Microchip Technology 93AA46T-I/SN

Overview

93AA46T-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1K-bit (128 × 8 or 64 × 16) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire interface, ORG-pin-selectable memory organization, and 1.8V–5.5V single-supply operation. It delivers 70 µA typical active read current at 1.8V, 2 µA standby current, and supports industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) in an 8-lead SOIC package. It is used for nonvolatile parameter storage in embedded control systems requiring robust power-on/off data protection.

For engineers reviewing the 93AA46T-I/SN datasheet, 93AA46T-I/SN pinout, 93AA46T-I/SN application, or 93AA46T-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its 3-wire Microwire compatibility, self-timed erase/write cycles (4 ms/word), 1 million endurance cycles, >200-year data retention, and dual x8/x16 configuration via ORG pin - all validated for industrial-grade reliability without external voltage translation.

Technical Context

The 93AA46T-I/SN implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire serial interface with CS, CLK, and bidirectional DI/DO lines. Its internal logic includes address counter, mode decode logic, and clock generator enabling instruction-based operations including READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS - all initiated by rising-edge clocked opcode/address/data sequences.

Memory configuration is determined solely by the ORG pin state: tied to VCC for 64 × 16-bit organization (1024 bits), or to VSS for 128 × 8-bit organization (1024 bits). Power-up defaults to EWDS mode, requiring explicit EWEN before any programming; automatic ERAL precedes WRAL, and device status is monitored via DO pin during erase/write cycles.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead SOIC package (JEDEC MS-012, 150 mil body width), marked "/SN" per Microchip's packaging nomenclature. Pin 1 is CS, pin 2 is CLK, pin 3 is DI, pin 4 is DO, pin 5 is VSS, pin 6 is ORG, pin 7 is NU (not utilized), pin 8 is VCC.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93AA46T-I/SN, the 93AA46C-I/SN offers identical functionality with improved robustness and is Microchip's designated replacement, while the AT25010B-MAHL-T requires interface redesign and forfeits ORG-based memory mapping flexibility.

Availability

93AA46T-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, medical device configuration, automotive body control, and smart energy metering applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 93AA46T-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93AA46T-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93AAxx Microwire EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-voltage, low-power, industrial-grade nonvolatile memory applications where pin efficiency, protocol simplicity, and long-term data integrity are critical.

FAQ

What is the memory organization flexibility of the 93AA46T-I/SN?

The 93AA46T-I/SN supports two memory configurations selected by the ORG pin: when tied to VSS, it operates as 128 × 8-bit (1024 bits); when tied to VCC, it configures as 64 × 16-bit (1024 bits). This allows system designers to optimize data access width without changing firmware addressing logic - a feature confirmed in DS20067K-page 4 instruction tables and functional description section 2.0.

Does the 93AA46T-I/SN require external circuitry for 1.8V operation?

No, the 93AA46T-I/SN operates natively down to 1.8V with no external components required. Its CMOS design ensures valid read/write functionality across 1.8V–5.5V, and internal power-on protection activates at 1.4V to prevent spurious writes. All electrical characteristics in Table 1-1, including VIH2, VIL2, VOL2, and VOH2, are explicitly specified at 1.8V, confirming full 1.8V compatibility.

How does the 93AA46T-I/SN indicate readiness after a write operation?

The 93AA46T-I/SN uses the DO pin as a Ready/Busy indicator: during erase or write cycles, DO outputs low while programming is in progress and transitions high upon completion. This status is readable only after CS is brought high for ≥250 ns following the TCSL low period, as defined in DS20067K-page 7 functional description and Figure 2-5/2-6 timing diagrams.

Is the 93AA46T-I/SN pin-compatible with newer Microchip EEPROMs like the 93AA46C-I/SN?

Yes, the 93AA46T-I/SN is pin-compatible and functionally identical to the 93AA46C-I/SN, sharing the same 8-lead SOIC package, pinout, instruction set, timing, and electrical specifications. Microchip explicitly states in DS20067K-page 1 that the 93AA46C variant replaces the 93AA46 series for new designs, with no PCB or firmware changes required for migration.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93AA46T-I/SN at 1.8V?

At VCC = 1.8V, the 93AA46T-I/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 1 MHz, as specified in Table 1-1 under "Clock frequency" (FCLK) with condition "VCC < 4.5V". This limit applies regardless of ORG configuration and is validated across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C).