Microchip Technology 93AA46C-I/MS

Overview

93AA46C-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with configurable 8-/16-bit word organization controlled by the ORG pin, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C), and Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface. It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years of data retention for nonvolatile storage in microcontroller-based system configuration and calibration.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA46C-I/MS datasheet, 93AA46C-I/MS pinout, 93AA46C-I/MS application, or 93AA46C-I/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include ORG-pin-dependent memory mapping, self-timed erase/write with ERAL/WRAL support, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, sequential read capability, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The 93AA46C-I/MS implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals plus dedicated ORG input for dynamic x8/x16 word-size selection. Its internal architecture includes an address counter, mode decode logic, and output buffer enabling single-byte or full-array operations including ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, and WRAL.

Power-on data protection is enforced via VCC voltage detect (1.5 V threshold), and write operations require explicit EWEN instruction before execution-automatically entering EWDS mode at power-up. The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming cycles, with high-impedance state maintained when CS is low.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93AA46C-I/MS is packaged in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch and Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser indentation; the exposed pad is not internally connected and may be left floating or tied to VSS.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46C-I/MS, the 93AA46C-I/MS supports lower-voltage operation critical for battery-backed systems, while the AT25010B-MAHL-T offers broader ecosystem compatibility at the cost of losing ORG-driven flexibility and requiring additional chip select routing.

Availability

93AA46C-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer appliance configuration, medical device settings storage, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93AA46C-I/MS 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 93XX46 family was designed specifically for low-power, nonvolatile memory applications in resource-constrained embedded systems, emphasizing voltage flexibility, hardware-configurable organization, and robust data integrity under varying environmental conditions.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93AA46C-I/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93AA46C-I/MS selects memory organization: logic high configures 64 × 16-bit mode, logic low configures 128 × 8-bit mode. This hardware-selectable feature eliminates firmware reconfiguration and enables one part number to serve multiple host bus widths. The 93AA46C-I/MS requires external biasing of ORG to a valid logic level; floating is not permitted. This behavior is confirmed in DS20001749K-page 6 and page 12.

Does the 93AA46C-I/MS support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93AA46C-I/MS supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments and outputs subsequent memory locations on DO. This enables efficient burst access to parameter tables without reissuing opcodes. The dummy zero prefix precedes each 8-bit or 16-bit word depending on ORG state, as defined in Tables 1-3 and 1-4 of DS20001749K.

What is the minimum VCC voltage required for reliable write operations on the 93AA46C-I/MS?

The 93AA46C-I/MS requires VCC ≥ 1.8 V for all operations, but reliable erase/write cycles demand stable supply above the internal POR threshold of 1.5 V. DS20001749K-page 3 specifies VPOR = 1.5 V (typical) for '93AA' devices, and write current (D8) is characterized down to 2.5 V - however, full 1.8 V operation is validated per Device Selection Table on page 1. Below 1.8 V, functionality is not guaranteed.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93AA46C-I/MS DO pin?

The DO pin of the 93AA46C-I/MS outputs Ready/Busy status during erase/write cycles: logic low indicates active programming, logic high indicates completion. To sample status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL, then DO is sampled on CLK edges. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status flag. This behavior is detailed in Figures 2-1 through 2-11 and Section 2.4–2.9 of DS20001749K.

Is the 93AA46C-I/MS pin-compatible with other packages in the 93XX46 family?

Yes, the 93AA46C-I/MS in MSOP-8 shares identical pinout and signal mapping with PDIP, SOIC, TSSOP, and DFN variants per Table 3-1 (DS20001749K-page 12). All 8-lead packages route CS, CLK, DI, DO, VSS, ORG, NC, and VCC to matching positions - enabling drop-in replacement across form factors without PCB redesign. The SOT-23 variant is 6-lead and not pin-compatible.