Encyclopedia Entry: 93C76BT-E/ST

Product Overview

Category

The 93C76BT-E/ST belongs to the category of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips.

Use

This chip is primarily used for non-volatile data storage in various electronic devices, such as microcontrollers, computers, and consumer electronics.

Characteristics

• Non-volatile: The 93C76BT-E/ST retains stored data even when power is removed.
• Electrically erasable: Data can be erased and reprogrammed electronically, without requiring physical removal of the chip.
• High storage capacity: The chip has a storage capacity of 8 kilobits (1 kilobyte).
• Low power consumption: It operates at low voltage levels, making it energy-efficient.
• Small form factor: The chip is available in a compact package, suitable for integration into space-constrained designs.

Package and Quantity

The 93C76BT-E/ST is packaged in a small surface-mount SOIC-8 package. It is typically sold in reels containing multiple units, with each reel containing 2500 chips.

Specifications

• Memory Capacity: 8 kilobits (1 kilobyte)
• Interface: Serial
• Supply Voltage: 2.5V - 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Write Cycles: 1 million
• Data Retention: 200 years

Pin Configuration

The 93C76BT-E/ST chip has 8 pins arranged as follows:

┌───┬───┐ │ 1 │ 8 │ │ 2 │ 7 │ │ 3 │ 6 │ │ 4 │ 5 │ └───┴───┘

1. Chip Select (CS)
2. Serial Data Input (DI)
3. Serial Clock (SK)
4. Ground (GND)
5. Serial Data Output (DO)
6. Write Enable (WE)
7. VCC Supply Voltage
8. Not Connected (NC)

Functional Features

• High-Speed Serial Interface: The chip supports a serial interface for efficient data transfer.
• Byte and Page Write Operations: It allows writing data at the byte level or in larger page sizes, providing flexibility in programming.
• Software Protection: The chip offers software protection mechanisms to prevent unauthorized access or modification of stored data.
• Self-Timed Erase and Write Cycles: The erase and write operations are internally timed, simplifying the programming process.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Non-volatile memory ensures data retention even during power loss.
• Electrically erasable and reprogrammable, eliminating the need for physical replacement.
• Compact form factor enables integration into space-constrained designs.
• Low power consumption contributes to energy efficiency.
• High-speed serial interface facilitates efficient data transfer.

Disadvantages

• Limited storage capacity compared to other memory technologies.
• Relatively higher cost per kilobyte compared to alternative memory solutions.
• Limited endurance with a maximum of 1 million write cycles.

Working Principles

The 93C76BT-E/ST utilizes an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) technology. It stores data by trapping electrical charges within its memory cells. These charges can be selectively removed or added using electrical signals, allowing for data erasure and reprogramming.

The chip's internal circuitry includes control logic, memory cells, and a serial interface. When data needs to be written or read, the chip receives commands through the serial interface, which controls the flow of data between the external device and the memory cells.

Application Field Plans

The 93C76BT-E/ST finds applications in various fields, including:

1. Automotive Electronics: Used for storing critical vehicle parameters, such as mileage, calibration data, and configuration settings.
2. Industrial Control Systems: Employed in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to store program code, configuration data, and system parameters.
3. Consumer Electronics: Integrated into devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles for firmware storage and customization options.
4. Medical Devices: Utilized for storing patient data, device configurations, and firmware updates in medical equipment.

Alternative Models

Several alternative models with similar functionality are available in the market. Some notable alternatives to the 93C76BT-E/ST include:

1. 93C66BT-E/ST: A lower-capacity variant with 4 kilobits (512 bytes) of storage.
2. 93C86BT-E/ST: A higher-capacity variant with 16 kilobits (2 kilobytes) of storage.
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