Microchip Technology 93C46A-I/P

Overview

93C46A-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 4.5–5.5 V supply range, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, and Pb-free PDIP-8 package. It provides nonvolatile storage for configuration data in microcontroller-based systems requiring reliable, low-power memory with automatic erase-before-write and hardware data protection.

For engineers reviewing the 93C46A-I/P datasheet, 93C46A-I/P pinout, 93C46A-I/P application, or 93C46A-I/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, timing-critical I/O behavior, package-specific pin mapping, real-world use cases in embedded control and power management, and two validated alternative parts with documented functional and application-level differences.

Technical Context

The 93C46A-I/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS/CLK/DI/DO signals and no ORG pin - fixed 8-bit organization. It uses self-timed internal auto-erase-and-write cycles (2 ms typical), supports ERAL and WRAL commands requiring ≥4.5 V, and asserts Ready/Busy status on DO during programming via polling after CS high pulse.

Power-on reset circuitry disables write operations below 3.8 V VCC; device powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, requiring explicit EWEN before any erase/write. Sequential read is supported with automatic address increment while CS remains high.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93C46A-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish, and standard through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot or notch.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46A-I/P, the 93C46A-I/P offers tighter VCC regulation (4.5–5.5 V) and higher noise immunity in 5 V industrial buses; compared with AT25010B-PU, it reduces pin count and simplifies timing but trades off maximum speed and voltage flexibility.

Availability

93C46A-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, microcontroller configuration storage, and power supply sequencing requiring stable component supply with long-term traceability and lifecycle continuity.

Supply support for 93C46A-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona.

The 93Cxx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count embedded systems needing robust, easy-to-integrate serial EEPROM with hardware write protection and industrial-grade reliability.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCC voltage that allows write operations on the 93C46A-I/P?

The 93C46A-I/P incorporates a voltage-detect circuit that disables all erase and write functions when VCC falls below 3.8 V. This ensures data integrity during brown-out conditions. Valid write operation requires VCC ≥4.5 V, and the ERAL and WRAL commands explicitly require VCC ≥4.5 V per datasheet specification. The 93C46A-I/P will remain in EWDS mode until VCC rises above the threshold and an EWEN command is issued.

Does the 93C46A-I/P have an ORG pin, and how does its memory organization work?

No, the 93C46A-I/P does not have an ORG pin - it is an 'A'-suffix device with fixed 128 × 8-bit (x8) organization. Unlike 'C'-suffix variants, the 93C46A-I/P requires no external logic level on ORG and simplifies PCB layout by eliminating that connection. Its instruction set, address width (7-bit), and data width (8-bit per READ/WRITE) are hardwired, making firmware integration deterministic and pinout-consistent across all 93C46A variants including 93C46A-I/P.

How is Ready/Busy status monitored on the 93C46A-I/P during a write cycle?

During an erase or write cycle, the 93C46A-I/P asserts Ready/Busy status on the DO pin: DO = low indicates programming in progress, DO = high indicates completion. To poll, the host must bring CS high for ≥250 ns after initiating the command, then sample DO. DO returns to High-Z on CS falling edge. The 93C46A-I/P does not require dedicated status pins - this single-wire polling eliminates need for interrupts or additional GPIOs in resource-constrained designs.

What packaging and lead finish does the 93C46A-I/P use, and is it RoHS compliant?

93C46A-I/P uses an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width and matte tin (Pb-free) lead finish, fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The 'I/P' suffix explicitly denotes Industrial temperature grade (-40°C to +85°C) and PDIP packaging. No lead finish conversion or exemption is required - all units shipped meet current JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 (Sn) standards.

Can the 93C46A-I/P be used interchangeably with the 93AA46A-I/P in an existing design?

No - the 93C46A-I/P and 93AA46A-I/P are not interchangeable due to differing VCC ranges and internal voltage detection thresholds. While both are 128×8 EEPROMs in PDIP-8, the 93C46A-I/P requires 4.5–5.5 V and disables writes below 3.8 V, whereas the 93AA46A-I/P operates from 1.8–5.5 V and disables writes below 1.5 V. Substituting one for the other risks failed writes or premature data corruption if VCC deviates from the intended range.