Microchip Technology 93C46B/ST
- Part No.:
- 93C46B/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C46B/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,650
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Product details
Overview
93C46B/ST from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (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, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, and RoHS-compliant 8-lead SOIC package. Used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management ICs.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46B/ST datasheet, 93C46B/ST pinout, 93C46B/ST application, or 93C46B/ST equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 16-bit word organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms program cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, 200+ year data retention, and compatibility with legacy Microwire-based microcontroller peripherals.
Technical Context
The 93C46B/ST implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins - no ORG pin present, confirming fixed x16 memory mapping. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, supporting sequential read, ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions.
Timing is strictly defined: TWC = 2 ms for erase/write (vs. 6 ms for AA/LC variants), TCSL ≥ 250 ns, TPD ≤ 400 ns at 1.8–2.5 V, and FCLK up to 3 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V. Power-on reset detection triggers at VPOR = 3.8 V, enabling hardware-level write protection below operating voltage.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (64 words × 16 bits) - fixed x16 organization; no ORG pin required or functional |
| VCC range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - narrow supply window ensures compatibility only with 5 V systems; no low-voltage operation |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - validated at 25°C, 5.0 V; supports long-life field deployments |
| Data retention | > 200 years - guaranteed under industrial temperature conditions without refresh |
| Program cycle time | 2 ms - faster than 93AA/93LC variants (6 ms); reduces firmware wait time during configuration updates |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - requires no additional protocol translation in legacy MCU designs |
| Temperature range | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - qualified for use in industrial control, metering, and automotive body electronics |
Pinout & Package
93C46B/ST is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package, marked "ST" per Microchip's packaging nomenclature (SOIC-8, 150 mil width, Pb-free Matte Tin finish). Pin 1 is identified by laser mark; exposed pad not present.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby but allows ongoing write completion |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers on rising edge; clock can be paused mid-sequence; no clock required during 2 ms auto-erase/write |
| DI | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode, address (A5–A0), and 16-bit data; tied high at power-up to detect Start condition |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs 16-bit read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS is low or after status polling |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all I/O and internal circuitry; must be connected before VCC |
| 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 input; internal POR circuit blocks writes below 3.8 V to prevent corruption during brown-out |
| ORG | Not applicable | Not implemented on 93C46B devices - pin 6 is NC; memory organization is permanently x16 |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control - firmware simply waits for DO high or polls status, reducing CPU overhead |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full array erasure prior to bulk write, preventing partial-data corruption without requiring separate ERAL command |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables non-blocking polling - microcontroller can perform other tasks while checking DO level instead of fixed delays |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-enforced write inhibition below 3.8 V prevents accidental writes during power ramp-up/down or brown-out events |
| Industry-standard Microwire interface | Direct drop-in replacement for legacy 93Cxx EEPROMs in existing 5 V designs using standard Microwire drivers |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Configuration Storage | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing calibration coefficients, I/O mapping tables, and fault log history in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory accessed infrequently during boot or maintenance; x16 interface reduces SPI transaction count vs. x8 parts. Use Value: 200+ year data retention ensures integrity across decades of operation without battery backup or refresh. | Use Scenario: Holding seat position presets, mirror angle settings, and lighting profiles in vehicle BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU via Microwire; operates within –40°C to +85°C ambient range. Use Value: 1M endurance supports frequent user adjustments over vehicle lifetime without wear-out concerns. |
| Smart Energy Meter Firmware Parameters | Legacy Industrial Sensor Calibration Data |
Use Scenario: Storing tariff schedules, CT/PT ratio settings, and communication protocol parameters in ANSI C12.22-compliant meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant parameter store accessed only during commissioning or firmware update. Use Value: Hardware write-protection (VPOR = 3.8 V) prevents corruption during AC line sags common in utility environments. | Use Scenario: Retaining factory-calibrated offset/gain values for analog sensor front-ends in process control transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Read-once-at-boot memory with x16 word access aligning to 16-bit ADC register width. Use Value: Fixed x16 organization eliminates software bit-packing, simplifying driver code and reducing flash footprint. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93C46B/SN | Same die, identical electrical specs, same SOIC-8 package - differs only in marking and reel packaging (SN = standard SOIC, ST = tape-and-reel variant) | No functional difference; SN used for tube delivery, ST for automated SMT placement | Select 93C46B/ST for pick-and-place assembly; 93C46B/SN for manual prototyping or low-volume hand-soldering |
| 93LC46B/ST | Wider VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), slower 6 ms program cycle, same x16 organization and pinout - not drop-in due to different VPOR (1.5 V) and timing | Supports mixed-voltage systems (e.g., 3.3 V MCU + 5 V peripherals); unsuitable where strict 5 V-only operation is required | Choose 93LC46B/ST only if system operates below 4.5 V; otherwise 93C46B/ST provides tighter timing and higher noise immunity at 5 V |
Compared with 93C46B/SN and 93LC46B/ST, the 93C46B/ST delivers optimal performance in pure 5 V industrial designs - its 2 ms write time and 3.8 V POR offer faster updates and stronger brown-out resilience than alternatives, while maintaining full pin and instruction compatibility within the 93Cxx family.
Availability
93C46B/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive body electronics, and smart metering applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93C46B/ST 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 product line was engineered for cost-sensitive, high-reliability serial nonvolatile storage in 5 V embedded systems - emphasizing robustness, long data retention, and seamless integration with legacy Microwire peripherals.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46B/ST?
The 93C46B/ST has a fixed 64 × 16-bit (1 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C'-suffix variants, it lacks an ORG pin - its x16 configuration is hardwired. This eliminates external logic for word-size selection and guarantees deterministic 16-bit data transfers per READ/WRITE instruction, simplifying firmware development for 16-bit-capable MCUs.
Does the 93C46B/ST require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93C46B/ST does not require an external pull-up on DO. The DO pin actively drives high/low during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting, and enters High-Z when CS is low or after status polling. However, a 10 kΩ pull-down on CS is recommended per Microchip's application note to prevent spurious start conditions during power-up.
What is the minimum VCC required for reliable write operation of the 93C46B/ST?
The 93C46B/ST requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V for all write operations. Its internal voltage detector (VPOR) disables programming below 3.8 V, but successful erase/write execution mandates the full 4.5–5.5 V range per datasheet specifications. Operating below 4.5 V may result in incomplete writes or premature timeout errors.
Can the 93C46B/ST be used interchangeably with the 93C46A/ST?
No - the 93C46B/ST and 93C46A/ST are not interchangeable. They share pinout and package but differ fundamentally in memory organization: 93C46B/ST is 64 × 16-bit, while 93C46A/ST is 128 × 8-bit. Firmware must match word width; using the wrong variant causes misaligned reads/writes and data corruption.
How is the Ready/Busy status monitored on the 93C46B/ST?
Ready/Busy status is monitored on the DO pin: DO = low indicates active erase/write, DO = high means operation complete. To poll, bring CS high for ≥250 ns after initiating the command, then sample DO. After completion, issue a Start bit followed by CS low to clear the status flag and restore DO to High-Z.
93C46B/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-TSSOP
93C46B/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46B/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46B/ST 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/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46B/ST are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C46B/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46B/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46B/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46B/ST?
93C46B/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46B/ST 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/ST?
For technical support, including 93C46B/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46B/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46B/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46B/ST 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/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46B/ST?
All 93C46B/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46B/ST, 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/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46B/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
93C46B/ST Tags

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M24C02-WMN6TP
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AT24C02C-XHM-T
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AT21CS01-STUM10-T
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