Microchip Technology 93C46BT-I/SN

Overview

93C46BT-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating at 4.5–5.5 V, rated for industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), and housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL/WRAL support, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used for configuration storage in embedded controllers and power management ICs.

For engineers reviewing the 93C46BT-I/SN datasheet, 93C46BT-I/SN pinout, 93C46BT-I/SN application, or 93C46BT-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-based microcontroller peripherals requiring nonvolatile parameter storage.

Technical Context

The 93C46BT-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO lines - no ORG pin (dedicated x8 mode). Its internal architecture includes address decoder, data register, and output buffer, supporting sequential read, ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS commands. All programming operations require prior EWEN activation and are inhibited below VCC = 3.8 V.

Timing is defined by strict AC parameters: max 3 MHz clock frequency (VCC ≥ 4.5 V), TCKH/TCKL ≤ 200/100 ns, TPD ≤ 200 ns (CL = 100 pF), and TWC = 2 ms for erase/write. Power-on data protection activates at VPOR = 3.8 V, and standby current is ≤ 5 µA across temperature range.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead SOIC package (SN), RoHS-compliant, matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; body dimensions 4.9 mm × 3.9 mm × 1.75 mm.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C46B-I/SN and AT25010B-MAHL-T, the 93C46BT-I/SN offers guaranteed 8-bit compatibility, minimal software porting effort, and deterministic 2 ms write timing - critical for real-time configuration updates in established Microwire-based platforms.

Availability

93C46BT-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control, industrial sensor calibration, power supply sequencing, and legacy embedded system boot configuration requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for 93C46BT-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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets globally.

The 93C46 series belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire-compatible EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal MCU resource usage.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93C46BT-I/SN?

The 93C46BT-I/SN has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization with no ORG pin - it operates exclusively in x8 mode. This eliminates external configuration logic and simplifies firmware driver development compared to C-variant parts that require ORG pin control for x8/x16 selection. The 93C46BT-I/SN is functionally identical to the 93C46A-I/SN per Microchip's device selection table.

Does the 93C46BT-I/SN support 3.3 V operation?

No, the 93C46BT-I/SN does not support 3.3 V operation. Its specified VCC range is strictly 4.5 V to 5.5 V, with power-on reset threshold VPOR = 3.8 V. Attempting to operate below 4.5 V may result in unreliable read/write behavior or failure to exit standby mode. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 93LC46A-I/SN (2.5–5.5 V) or 93AA46A-I/SN (1.8–5.5 V) variants instead.

How is the Ready/Busy status monitored on the 93C46BT-I/SN?

The Ready/Busy status is signaled on the DO pin: logic low indicates ongoing erase/write, and logic high confirms completion. To poll status, bring CS high after ≥250 ns low time (TCSL), then sample DO on CLK rising edges. DO returns to High-Z on CS falling edge. This allows simple polling without interrupts - a key design advantage for resource-constrained microcontrollers interfacing with the 93C46BT-I/SN.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C46BT-I/SN?

The 93C46BT-I/SN supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. AC timing parameters (e.g., TCKH = 200 ns min, TCKL = 100 ns min) are specified under these conditions. Operating above 3 MHz violates setup/hold timing and risks command corruption. For robust operation in noisy environments, derating to 2 MHz is recommended in the 93C46BT-I/SN design-in phase.

Is the 93C46BT-I/SN RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes, the 93C46BT-I/SN is RoHS compliant and features a matte tin (Pb-free) finish per Microchip's packaging specification. The "SN" suffix denotes the 8-lead SOIC package with lead-free termination. Full compliance documentation, including substance declarations and test reports, is available through Microchip's quality portal and is verified for shipment to EU, China, and other regulated markets.