Microchip Technology 93C46B-E/P
- Part No.:
- 93C46B-E/P
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
93C46B-E/P.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,347
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Product details
Overview
93C46B-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1K-bit (64 × 16-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 4.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature grade (–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 in embedded system configuration storage and calibration data retention.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46B-E/P datasheet, 93C46B-E/P pinout, 93C46B-E/P application, or 93C46B-E/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 16-bit organization (no ORG pin), PDIP-8 package, 2 ms write cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained industrial control modules.
Technical Context
The 93C46B-E/P implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO pins operating at up to 3 MHz (VCC ≥ 4.5 V), using rising-edge clocking for instruction/address/data transfer. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, with all programming operations initiated by CLK edge (not CS edge) per 93C-series timing.
It supports dedicated 16-bit word access only - no ORG pin present - and requires EWEN command prior to any erase/write. Power-on reset disables writes until explicit enable; VCC must remain ≥4.5 V for ERAL and WRAL operations, and device enters Standby mode when CS is low.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (64 words × 16 bits) - fixed x16 organization, no ORG pin |
| VCC range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - incompatible with 3.3 V or 2.5 V systems |
| Write cycle time | 2 ms - self-timed auto-erase/write; no external delay required |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - validated at 25°C, VCC = 5.0 V |
| Data retention | 200 years - guaranteed nonvolatile storage under rated conditions |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - no SPI or I²C protocol support |
| Temp range | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - not qualified for automotive (E-temp) |
Pinout & Package
93C46B-E/P is supplied in 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width and standard through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot or notch; package is Pb-free (Matte Tin finish).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; device enters Standby when low; minimum 250 ns low time required between instructions |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized timing for opcode, address, and data; stops/resumes freely during transmission |
| DI | Data Input | Serial input for Start bit, instruction, address, and write data; no pull-up/pull-down required |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); high-Z when CS low or during non-read states |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all signals; must be connected directly to system ground plane |
| NC | No Connection | Pin 7 is unconnected internally - must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice |
| VCC | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V supply; POR threshold is 3.8 V - below this, all operations inhibited |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control or software delays - 2 ms cycle completes autonomously |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level lockout prevents corruption during brown-out or power ramp - no firmware intervention needed |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables polling-based operation without interrupt lines - reduces MCU pin count and simplifies driver code |
| EWEN/EWDS security commands | Prevents accidental writes: device powers up in EWDS state; explicit EWEN required before each erase/write session |
| 1M endurance & 200-year retention | Supports long-life industrial deployments - e.g., field instruments requiring >10-year calibration data integrity |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Legacy Industrial Controller NVRAM |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated sensor offset/gain coefficients in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and analog input modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory holding 64×16-bit calibration tables; accessed infrequently during commissioning or field recalibration. Use Value: Ensures measurement accuracy over product lifetime without battery backup; leverages 200-year retention and 1M endurance for multi-decade deployments. | Use Scenario: Retaining user-configured I/O mapping, alarm thresholds, and runtime counters in discontinued 5 V-only industrial HMIs and motion controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Drop-in Microwire EEPROM replacement for obsolete 93C46B variants in legacy 5 V backplanes. Use Value: Maintains full functional compatibility with existing firmware and PCB layout - no timing or voltage translation required. |
| Embedded Power Supply Configuration | Set-Top Box Firmware Parameter Storage |
Use Scenario: Holding digital power supply parameters (voltage setpoints, soft-start times, fault limits) in AC/DC and DC/DC converter modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial NVM interfaced directly to power management MCU via dedicated Microwire port. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable power profiles without hardware modification; 4.5–5.5 V range matches main 5 V rail, eliminating level-shifting. | Use Scenario: Storing channel lineup, parental control settings, and tuner configuration in legacy cable/satellite STBs with 5 V logic rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count configuration memory accessed during boot sequence and user menu navigation. Use Value: Provides reliable parameter persistence across power cycles; 2 ms write time enables fast UI response during setting changes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93C46B-I/P | Same 64×16-bit organization and PDIP-8 package, but rated for Industrial temp only (–40°C to +85°C) - identical electrical specs | No difference; E-grade suffix denotes same temp range as -E/P in this family - "E" here is legacy marking, not Automotive grade | Select 93C46B-E/P when traceability or specific date-code requirements apply; otherwise 93C46B-I/P is functionally interchangeable |
| 93LC46B-I/P | 2.5–5.5 V VCC range, same 64×16-bit organization, PDIP-8; lacks 4.5 V minimum - operates down to 2.5 V | Enables dual-supply designs (e.g., 3.3 V MCU + 5 V EEPROM rail) but requires separate 2.5–5.5 V supply domain | Choose 93LC46B-I/P only if system uses <4.5 V VCC; otherwise 93C46B-E/P ensures guaranteed timing and ERAL/WRAL functionality at 5 V |
Compared with 93C46B-I/P and 93LC46B-I/P, the 93C46B-E/P guarantees full 4.5–5.5 V operation including ERAL and WRAL commands, offers identical pinout and timing, and maintains legacy compatibility where strict 5 V rail compliance is required - making it the optimal choice for retrofitting or sustaining 5 V industrial systems.
Availability
93C46B-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, legacy controller NVRAM, and embedded power supply configuration requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 93C46B-E/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, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93Cxx EEPROM family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count 5 V embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage - emphasizing reliability, Microwire compatibility, and drop-in replaceability in legacy industrial hardware.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46B-E/P?
The 93C46B-E/P has a fixed 64-word × 16-bit (1 Kbit) organization. It does not include an ORG pin - unlike 'C' variants - and is hardwired for 16-bit word access. This eliminates external configuration logic and ensures deterministic timing for 16-bit data transfers in systems like industrial PLCs and power supplies.
Does the 93C46B-E/P support 3.3 V operation?
No, the 93C46B-E/P requires a minimum VCC of 4.5 V and operates only within 4.5–5.5 V. Attempting to use it at 3.3 V will prevent ERAL, WRAL, and reliable write operations due to insufficient voltage margin. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 93LC46B-I/P (2.5–5.5 V range) instead.
What is the purpose of the NC pin on the 93C46B-E/P PDIP package?
Pin 7 on the 93C46B-E/P is labeled NC (No Connection) and has no internal connection. It must be left floating or tied to VSS per PCB layout best practices to avoid noise coupling. This pin is reserved for 'C'-series variants with ORG functionality but is unused in the 93C46B-E/P.
How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93C46B-E/P?
The DO pin outputs Ready/Busy status during erase/write cycles: DO = low indicates ongoing operation; DO = high means completion. To read status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL - then sample DO. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status flag.
Is the 93C46B-E/P RoHS compliant?
Yes, the 93C46B-E/P is RoHS compliant and features a Pb-free Matte Tin (Sn) finish on all leads. This meets EU Directive 2011/65/EU and is verified in Microchip's packaging specification DS20001749K.
93C46B-E/P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 1Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 64 x 16
- 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 ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
93C46B-E/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46B-E/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46B-E/P 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 93C46B-E/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46B-E/P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C46B-E/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46B-E/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46B-E/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46B-E/P?
93C46B-E/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46B-E/P 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 93C46B-E/P?
For technical support, including 93C46B-E/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46B-E/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46B-E/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46B-E/P 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 93C46B-E/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46B-E/P?
All 93C46B-E/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46B-E/P, 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 93C46B-E/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46B-E/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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