Microchip Technology 93AA46C-I/SN

Overview

93AA46C-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 1 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG pin for runtime 8-/16-bit word size selection, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature support (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles and >200 years data retention in 8-lead SOIC package, used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA46C-I/SN datasheet, 93AA46C-I/SN pinout, 93AA46C-I/SN application, or 93AA46C-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include ORG-configurable memory organization, self-timed erase/write with ERAL/WRAL support, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, and compatibility with low-power 1.8 V systems requiring nonvolatile parameter storage.

Technical Context

The 93AA46C-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals, where instruction execution begins on detection of a Start bit (CS high + DI high at CLK rising edge). Memory organization is dynamically selected by the ORG pin: logic high enables 64 × 16-bit mode, logic low selects 128 × 8-bit mode.

It features hardware-level data protection including power-on/off voltage detection (VPOR = 1.5 V), automatic EWDS on power-up, and mandatory EWEN before any erase/write. Erase/write cycles are fully self-timed (6 ms typical), with dedicated ERAL and WRAL commands that include auto-erase and require VCC ≥ 4.5 V for execution.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93AA46C-I/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, Pb-free with Matte Tin finish, pin-compatible with industry-standard 8-pin SOIC footprints (JEDEC MS-012).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46C-I/SN, the 93AA46C-I/SN supports lower-voltage operation down to 1.8 V, enabling direct integration into energy-harvesting or battery-powered nodes; versus AT25010B-SSHL-T, it offers ORG-driven configurability and Microwire's 3-wire simplicity but lacks SPI protocol compatibility.

Availability

93AA46C-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLCs, medical diagnostics, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93AA46C-I/SN 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 93XX series EEPROMs were designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring robust, pin-efficient nonvolatile storage - emphasizing voltage flexibility, data integrity, and long-term reliability in industrial and consumer applications.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93AA46C-I/SN selects memory organization: tied to VCC (logic high) configures the device as 64 × 16-bit; tied to VSS (logic low) configures it as 128 × 8-bit. This allows a single 93AA46C-I/SN part to serve both 8-bit and 16-bit host interfaces without changing hardware. The ORG pin must be externally biased - floating is not permitted - and its state is sampled at the start of each instruction sequence.

Does the 93AA46C-I/SN require external timing components for write operations?

No, the 93AA46C-I/SN does not require external timing components for write operations. All erase and write cycles - including ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, and WRAL - are self-timed and fully internal. After issuing the command and meeting timing requirements (e.g., TCSL ≥ 250 ns), the device executes the operation autonomously in 6 ms (typical), with Ready/Busy status reported on the DO pin.

What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93AA46C-I/SN?

The 93AA46C-I/SN operates reliably from 1.8 V to 5.5 V. Its internal power-on reset (POR) circuit activates at approximately 1.5 V, preventing spurious writes during power-up or brownout. However, functional operation - including valid read/write - is only guaranteed within the 1.8–5.5 V range specified in the datasheet; operation below 1.8 V may result in undefined behavior or data corruption.

Can the 93AA46C-I/SN be used in place of a 93AA46A-I/SN or 93AA46B-I/SN?

Yes, the 93AA46C-I/SN can replace both 93AA46A-I/SN (fixed 8-bit) and 93AA46B-I/SN (fixed 16-bit) by configuring the ORG pin accordingly. However, the 93AA46C-I/SN requires an additional PCB trace to route ORG to VCC or VSS, whereas the A/B variants have ORG internally disconnected. No changes to firmware or timing are needed - instruction sets and AC timings are identical across the 93AA46x family.

How is Ready/Busy status monitored on the 93AA46C-I/SN during a write cycle?

Ready/Busy status on the 93AA46C-I/SN is monitored by reading the DO pin after bringing CS high for at least the minimum TCSL time (250 ns). During active erase/write, DO outputs logic low; when complete, DO transitions to logic high. If CS remains low throughout the cycle, DO stays in High-Z and status cannot be polled - CS must be pulsed high briefly to sample status.