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Microchip Technology 93C46A-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 93C46A-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C46A-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:722
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Product details
Overview
93C46A-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 4.5–5.5V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46A-I/SN datasheet, 93C46A-I/SN pinout, 93C46A-I/SN application, or 93C46A-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms program cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, 200+ year data retention, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained industrial control modules.
Technical Context
The 93C46A-I/SN implements a synchronous serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO lines with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. It operates exclusively in x8 mode with no ORG pin functionality - unlike C-variants - and uses rising-edge CLK initiation for write/erase cycles.
Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, data register, output buffer, and mode decode logic, supporting READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions. Power-supply voltage detect (VPOR = 3.8 V) ensures write inhibition below operational threshold, and all programming requires prior EWEN activation after power-up.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin; supports 128-byte configuration storage. |
| VCC range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - requires stable 5 V rail; not compatible with 3.3 V or mixed-voltage systems. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - suitable for firmware parameter logging with frequent updates. |
| Data retention | >200 years at 25°C - ensures long-term reliability in unattended industrial deployments. |
| Program cycle time | 2 ms - enables fast field updates without blocking host MCU operation for extended periods. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - interoperable with legacy PIC® and 8051 controllers lacking SPI hardware. |
| Temp range | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - validated for use in motor drives, PLC I/O modules, and HVAC controls. |
Pinout & Package
93C46A-I/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN), with lead finish Pb-free Matte Tin. Pin 1 is CS; Pin 2 is CLK; Pin 3 is DI; Pin 4 is DO; Pin 5 is VSS; Pin 6 is NC (no internal connection); Pin 7 is NC; Pin 8 is VCC.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between commands; deselects device into standby mode. |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized timing; initiates erase/write on final rising edge (93C-series specific behavior). |
| DI | Data Input | Accepts start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; high-impedance when not selected. |
| DO | Data Output / R/B Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog functions; must be low-impedance connection to system ground plane. |
| NC (Pins 6 & 7) | No internal connection | Not bonded; must remain unconnected - floating or tied to VSS/VCC has no functional effect. |
| VCC | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V only; VPOR = 3.8 V prevents writes during brown-out; decoupling capacitor required. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates external timing circuitry; 2 ms guaranteed completion enables deterministic host polling. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full array readiness before bulk write - prevents partial-write corruption in firmware update sequences. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level VPOR circuitry blocks writes below 3.8 V, preventing data loss during power ramp-up/down. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables non-blocking host operation: MCU can poll DO instead of using fixed delays during programming. |
| 128 × 8-bit fixed organization | Simplifies address decoding and firmware driver logic - no ORG pin management or dual-mode configuration required. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Medical Device Calibration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing motor commutation offsets, PID tuning parameters, and fault history in brushless DC motor drivers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory interfaced directly to PIC18F or dsPIC33 MCU via Microwire GPIO bit-banging. Use Value: Survives 1M+ power cycles and retains calibration data >200 years - eliminates recalibration during product lifetime. | Use Scenario: Retaining sensor gain/offset coefficients and user-defined alarm thresholds in portable infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated 8-bit serial EEPROM providing tamper-resistant storage for FDA-required calibration records. Use Value: 4.5–5.5 V operation matches main 5 V logic rail; 2 ms write time allows real-time parameter save during nurse-initiated setup. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Energy Meter |
Use Scenario: Saving window position memory, mirror angle presets, and lighting profiles in BCMs across vehicle platforms. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Microwire EEPROM integrated into CAN-connected microcontroller subsystem for persistent user preference storage. Use Value: Industrial temp rating (–40°C to +85°C) meets under-hood ambient requirements; 1M endurance supports daily reprogramming over 10-year service life. | Use Scenario: Holding tariff tables, metering constants, and firmware update signatures in ANSI C12.22-compliant utility meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure nonvolatile memory co-located with metrology SoC for cryptographic key and billing parameter storage. Use Value: Hardware write-protection (EWEN/EWDS) prevents accidental overwrite during firmware OTA updates; RoHS-compliant SN package enables lead-free reflow assembly. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46A-I/SN | 2.5–5.5 V VCC range; same 128×8 organization; identical pinout and instruction set. | Supports wider supply range including 3.3 V systems; lacks 93C-series-specific timing behavior (e.g., CLK-edge write trigger). | Select for 3.3 V designs or where broader voltage tolerance is required; verify timing margins with host controller. |
| AT25010B-SSHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1.8–5.5 V, 1 Kbit (128×8), 5 ms write time, no ERAL/WRAL commands. | Requires SPI-capable MCU; no auto-erase-all or write-all primitives - firmware must implement block erasure manually. | Select when migrating to SPI infrastructure or requiring AEC-Q100 qualification; not drop-in compatible due to protocol and command differences. |
Compared with 93LC46A-I/SN, the 93C46A-I/SN offers tighter 4.5–5.5 V regulation and faster 2 ms writes but sacrifices 3.3 V compatibility; versus AT25010B, it provides Microwire-native command efficiency (ERAL/WRAL) and deterministic timing, though at the cost of interface flexibility.
Availability
93C46A-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, medical device calibration, automotive body control modules, and smart energy metering requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 93C46A-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.
The 93Cxx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal external components and legacy Microwire compatibility.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46A-I/SN?
The 93C46A-I/SN has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization with no ORG pin - unlike C-variants, it does not support x16 mode. This simplifies PCB layout and firmware driver development by eliminating configuration pin routing and dual-mode logic. The 93C46A-I/SN always operates in x8 mode, delivering one byte per READ/WRITE cycle.
Does the 93C46A-I/SN support 3.3 V operation?
No, the 93C46A-I/SN requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V and operates only within 4.5–5.5 V. Its power-on reset threshold (VPOR) is 3.8 V, meaning writes are disabled below that level. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 93LC46A-I/SN (2.5–5.5 V) or AT25010B (1.8–5.5 V), both of which maintain pin compatibility but differ in timing and command set.
How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93C46A-I/SN?
The DO pin of the 93C46A-I/SN serves dual function: data output during READ and Ready/Busy indicator during programming. After initiating ERASE or WRITE, bring CS high for ≥250 ns, then sample DO - low indicates ongoing operation, high confirms completion. The 93C46A-I/SN does not require continuous clocking during the self-timed cycle, enabling efficient host polling without bus contention.
What is the purpose of the NC pins on the 93C46A-I/SN SOIC package?
Pins 6 and 7 on the 93C46A-I/SN (SOIC-8, SN package) are No Connect (NC) terminals with no internal bonding. They must remain unconnected - tying them to VCC, VSS, or signals may cause unpredictable behavior or ESD vulnerability. This design reflects the pinout shared across the 93XX46 family, where ORG and second NC positions are unused in A/B variants.
Can the 93C46A-I/SN be used as a direct replacement for the 93AA46A-I/SN?
No - while both are 128×8 EEPROMs in SOIC-8, the 93C46A-I/SN (4.5–5.5 V) and 93AA46A-I/SN (1.8–5.5 V) differ in supply range, power-on reset threshold (3.8 V vs. 1.5 V), and AC timing (e.g., TWC = 2 ms vs. 6 ms). Substituting without verifying voltage rails, brown-out behavior, and host timing margins risks data corruption or failed writes.
93C46A-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 1Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 128 x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 2 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 2ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93C46A-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46A-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46A-I/SN on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for 93C46A-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46A-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C46A-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46A-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46A-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46A-I/SN?
93C46A-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46A-I/SN order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for 93C46A-I/SN?
For technical support, including 93C46A-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46A-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46A-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46A-I/SN products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that 93C46A-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46A-I/SN?
All 93C46A-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46A-I/SN, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The 93C46A-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46A-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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