Microchip Technology 93C46C-E/SN
- Part No.:
- 93C46C-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C46C-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,067
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Product details
Overview
93C46C-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8 or 64 × 16) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG pin for runtime word-size selection, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - used in microcontroller configuration storage and power-management parameter retention.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46C-E/SN datasheet, 93C46C-E/SN pinout, 93C46C-E/SN application, or 93C46C-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (4.5–5.5 V), ORG-configurable x8/x16 organization, TSSOP-8 package compatibility, automotive-grade reliability, and Microwire protocol timing compliance per DS20001749K.
Technical Context
The 93C46C-E/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO signals, where instruction execution is triggered by rising CLK edges and controlled by CS state transitions. Its dual-organization memory array (x8 or x16) is selected dynamically via the ORG pin voltage level - tied to VCC for 16-bit mode or VSS for 8-bit mode.
It supports full-cycle operations including READ (18 or 25 clocks), WRITE (18 or 25 clocks), ERASE (10 or 9 clocks), ERAL (10 or 9 clocks), and WRAL (18 or 25 clocks), all initiated by CS falling edge (93AA/93LC) or CLK rising edge (93C series). Power-on data protection activates below 3.8 V, and EWEN/EWDS commands enforce write-lock security.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit or 64 × 16-bit, selectable via ORG pin) |
| VCC Range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - ensures compatibility with 5 V logic systems and rejects brown-out corruption |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage, no SPI mode bits required |
| Write Cycle Time | 2 ms max - enables fast firmware updates without blocking host MCU execution |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - supports frequent calibration or logging in automotive ECUs |
| Data Retention | 200 years at +85°C - guarantees long-term parameter integrity across product lifecycle |
| Temperature Range | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-grade) - qualified for under-hood and ADAS module deployment |
Pinout & Package
93C46C-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead TSSOP (SN) with 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, Pb-free Matte Tin finish, and standard JEDEC footprint. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; exposed pad is not present.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions to reset internal logic |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O; clocking stops during self-timed write cycles |
| DI | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode, address, and data; requires external pull-down on CS per datasheet guidance |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS goes low |
| VSS | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog functions; decoupling capacitor required near pin |
| ORG | Organization Control | Logic high → 64×16 mode; logic low → 128×8 mode; must be externally biased, not floating |
| NC | No Internal Connection | Pin 7 is unconnected; no PCB trace or component required |
| VCC | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V only; internal POR triggers at 3.8 V - prevents writes during power ramp |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| ORG-pin configurable memory organization | Enables single BOM for both 8-bit and 16-bit host interfaces without firmware change |
| Self-timed erase/write with auto-erase | Eliminates need for external timing control or polling delay loops in host firmware |
| ERAL before WRAL sequence | Guarantees full-array erase prior to bulk write - prevents partial-data corruption on power loss |
| Ready/Busy status on DO pin | Allows real-time polling instead of fixed delays - reduces worst-case write latency by up to 40% |
| EWEN/EWDS write-protection commands | Prevents accidental overwrites during interrupt service or brown-out recovery sequences |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-enforced lockout below 3.8 V - no software initialization required for safe power cycling |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) Calibration Storage | Industrial PLC Configuration Memory |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing fuel map coefficients, sensor offsets, and adaptive learning values subject to field updates. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter register accessed via MCU's Microwire peripheral during boot and runtime reconfiguration. Use Value: 1M endurance and 200-year retention ensure calibration integrity across 15+ year vehicle lifetimes without refresh. |
Use Scenario: Holding I/O mapping tables, alarm thresholds, and communication protocol settings in factory automation controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration store interfaced to ARM Cortex-M3/M4 via GPIO-banged Microwire. Use Value: ORG pin allows same hardware design to support legacy 8-bit or modern 16-bit data path architectures. |
| Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) | Medical Infusion Pump Parameter Backup |
Use Scenario: Retaining window position limits, mirror presets, and lighting profiles across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Microwire EEPROM directly connected to 8-bit automotive MCU with 5 V supply rail. Use Value: −40°C to +125°C rating and 4.5–5.5 V operation guarantee reliable function in under-dash environments. |
Use Scenario: Safeguarding drug dosage limits, pump rate curves, and safety interlock flags during AC power loss. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fail-safe nonvolatile memory with hardware write-protection (EWDS) enabled after each critical update. Use Value: Power-on data protection below 3.8 V prevents corruption during battery switchover or brown-out events. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46C-E/SN | VCC range 2.5–5.5 V; lower minimum voltage enables 3.3 V system integration | Supports wider voltage scaling but lacks 5 V noise margin for noisy automotive harnesses | Select when host operates at 3.3 V or mixed-voltage designs require backward compatibility |
| 93AA46C-E/SN | VCC range 1.8–5.5 V; ultra-low voltage operation down to 1.8 V | Enables battery-powered portable devices but reduced ESD robustness (4 kV vs. 93C's unspecified higher rating) | Select for energy-constrained IoT sensors or wearables requiring sub-2 V operation |
Compared with 93LC46C-E/SN and 93AA46C-E/SN, the 93C46C-E/SN provides superior noise immunity and voltage-margin headroom in 5 V automotive systems, while trading off low-voltage flexibility - making it optimal for legacy 5 V MCU platforms where robustness outweighs voltage scalability.
Availability
93C46C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial control systems, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93C46C-E/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 93C46C-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, high-reliability embedded systems requiring simple 3-wire nonvolatile storage with automotive-grade qualification.
FAQ
What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93C46C-E/SN?
The ORG pin on the 93C46C-E/SN selects memory organization: logic high (VCC) configures 64 × 16-bit mode, and logic low (VSS) configures 128 × 8-bit mode. It must be externally biased - floating is invalid. This pin is absent on A/B variants, making the 93C46C-E/SN uniquely flexible for dual-interface designs without hardware revision.
Does the 93C46C-E/SN support true SPI communication?
No, the 93C46C-E/SN implements a Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface (CS, CLK, DI/DO), not SPI. It lacks separate MISO/MOSI lines and does not support SPI mode bits or daisy-chaining. Data is half-duplex: DI accepts commands and data, while DO outputs read data or Ready/Busy status - requiring careful timing management in host firmware.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C46C-E/SN?
The 93C46C-E/SN supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5–5.5 V. At lower voltages, maximum frequency decreases: 2 MHz for 2.5–4.5 V (not applicable here), and 1 MHz for 1.8–2.5 V (outside its 4.5–5.5 V operating range). Timing parameters like TCKH (200 ns min) and TCKL (100 ns min) are validated at 3 MHz.
How does the 93C46C-E/SN protect against unintended writes during power-up?
The 93C46C-E/SN incorporates hardware power-on reset (POR) that inhibits all operations until VCC exceeds 3.8 V. Below this threshold, the device remains in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) state, blocking ERASE, WRITE, and WRAL commands. This ensures no spurious writes occur during power ramp, eliminating need for software-based write-lock initialization.
Can the 93C46C-E/SN be used in place of the 93C46B-E/SN?
Yes, the 93C46C-E/SN is pin-compatible and electrically compatible with the 93C46B-E/SN in 16-bit mode (ORG = VCC), but adds runtime configurability. The 93C46B-E/SN is fixed x16, while the 93C46C-E/SN supports both x8 and x16 via ORG. No PCB changes are needed, but firmware must manage ORG biasing and instruction set alignment for selected mode.
93C46C-E/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:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 1Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 128 x 8, 64 x 16
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 3 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93C46C-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46C-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46C-E/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 93C46C-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46C-E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C46C-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46C-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46C-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46C-E/SN?
93C46C-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46C-E/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 93C46C-E/SN?
For technical support, including 93C46C-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46C-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46C-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46C-E/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 93C46C-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46C-E/SN?
All 93C46C-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46C-E/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 93C46C-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46C-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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