Microchip Technology 93C46CT-E/MNY

Overview

93C46CT-E/MNY from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 4.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial-temperature operation (–40°C to +85°C). 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 93C46CT-E/MNY datasheet, 93C46CT-E/MNY pinout, 93C46CT-E/MNY application, or 93C46CT-E/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC operating range (4.5–5.5 V), 8-bit fixed organization (no ORG pin), TSSOP-8 package compatibility, and 1 million endurance cycles with >200-year data retention.

Technical Context

The 93C46CT-E/MNY implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins - no ORG pin present, confirming fixed 128 × 8-bit memory mapping. All instructions (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL) are initiated by a Start bit followed by opcode and address/data on rising CLK edges.

It uses internal auto-erase-before-write logic and supports status polling via DO during programming. Power-on reset circuitry disables write operations below 3.8 V, and EWEN/EWDS commands provide software-level write protection independent of VCC monitoring.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93C46CT-E/MNY is housed in an 8-lead TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm lead pitch and Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; exposed pad not present in TSSOP variant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C46CT-E/MNY, the 93LC46BT-I/SN offers broader VCC flexibility but requires hardware redesign for 16-bit data path handling, while the AT25010B-SSHL-T shifts interface architecture entirely - trading Microwire simplicity and DO status for SPI ubiquity and vendor ecosystem support.

Availability

93C46CT-E/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control configuration, industrial sensor calibration, and power supply sequencing requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long production lifecycles.

Supply support for 93C46CT-E/MNY 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 series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and simple 3-wire control - targeting industrial, consumer, and computing peripherals.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the 93C46CT-E/MNY?

The 93C46CT-E/MNY implements a fixed 128 × 8-bit organization. It belongs to the 'A' variant subgroup within the 93C46 family, meaning it has no ORG pin and does not support dynamic 8/16-bit switching. This is confirmed by its part number suffix 'T' (TSSOP-8) and absence of ORG functionality in the pinout table - unlike 'C' variants which require external logic on ORG to select word size. The 93C46CT-E/MNY is electrically and functionally identical to the 93C46A in memory mapping.

Does the 93C46CT-E/MNY support the WRAL (Write All) command?

Yes, the 93C46CT-E/MNY fully supports the WRAL command. As a member of the 93C46 family, it executes WRAL with a 15 ms self-timed cycle (T_WL) when VCC is ≥4.5 V. The WRAL instruction automatically performs an ERAL cycle first, then writes the supplied 8-bit data to all 128 memory locations. Execution requires prior EWEN activation and will fail if VCC drops below 4.5 V during the command sequence - a constraint explicitly documented in DS20001749K-page 11.

What is the purpose of the NC pin on the 93C46CT-E/MNY?

The NC (No Connection) pin on the 93C46CT-E/MNY is Pin 7 in the TSSOP-8 package. Per Microchip's Pin Function Table (DS20001749K-page 12), this pin has no internal connection and must remain unconnected - neither tied high nor low. It exists due to package pinout standardization across the 93XX46 family (e.g., 'C' variants use Pin 6 for ORG, so Pin 7 is reserved as NC). Leaving it floating poses no functional risk and aligns with Microchip's recommended PCB layout practice.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93C46CT-E/MNY DO pin?

The DO pin of the 93C46CT-E/MNY serves dual function: data output during READ and Ready/Busy status during programming. To poll status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after initiating ERASE/WRITE/ERAL/WRAL, then sampled on DO - low indicates active programming, high indicates completion. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status latch. DO returns to High-Z on CS falling edge, and status is unavailable if CS remains continuously low throughout the cycle - per DS20001749K-page 7 and page 12.

Is the 93C46CT-E/MNY RoHS compliant and Pb-free?

Yes, the 93C46CT-E/MNY is RoHS compliant and features a Pb-free Matte Tin (Sn) finish, as stated in the Features section of DS20001749K-page 1. All packages in the 93XX46 series, including TSSOP-8 (ST), are Pb-free. The marking "3C46CT" on the device body (per DS20001749K-page 14) and the "/MNY" suffix in the full part number both denote Microchip's Pb-free packaging standard - consistent with JEDEC Level 3 moisture sensitivity and J-STD-020 compliance.