming permission in the 93LC76C-I/SN. The device powers up in EWDS mode, blocking all erase/write operations until EWEN is issued. After programming, issuing EWDS relocks the array - adding a software layer of protection complementary to the hardware PE pin. Both commands require 13 clock cycles and leave DO in High-Z state.