Microchip Technology 93AA46CT-I/MC

Overview

93AA46CT-I/MC from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG pin for selectable 8-/16-bit word organization, 1.8–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, >200 years data retention, and automatic erase-before-write functionality in an 8-lead 2x3 DFN package.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA46CT-I/MC datasheet, 93AA46CT-I/MC pinout, 93AA46CT-I/MC application, or 93AA46CT-I/MC equivalent, this page provides verified electrical specs, functional timing behavior, memory configuration logic, and real-world use cases in embedded control, sensor calibration storage, and firmware parameter retention where low-power nonvolatile memory with hardware write protection is required.

Technical Context

The 93AA46CT-I/MC implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with start-bit detection, opcode-driven instruction set (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS), and Ready/Busy status reporting via DO pin. Its ORG pin determines x8 (ORG = VSS) or x16 (ORG = VCC) memory mapping - confirmed for 'C' variants only.

It features self-timed erase/write cycles (6 ms typical), automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and voltage-dependent write enable (VPOR = 1.5 V). All operations require CS high, CLK rising-edge synchronization, and DI/DO bit-serial framing - no internal clock generation or address latching.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead 2x3 DFN (MC) package with exposed pad (optional VSS connection), Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner located at top-left when notch faces up.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46CT-I/MC, the 93AA46CT-I/MC offers lower minimum V_CC (1.8 V vs. 2.5 V) for battery-backed operation, while AT25010B-MAHL-T trades Microwire compatibility for SPI simplicity and eliminates ORG pin management - impacting firmware portability and host interface design.

Availability

93AA46CT-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and automotive subsystem parameter retention requiring stable component supply, long-life data integrity, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for 93AA46CT-I/MC 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 microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93XX46 series was designed specifically for low-power, cost-sensitive embedded systems requiring reliable, pin-efficient serial nonvolatile memory with hardware write protection and flexible word-width support.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93AA46CT-I/MC?

The ORG pin on the 93AA46CT-I/MC selects memory organization: tied to VCC for 64 × 16-bit (x16) mode, or to VSS for 128 × 8-bit (x8) mode. This pin is active only on 'C' variants like the 93AA46CT-I/MC - it is NC on 'A' and 'B' versions. The 93AA46CT-I/MC requires a valid logic level on ORG at power-up to establish deterministic operation; floating is not permitted.

Does the 93AA46CT-I/MC support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93AA46CT-I/MC supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock edges output the next memory location's data on DO. This eliminates the need to retransmit the opcode and address for consecutive bytes - reducing bus traffic and improving throughput in parameter table reads.

How does the 93AA46CT-I/MC protect against unintended writes during power transitions?

The 93AA46CT-I/MC incorporates dual-layer protection: (1) a power-on reset circuit that inhibits all operations below VPOR = 1.5 V, and (2) default Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) state at power-up. An explicit EWEN command is required before any ERASE or WRITE instruction executes. The 93AA46CT-I/MC also recommends a 10 kΩ external pull-down on CS for added noise immunity during brown-out conditions.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93AA46CT-I/MC at 1.8 V V_CC?

At V_CC = 1.8 V, the 93AA46CT-I/MC supports a maximum clock frequency of 1 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1). This is lower than the 3 MHz limit at V_CC ≥ 4.5 V. Timing parameters including TCKH (450 ns min), TCKL (450 ns min), and TPD (400 ns max) scale accordingly to ensure reliable operation across the full 1.8–5.5 V range.

Can the 93AA46CT-I/MC be used in place of a 93LC46CT-I/MC?

The 93AA46CT-I/MC and 93LC46CT-I/MC share identical pinout, package (MC), instruction set, and timing - but differ in V_CC range (1.8–5.5 V vs. 2.5–5.5 V) and temperature grade (I only vs. I/E). Substitution is electrically valid if system V_CC never drops below 2.5 V; however, using 93AA46CT-I/MC below 2.5 V unlocks ultra-low-voltage operation unavailable with the 93LC46CT-I/MC.