Microchip Technology 93C46CT-I/MC
- Part No.:
- 93C46CT-I/MC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
93C46CT-I/MC.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93C46CT-I/MC from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, VCC range of 4.5–5.5 V, industrial temperature grade (−40°C to +85°C), and 1,000,000 erase/write cycles. It operates in dedicated 8-bit organization (no ORG pin function), features Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, and is housed in an 8-lead 2×3 DFN package (MC). It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded microcontroller systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46CT-I/MC datasheet, 93C46CT-I/MC pinout, 93C46CT-I/MC application, or 93C46CT-I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit x128 organization, 4.5–5.5 V supply requirement, 2 ms write cycle time, RoHS-compliant DFN packaging, and compatibility with legacy Microwire host controllers requiring CS/CLK/DI/DO timing compliance per DS20001749K.
Technical Context
This device implements a synchronous serial interface with start-bit detection, opcode-driven command set (READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN/EWDS), and self-timed internal erase-before-write architecture. It uses CMOS technology with power-on/off data protection and automatic voltage threshold detection (VPOR = 3.8 V).
It supports sequential read mode when CS remains high, provides High-Z DO during standby and after CS deassertion, and requires minimum TCSL = 250 ns between instructions. The absence of ORG functionality confirms fixed 8-bit operation - distinct from C-variant parts where ORG selects x8/x16 mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (128 words × 8 bits); sufficient for small firmware parameter sets or calibration data storage. |
| VCC operating range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V; requires stable 5 V rail, not compatible with 3.3 V or mixed-voltage systems without level shifting. |
| Write cycle time | 2 ms (TWC); enables rapid field updates without blocking host MCU for extended periods. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; supports frequent reconfiguration in industrial control or metering applications. |
| Data retention | 200 years at 25°C; ensures long-term reliability for unattended equipment with infrequent writes. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO); simplifies PCB routing vs. SPI/I²C and avoids protocol stack overhead. |
| Temperature grade | Industrial (−40°C to +85°C); validated for use in automotive body electronics, industrial PLCs, and HVAC controllers. |
Pinout & Package
8-lead 2×3 DFN package (MC), exposed pad (optional VSS connection), Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner indicated on top marking.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between commands; deselects device into standby but allows ongoing write completion. |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Positive-edge synchronized I/O; clock stops freely during transmission; no CLK required during self-timed write cycle. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares signal path with DO in bidirectional configurations (requires external series resistor). |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS goes low or during standby. |
| 5 (NC) | No Internal Connection | Not bonded; must be left floating or tied to GND/VCC per layout best practice - no functional impact. |
| 6 (ORG) | Organization Select | NC on 93C46A/B variants; unused in this part - memory fixed at 128 × 8-bit; no external logic required. |
| 7 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal circuitry; exposed pad may be connected to system ground plane for thermal and EMI performance. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V supply; internal POR triggers at 3.8 V; below this threshold, all operations are inhibited to prevent corruption. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control - host only monitors DO for Ready/Busy; reduces firmware complexity. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | WRAL instruction includes built-in Erase All, ensuring full array readiness before bulk write - no separate ERAL command needed. |
| EWEN/EWDS security | Device powers up in write-disabled (EWDS) state; explicit EWEN required before any programming - prevents accidental overwrites. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level inhibition below VCC = 3.8 V blocks all writes during brown-out or power ramp - guarantees data integrity. |
| Sequential read mode | Holding CS high enables continuous address increment and data output - ideal for reading contiguous configuration blocks. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Embedded System Boot Configuration |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated sensor offset/gain coefficients in programmable logic controllers and environmental monitoring nodes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter storage accessed during power-up or recalibration routines; interfaces via Microwire to ARM Cortex-M0+ host. Use Value: 200-year data retention ensures calibration stability across product lifetime; 1M endurance supports field recalibration every 3 months for 27 years. |
Use Scenario: Holding boot-time configuration flags (e.g., UART baud rate, display resolution, network MAC override) in medical diagnostic devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Early-boot configuration source read before main application starts; accessed using minimal GPIO-driven Microwire bit-banging. Use Value: Fixed 8-bit organization matches typical register-width host reads; 2 ms write time enables safe update during maintenance mode without disrupting real-time operation. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Smart Energy Meter Firmware Patch Storage |
|
Use Scenario: Retaining user preferences (window position, mirror angle, lighting profiles) in vehicle door modules operating across −40°C to +85°C. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated EEPROM for NV memory in ASIL-B compliant subsystems; isolated from main CAN bus controller. Use Value: Industrial temp grade and 4.5–5.5 V operation match automotive 5 V supply rails; RoHS and Pb-free compliance meet OEM sourcing requirements. |
Use Scenario: Storing delta patches applied to firmware during OTA updates in utility-grade electricity meters deployed in remote substations. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure patch repository accessed only during verified update windows; protected by EWEN/EWDS sequence. Use Value: 1,000,000-cycle endurance accommodates 100+ field updates over 10-year service life; DFN package enables compact, vibration-resistant PCB layout. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46BT-I/MC | Same 8-lead DFN package, but 2.5–5.5 V VCC range and 16-bit organization (x64); requires ORG = GND for 8-bit emulation. | Supports wider supply range and dual-word access; less suitable for strict 5 V-only designs with fixed 8-bit data paths. | Select if system uses 3.3 V logic or requires flexible word-size support; verify ORG pin handling and timing margins at 2.5 V. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1.8–5.5 V, 1 Kbit (128 × 8), SOIC-8 package; lacks Ready/Busy pin - relies on WIP flag polling. | Requires SPI master instead of Microwire; different command set and timing; no DO-based status - increases host CPU load. | Choose for SPI-native platforms or where SOIC-8 footprint is preferred; avoid if Microwire compatibility or hardware-ready signaling is mandatory. |
Compared with 93LC46BT-I/MC, the 93C46CT-I/MC offers tighter VCC tolerance and simpler 8-bit-only interface, while AT25010B-MAHL-T trades Microwire simplicity for broader voltage support and industry-standard SPI - making 93C46CT-I/MC optimal for legacy 5 V Microwire systems prioritizing deterministic status feedback and minimal firmware overhead.
Availability
93C46CT-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system boot configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant DFN packaging.
Supply support for 93C46CT-I/MC 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 family was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power serial EEPROM applications in industrial and automotive systems where Microwire compatibility, robust data retention, and simple 3-wire control are critical.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46CT-I/MC?
The 93C46CT-I/MC is a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) EEPROM with no ORG pin functionality - it operates exclusively in 8-bit mode. Unlike C-variant parts (e.g., 93C46C), the 'A' suffix indicates dedicated x8 organization, eliminating the need for external ORG pin biasing and simplifying interface design for byte-oriented hosts.
Does the 93C46CT-I/MC support 3.3 V operation?
No, the 93C46CT-I/MC requires a VCC supply between 4.5 V and 5.5 V and is not rated for 3.3 V operation. Its internal voltage detect (VPOR = 3.8 V) disables all programming functions below 4.5 V. For 3.3 V systems, consider the 93LC46BT-I/MC (2.5–5.5 V) or AT25010B-MAHL-T (1.8–5.5 V) as alternatives.
How is Ready/Busy status monitored on the 93C46CT-I/MC?
Ready/Busy status is signaled on the DO pin: DO = low indicates active erase/write operation; DO = high means the device is ready. To read status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after the command completes, then sampled on subsequent CLK edges. DO returns to High-Z when CS is low.
What is the write endurance and data retention of the 93C46CT-I/MC?
The 93C46CT-I/MC guarantees 1,000,000 erase/write cycles at 25°C and 5.0 V, with data retention exceeding 200 years under the same conditions. These specifications are validated per Microchip's characterization and Total Endurance™ Model, supporting long-service-life deployments in unattended equipment.
Is the 93C46CT-I/MC pin-compatible with other 93XX46 variants in the MC package?
Yes - all 93XX46A/B/C variants in the 8-lead 2×3 DFN (MC) package share identical pinout and footprint, including CS, CLK, DI, DO, VSS, NC, ORG (NC on A/B), and VCC. However, functional differences (e.g., VCC range, ORG behavior, timing) require firmware and schematic validation before substitution.
93C46CT-I/MC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- 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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-DFN (2x3)
93C46CT-I/MC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46CT-I/MC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46CT-I/MC 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 93C46CT-I/MC reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46CT-I/MC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C46CT-I/MC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46CT-I/MC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46CT-I/MC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46CT-I/MC?
93C46CT-I/MC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46CT-I/MC 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 93C46CT-I/MC?
For technical support, including 93C46CT-I/MC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46CT-I/MC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46CT-I/MC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46CT-I/MC 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 93C46CT-I/MC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46CT-I/MC?
All 93C46CT-I/MC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46CT-I/MC, 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 93C46CT-I/MC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46CT-I/MC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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