Encyclopedia Entry: 93LC66BT/ST

Product Overview

Category

The 93LC66BT/ST belongs to the category of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips.

Use

This chip is commonly used for non-volatile data storage in various electronic devices, such as microcontrollers, automotive systems, consumer electronics, and industrial applications.

Characteristics

• Non-volatile: The 93LC66BT/ST retains stored data even when power is disconnected.
• Electrically erasable: Data can be erased and reprogrammed electronically, eliminating the need for physical removal or replacement.
• Small form factor: The chip is available in a compact package, making it suitable for space-constrained designs.
• High endurance: It offers a high number of erase/write cycles, ensuring reliable and long-lasting data storage.
• Low power consumption: The chip operates efficiently, minimizing energy consumption in battery-powered devices.

Package and Quantity

The 93LC66BT/ST is typically packaged in a small surface-mount package, such as SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) or TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package). The exact package type may vary depending on the manufacturer. It is commonly sold in reels or tubes containing multiple units.

Specifications

• Memory capacity: 4 kilobits (512 bytes)
• Organization: 256 x 16 bits or 128 x 8 bits
• Supply voltage: 2.5V to 5.5V
• Operating temperature range: -40°C to +85°C
• Interface: Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) compatible
• Write time: Typically 3 ms per byte
• Data retention: Minimum 200 years

Detailed Pin Configuration

The 93LC66BT/ST chip has a standard pin configuration with eight pins:

1. Chip Select (CS): Enables communication with the chip.
2. Serial Clock (SCK): Provides the clock signal for data transfer.
3. Serial Data Input (SI): Receives data from the external device.
4. Serial Data Output (SO): Transmits data to the external device.
5. Write Protect (WP): Optional pin for write protection.
6. VCC: Power supply voltage.
7. Ground (GND): Common ground reference.
8. Hold (HOLD): Optional pin for holding data transfer.

Functional Features

• Byte-level Read/Write: Allows individual bytes of data to be read from or written to the memory.
• Sequential Read: Supports continuous reading of multiple bytes without the need for repeated address selection.
• Software Protection: Offers software-controlled write protection to prevent accidental modification of stored data.
• Chip Erase: Allows erasing the entire memory content in a single operation.
• Write Enable Latch: Ensures data integrity during write operations by latching the write enable bit.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Non-volatile storage: Data remains intact even when power is lost.
• Electrically erasable: Convenient and efficient data modification without physical intervention.
• Compact size: Suitable for space-constrained designs.
• High endurance: Reliable and long-lasting data storage.
• Low power consumption: Ideal for battery-powered devices.

Disadvantages

• Limited capacity: The 93LC66BT/ST has a relatively small memory capacity compared to other EEPROM chips.
• Slower write speed: The write time per byte is longer compared to some higher-end EEPROMs.

Working Principles

The 93LC66BT/ST utilizes an electrically controlled floating gate to store data. When programming, a high voltage is applied to the gate, trapping electrons and altering the threshold voltage of the memory cell. This change in threshold voltage represents the stored data. During read operations, the threshold voltage is measured to determine the stored value.

Detailed Application Field Plans

The 93LC66BT/ST finds applications in various fields, including: - Microcontrollers: Used for storing configuration data, calibration values, and firmware updates. - Automotive Systems: Employed in electronic control units (ECUs) for storing critical data like mileage, VIN numbers, and fault codes. - Consumer Electronics: Utilized in devices such as smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles for storing user preferences, settings, and log data. - Industrial Applications: Integrated into industrial automation systems for storing production data, sensor calibration values, and system parameters.

Alternative Models

Several alternative models with similar functionality to the 93LC66BT/ST include: - 93LC46BT/ST: A lower capacity variant with 1 kilobit memory. - 93LC86BT/ST: A higher capacity variant with 8 kilobits memory. - 25LC256: A larger capacity EEPROM chip with 32 kilobits memory.

These alternatives offer different memory capacities to suit specific application requirements.

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