Microchip Technology 93AA46B-I/P

Overview

93AA46B-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (64 × 16-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating across 1.8–5.5V supply range and rated for industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin. Used in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration memory, and firmware parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA46B-I/P datasheet, 93AA46B-I/P pinout, 93AA46B-I/P application, or 93AA46B-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to 8-lead PDIP, functional timing behavior, and real-world selection guidance against comparable serial EEPROMs - all grounded in Microchip DS20001749K.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins, supporting dedicated 16-bit word organization (no ORG pin), enabling efficient 16-bit data transfers without external configuration logic. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, with all programming operations gated by EWEN/EWDS commands for robust write protection.

Timing is defined by strict AC parameters: max clock frequency of 3 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5V, TCKH/TCKL as low as 200/100 ns, and TPD ≤ 200 ns (CL = 100 pF). Erase/write cycle time is 6 ms (TWC), ERAL requires ≥4.5V, and WRAL includes auto-ERAL - all self-timed with DO-driven Ready/Busy polling.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), through-hole mounting, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; standard 0.3" body width.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46B-I/P, the 93AA46B-I/P enables true 1.8 V operation and broader supply margin; versus AT25010B-PU, it delivers hardware-ready signaling and Microwire simplicity at the cost of slightly higher pin count efficiency.

Availability

93AA46B-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system configuration, and firmware parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 93AA46B-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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93XX46 family was designed specifically for low-power, nonvolatile serial memory applications in space-constrained embedded systems, emphasizing robustness, wide-voltage operation, and hardware-assisted data integrity.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93AA46B-I/P?

The 93AA46B-I/P has a fixed 64 × 16-bit organization - meaning it stores 64 words of 16 bits each, totaling 1,024 bits. Unlike 'C' variants, it does not have an ORG pin; its x16 structure is hardwired, eliminating external configuration logic and simplifying PCB layout for 16-bit data paths. This is confirmed in the Device Selection Table and Pin Function Table of DS20001749K.

Does the 93AA46B-I/P support hardware Ready/Busy signaling?

Yes, the 93AA46B-I/P provides hardware Ready/Busy status via the DO pin: when CS is brought high after ≥250 ns low, DO goes low during erase/write and high when complete. This enables efficient polling without fixed timeouts. The feature is documented in Section 2.4–2.9 and Figure 2-1 through 2-11 of DS20001749K, and applies identically to all 93AA46B-I/P units.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93AA46B-I/P?

The 93AA46B-I/P requires VCC ≥ 1.8 V for full specification compliance and supports operation down to 1.8 V across the industrial temperature range. Its power-on reset threshold is 1.5 V (VPOR), below which all write operations are inhibited - ensuring data integrity during brown-out conditions. This is specified in Table 1-1 (D11) and Section 2.3 of DS20001749K.

Can the 93AA46B-I/P be used in place of a 93AA46A-I/P?

No - the 93AA46B-I/P is not a direct replacement for the 93AA46A-I/P due to fundamental differences: the 'A' variant is 128 × 8-bit (x8), while the 'B' is 64 × 16-bit (x16). Addressing, data width, and instruction timing differ (e.g., READ requires 18 vs. 25 clock cycles). Interchangeability would require firmware and hardware redesign; DS20001749K explicitly separates them in the Device Selection Table.

What packages are available for the 93AA46B-I/P?

The 93AA46B-I/P is offered in 8-lead PDIP (P), as indicated by the '/P' suffix. Per DS20001749K page 1, the 'P' package code corresponds to Plastic Dual In-line Package. Other variants like SOIC (SN), TSSOP (ST), and MSOP (MS) exist for the 93AA46B family, but the specific part number 93AA46B-I/P denotes the PDIP version - confirmed in the Package Types diagram and Device Selection Table.