Microchip Technology 93C46BX-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 93C46BX-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C46BX-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,694
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Product details
Overview
93C46BX-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (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 erase-all-before-write-all (ERAL/WRAL), and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46BX-I/SN datasheet, 93C46BX-I/SN pinout, 93C46BX-I/SN application, or 93C46BX-I/SN equivalent, this page delivers verified electrical specs (e.g., 2 ms write cycle, 1M endurance), package mapping (SOIC-8), functional behavior (ORG pin not present; fixed x8 organization), and real-world use context - all extracted from Microchip DS20001749K.
Technical Context
The 93C46BX-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins - no ORG pin (as confirmed by Device Selection Table and Pin Function Table). It uses CMOS EEPROM technology with on-chip charge pump for internal high-voltage generation during erase/write, enabling operation from a single 4.5–5.5 V supply without external programming voltage.
All operations are initiated by a Start bit (CS high + DI high on CLK rising edge), followed by opcode, address, and data. Write and erase cycles are fully self-timed (2 ms typical for 93C versions), with DO pin providing active-low Ready/Busy status after CS reassertion - critical for non-blocking firmware integration in resource-constrained systems.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit); fixed x8 organization - no ORG pin support, unlike 'C' variants. |
| VCC range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - requires stable regulated supply; POR threshold is 3.8 V (no operation below). |
| Write cycle time | 2 ms max - enables deterministic timing for firmware polling or interrupt-driven status checks. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - supports frequent calibration or logging updates over product lifetime. |
| Data retention | 200 years at 25°C - ensures long-term reliability for unattended or maintenance-free deployments. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage; no SPI mode or dual I/O. |
| Temp range | Industrial: −40°C to +85°C - validated for industrial control, metering, and automotive body electronics. |
Pinout & Package
8-lead SOIC package (SN), RoHS-compliant, matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; standard SOIC footprint (5.3 mm × 4.4 mm, 1.27 mm pitch).
| 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 | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence for host flexibility. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcodes (e.g., 01 for WRITE), addresses (A6–A0), and data (D7–D0); no internal pull-up. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS low or during non-read operations. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal circuitry; must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling. |
| 6 (NC) | No Connection | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per design - no functional role. |
| 7 (NC) | No Connection | Same as Pin 6; confirmed NC for 93C46A/B variants (no ORG pin); not bonded in die. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V input; powers internal charge pump; POR circuit disables operation below 3.8 V. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | 2 ms typical cycle eliminates need for external timing control or firmware delay loops. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full array is erased prior to bulk write - prevents partial writes and data corruption. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables efficient polling without dedicated status lines; reduces MCU pin count and PCB routing. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level lockout below 3.8 V prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out or power ramp. |
| 1M endurance & 200-year retention | Validated for high-reliability applications such as energy meter calibration constants or medical device settings. |
Applications
| Smart Energy Meters | Industrial PLC Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing tariff tables, calibration coefficients, and tamper-event logs in utility-grade electricity meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory interfaced directly to metering SoC via Microwire. Use Value: 1M endurance supports daily recalibration; 200-year retention ensures data integrity across meter lifetime (>10 years). |
Use Scenario: Holding I/O mapping tables, firmware update flags, and hardware revision IDs in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration store accessed during boot and runtime by ARM Cortex-M host MCU. Use Value: 4.5–5.5 V operation matches industrial 5 V rails; SOIC-8 simplifies board layout and rework. |
| Automotive Body Controllers | Medical Diagnostic Devices |
Use Scenario: Saving seat position presets, mirror angles, and lighting profiles in vehicle body control modules (BCM). IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count EEPROM for user preference storage, accessed during power-up sequence. Use Value: Industrial temp rating (−40°C to +85°C) covers under-hood BCM environments; no ORG pin simplifies design. |
Use Scenario: Storing sensor calibration offsets, patient history metadata, and regulatory compliance flags in portable diagnostics. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trusted nonvolatile memory for safety-critical parameters, isolated from main application flash. Use Value: Hardware write-protection (EWDS/EWEN) prevents accidental overwrite during field servicing. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46B-I/SN | 2.5–5.5 V VCC range; same 128 × 8-bit organization; no ORG pin; 6 ms write cycle. | Broadens supply compatibility to 3.3 V systems; slower write timing affects latency-sensitive firmware. | Choose for mixed-voltage designs where 3.3 V operation is required and 6 ms write tolerance exists. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1.8–5.5 V, 128 × 8-bit, 5 ms write, AEC-Q100 qualified. | Requires additional CS line and SPI peripheral; automotive qualification adds cost but enables under-hood use. | Prefer for new automotive designs needing AEC-Q100 compliance and SPI-native MCU integration. |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/SN, the 93C46BX-I/SN offers faster 2 ms writes and tighter 4.5–5.5 V regulation - ideal for legacy 5 V industrial systems. Versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it avoids SPI overhead and qualification cost but lacks automotive qualification and wider voltage support.
Availability
93C46BX-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, smart metering platforms, and automotive body electronics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93C46BX-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, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93C46BX-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage in 5 V embedded systems where Microwire compatibility and proven reliability are prioritized over multi-voltage flexibility.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46BX-I/SN?
The 93C46BX-I/SN has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C' variants, it lacks an ORG pin and does not support x16 mode - confirmed by Device Selection Table and Pin Function Table in DS20001749K. This makes it functionally identical to the 93C46A variant.
Does the 93C46BX-I/SN support 3.3 V operation?
No. The 93C46BX-I/SN is specified only for 4.5–5.5 V operation, with a 3.8 V power-on reset threshold. Attempting 3.3 V operation will prevent initialization and disable all functions - use 93LC46B-I/SN instead for 2.5–5.5 V compatibility.
How is write protection implemented on the 93C46BX-I/SN?
Write protection is enforced via EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) and EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) commands. The device powers up in EWDS mode; an EWEN instruction must precede any ERASE or WRITE. After each write, issuing EWDS restores protection - preventing accidental overwrites during system noise or reset events.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C46BX-I/SN?
The 93C46BX-I/SN supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V (per AC Characteristics Table A1). At lower voltages, frequency is reduced - but since this part is limited to 4.5–5.5 V, 3 MHz is its guaranteed maximum operational clock rate.
Is the 93C46BX-I/SN pin-compatible with other 93XX46 variants in SOIC-8?
Yes - the 93C46BX-I/SN shares identical SOIC-8 pinout (SN package) with all 93XX46A/B variants, including 93C46A-I/SN and 93LC46B-I/SN. Pins CS, CLK, DI, DO, VSS, NC, NC, VCC are functionally and physically aligned, enabling drop-in replacement where voltage and timing requirements match.
93C46BX-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:
- 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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93C46BX-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46BX-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46BX-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 93C46BX-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46BX-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 93C46BX-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46BX-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46BX-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46BX-I/SN?
93C46BX-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46BX-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 93C46BX-I/SN?
For technical support, including 93C46BX-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46BX-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46BX-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46BX-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 93C46BX-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46BX-I/SN?
All 93C46BX-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46BX-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 93C46BX-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46BX-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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