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

- Shipping:

Inventory:762
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Product details
Overview
93C46B/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (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/WRAL support, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46B/P datasheet, 93C46B/P pinout, 93C46B/P application, or 93C46B/P equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs, package mapping to 8-lead PDIP, functional timing behavior, and real-world use context for nonvolatile memory selection in cost-sensitive industrial designs.
Technical Context
The 93C46B/P implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins operating at up to 3 MHz (VCC ≥ 4.5 V), using rising-edge clocking for instruction/address/data transfer. Its fixed 16-bit organization eliminates ORG pin dependency - unlike C-versions - simplifying PCB layout and firmware initialization.
Internal logic enforces power-on write protection: device powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, requiring explicit EWEN command before any erase or write operation. Erase/write cycles are fully self-timed (2 ms typical), with DO pin providing active-low Ready/Busy status when CS is reasserted after TCSL ≥ 250 ns.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit organized as 64 words × 16 bits - supports compact 16-bit microcontroller data logging without byte alignment overhead. |
| VCC Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with legacy 5 V logic rails and ensures stable operation across industrial voltage tolerances. |
| Clock Frequency | Up to 3 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V - enables fast configuration read/write during system boot or runtime parameter updates. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - suitable for applications requiring frequent calibration or event counter storage. |
| Data Retention | Greater than 200 years at +25°C - guarantees long-term reliability in unattended equipment like utility meters or remote sensors. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - requires only four MCU GPIOs and no external level shifters at 5 V. |
| Temperature Range | −40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - validated for deployment in factory automation, HVAC controls, and motor drives. |
Pinout & Package
93C46B/P is supplied in an 8-lead Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP), with lead finish Matte Tin (Pb-free). Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package conforms to JEDEC MS-001 standard.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable: must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby but allows ongoing write completion. |
| 2 CLK | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O timing; clock can pause mid-transfer without state corruption; no clocks required during self-timed write. |
| 3 DI | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode (2-bit), address (6-bit), and data (16-bit); tied high during Start condition detection. |
| 4 DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs 16-bit read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge; requires external pull-up for status polling. |
| 5 VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all I/O and internal circuitry; must be low-impedance connection to avoid timing skew. |
| 6 NC | No Internal Connection | Unused pin - must remain unconnected; not bonded internally; no routing or termination required. |
| 7 NC | No Internal Connection | Unused pin - identical to Pin 6; electrically isolated; may be left floating or grounded per board layout convenience. |
| 8 VCC | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V supply with POR threshold at 3.8 V - prevents spurious writes during power ramp; decoupling capacitor mandatory. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | 2 ms typical cycle time (TWC) - eliminates need for software delay loops or external timing components. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Integrated ERAL execution prior to Write All - ensures full array readiness without separate command sequencing. |
| Power-on data protection | Hardware POR disables writes below 3.8 V - prevents corruption during brown-out or incomplete power-up. |
| EWEN/EWDS security | Explicit enable/disable commands - blocks accidental writes unless firmware intentionally issues EWEN first. |
| Sequential read mode | Continuous 16-bit output while CS remains high - reduces instruction overhead for bulk configuration reads. |
Applications
| Industrial Motor Control | Smart Energy Metering |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing calibrated current/voltage offset values and motor profile parameters across power cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed during MCU boot sequence via SPI-like Microwire interface. Use Value: Enables field recalibration without firmware update; 1M endurance supports >10 years of daily parameter adjustments. |
Use Scenario: Retaining tariff schedules, pulse-count history, and tamper-event timestamps in electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated 16-bit data logger interfaced to metrology ASIC over shared 3-wire bus. Use Value: 200-year data retention meets utility regulatory requirements; 5.5 V tolerance accommodates meter battery backup swings. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Medical Diagnostic Equipment |
|
Use Scenario: Saving user preferences (mirror position, seat settings) and fault-code history in BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary configuration memory co-located with main MCU; accessed during wake-up interrupt. Use Value: −40°C to +85°C rating matches under-hood thermal envelope; NC pins simplify routing in space-constrained modules. |
Use Scenario: Archiving calibration coefficients and sensor drift compensation tables in portable ultrasound units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Isolated nonvolatile store accessed only during pre-use self-test routines. Use Value: Microwire compatibility avoids dedicated SPI peripheral usage; 4.5 V min VCC ensures operation with aging Li-ion packs. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46B/P | 2.5–5.5 V VCC range; same 64×16-bit organization and pinout. | Supports wider supply range including 3.3 V systems; rated for extended temp (−40°C to +125°C). | Select 93LC46B/P if design uses mixed 3.3 V/5 V rails or requires automotive-grade temperature support. |
| AT25010B-PU | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit × 8-bit, 1.8–5.5 V, 20 MHz max clock. | Requires additional chip select line; higher speed but incompatible protocol and word size. | Choose AT25010B-PU only when migrating to SPI-based firmware architecture and accepting 8-bit data granularity. |
Compared with 93LC46B/P, the 93C46B/P offers tighter VCC regulation (4.5–5.5 V) and lower cost for pure 5 V systems, while AT25010B-PU trades Microwire simplicity for SPI speed and voltage flexibility - neither is pin-compatible, but both serve overlapping configuration storage roles.
Availability
93C46B/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, smart energy metering, automotive body electronics, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.
Supply support for 93C46B/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global manufacturing and support infrastructure.
The 93C46B/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-effective, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where Microwire compatibility and industrial reliability are essential.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46B/P?
The 93C46B/P has a fixed 64-word × 16-bit organization - meaning it stores 1,024 bits total, arranged as 64 addresses each holding 16 data bits. Unlike 'C' variants, it lacks an ORG pin and does not support dynamic 8/16-bit reconfiguration. This simplifies hardware design and eliminates external logic for word-size selection, making the 93C46B/P ideal for systems using native 16-bit data paths.
Does the 93C46B/P require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
Yes, the 93C46B/P requires an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin to ensure valid logic-high levels during Ready/Busy status polling and read operations. The DO pin operates in open-drain mode and enters High-Z when inactive. A 4.7 kΩ pull-up to VCC is recommended per Microchip's application guidance to maintain signal integrity and meet VOL specifications under load.
What is the minimum VCC required for reliable ERAL or WRAL operation in the 93C46B/P?
The 93C46B/P requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V for proper execution of ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands. Below this threshold, these high-current operations may fail or produce undefined results. This is explicitly specified in the datasheet's timing figures (Figures 2-3, 2-4, 2-10, 2-11) and reinforced in Section 2.5 and 2.9. Systems must ensure stable 4.5–5.5 V supply during bulk memory initialization.
How does the 93C46B/P handle power-up write protection?
The 93C46B/P powers up in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) mode, blocking all erase and write instructions until an explicit EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) command is issued. This hardware-enforced lock prevents accidental memory corruption during power ramp-up or brown-out conditions. After any successful write, best practice is to issue EWDS again to restore protection - a feature critical for field-deployed equipment with infrequent configuration updates.
Can the 93C46B/P be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller?
No - the 93C46B/P is not compatible with 3.3 V systems. Its absolute minimum VCC is 4.5 V, and its input thresholds (VIH1 = 2.0 V, VIL1 = 0.8 V) are defined only for VCC ≥ 4.5 V operation. Attempting to operate the 93C46B/P at 3.3 V will result in unreliable communication, failed writes, and potential data corruption. For 3.3 V designs, consider the 93LC46B/P (2.5–5.5 V) instead.
93C46B/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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
93C46B/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46B/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46B/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/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46B/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/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46B/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46B/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46B/P?
93C46B/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46B/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/P?
For technical support, including 93C46B/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46B/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46B/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46B/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/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46B/P?
All 93C46B/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46B/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/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46B/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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