Microchip Technology 93LC76-I/P

Overview

93LC76-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is an 8K-bit (1024 × 8 or 512 × 16) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire interface, operating down to 2.5V, featuring ORG-pin-selectable memory organization, self-timed erase/write cycles, and integrated power-on/off data protection. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based systems requiring reliable, low-power parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC76-I/P datasheet, 93LC76-I/P pinout, 93LC76-I/P application, or 93LC76-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, validated 8-pin PDIP pin mapping, real-world use cases in embedded control and sensor calibration, and two confirmed alternative parts with documented functional and packaging differences.

Technical Context

The 93LC76-I/P implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface (CS/CLK/DI/DO) with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its dual-organization architecture (x8/x16) is determined solely by the ORG pin voltage level-VSS selects 1024 × 8, VCC selects 512 × 16-and internal pull-up ensures x16 default when unconnected.

It uses self-timed programming logic with automatic ERAL before WRAL, device status signaling via DO pin (low = busy), and hardware write-protection via PE pin (grounded = inhibit). Power supply immunity is enforced by 1.4V threshold circuitry that blocks erase/write during brown-out conditions.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), 300-mil body width, through-hole mounting. Pin 1 marked with notch or dot; pin numbering follows standard counter-clockwise layout from top view.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC76-I/P, the 93LC76C-I/P offers tighter timing and higher ESD robustness while maintaining full functional and pin compatibility, whereas the AT25080B-MAHL-T trades Microwire simplicity for higher-speed SPI but removes hardware-level write safeguards and auto-erase enforcement.

Availability

93LC76-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer appliance configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC76-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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The 93LC76-I/P belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power systems needing simple 3-wire serial configuration storage with hardware write protection and industrial-grade temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93LC76-I/P and how is it selected?

The 93LC76-I/P supports two memory organizations: 1024 × 8 bits (x8 mode) or 512 × 16 bits (x16 mode). Selection is controlled exclusively by the ORG pin voltage - tying ORG to VSS configures x8 mode, while connecting it to VCC selects x16 mode. An internal pull-up resistor ensures x16 mode when ORG is left unconnected. This configuration is latched at power-up and remains fixed until reset.

Does the 93LC76-I/P require external timing components for erase or write operations?

No, the 93LC76-I/P performs fully self-timed erase and write cycles. Once the final address or data bit is clocked in, the device internally manages the entire programming sequence - including auto-erase before write - without requiring external clocks, delays, or timing components. The DO pin provides real-time Ready/Busy status, enabling firmware to poll for completion.

How does the Program Enable (PE) pin protect against accidental writes in the 93LC76-I/P?

The PE pin on the 93LC76-I/P acts as a hardware write-gate: when tied to VSS (ground), all erase and write instructions are blocked regardless of EWEN state. When left floating or connected to VCC, programming is enabled. An internal pull-up ensures safe default operation (programmable) if PE is unconnected, but grounding PE provides deterministic, hardware-level write inhibition independent of firmware state.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC76-I/P at 3.3V supply?

At VCC = 3.3V, the 93LC76-I/P supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (AC Characteristics) for the 2.5V ≤ VCC < 4.5V range. This limit ensures reliable setup/hold timing for DI and proper DO output delay (TPD ≤ 250 ns) under worst-case process/voltage/temperature conditions.

Is the 93LC76-I/P pin-compatible with the 93LC76C-I/P for drop-in replacement?

Yes, the 93LC76-I/P and 93LC76C-I/P share identical 8-pin PDIP pinout, instruction set, memory map, and DC electrical specifications. The 93LC76C-I/P improves AC timing parameters and ESD robustness but maintains full functional and mechanical compatibility - making it a validated drop-in replacement for new designs, though Microchip explicitly notes the original 93LC76-I/P is "not recommended for new designs."