Microchip Technology 93C46CT-I/MNY

Overview

93C46CT-I/MNY 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 MSOP package. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and power-on/off data protection - used in embedded system configuration storage and calibration memory.

For engineers reviewing the 93C46CT-I/MNY datasheet, 93C46CT-I/MNY pinout, 93C46CT-I/MNY application, or 93C46CT-I/MNY equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms program cycle time, 1 million endurance cycles, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained industrial designs.

Technical Context

This device implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins, requiring a start bit followed by opcode, address, and data. Its internal logic supports READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all clocked on rising CLK edges, with DO providing Ready/Busy status during programming.

Unlike 'C' variants, the 93C46T has no ORG pin (fixed x8 organization), and unlike 'AA'/'LC' versions, it requires ≥4.5 V for ERAL/WRAL operation and exhibits faster 2 ms write cycles (vs. 6 ms for AA/LC). Power-on reset detection triggers at 3.8 V, and standby current is ≤5 µA across temperature.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-lead MSOP (ST) package with standard pinout: Pin 1 = CS, Pin 2 = CLK, Pin 3 = DI, Pin 4 = DO, Pin 5 = VSS, Pin 6 = NC, Pin 7 = NC, Pin 8 = VCC. No ORG pin - fixed 8-bit mode. Pins 6 and 7 are unconnected (NC) per datasheet Table 3-1 and package diagrams.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93C46B-I/MNY, the 93C46CT-I/MNY avoids 16-bit driver complexity; compared with 93LC46A-I/MNY, it delivers 3× faster writes at the cost of higher minimum supply voltage - making it optimal for 5 V industrial systems prioritizing speed and simplicity.

Availability

93C46CT-I/MNY is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded system configuration, and legacy controller upgrades requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for 93C46CT-I/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.

The 93C46 series belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire-compatible EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained industrial and automotive applications requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal interface overhead.

FAQ

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

The 93C46CT-I/MNY is a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) EEPROM with no ORG pin - unlike 'C' variants, it does not support configurable word size. This simplifies hardware design and firmware driver implementation, as all read/write operations are strictly byte-oriented. The absence of ORG means the device always operates in x8 mode, eliminating external logic or pull-up/pull-down requirements for organization selection.

Does the 93C46CT-I/MNY support 16-bit operation?

No, the 93C46CT-I/MNY does not support 16-bit operation. It is a dedicated 8-bit device ('T' suffix denotes fixed x8 organization). Only 93C46B and 93C46C variants offer 16-bit capability - the former permanently, the latter via ORG pin control. Attempting to use 16-bit instructions (e.g., x16 READ/WRITE opcodes) on the 93C46CT-I/MNY will result in undefined behavior or command rejection.

What is the minimum VCC required for ERAL and WRAL commands on the 93C46CT-I/MNY?

The 93C46CT-I/MNY requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V for proper execution of ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands, as specified in Section 2.5 and 2.9 of the datasheet. Below this threshold, these commands may fail silently or produce incomplete erasure. This differs from 93AA/93LC variants, which require only ≥2.5 V for those functions - a key differentiator when selecting for wide-supply applications.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93C46CT-I/MNY?

The 93C46CT-I/MNY uses the DO pin to indicate Ready/Busy status during erase/write cycles: DO = low means programming is in progress; DO = high means the operation completed successfully. To poll status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after the initial instruction, then sampled on subsequent CLK edges. After completion, issuing a Start bit followed by CS low clears the status flag - a hardware-managed handshake that eliminates need for timeout loops.

Is the 93C46CT-I/MNY pin-compatible with other 93C46 variants in MSOP packages?

Yes, the 93C46CT-I/MNY shares identical 8-lead MSOP (ST) pinout and mechanical footprint with 93C46A-I/MNY and 93C46B-I/MNY, including matching CS/CLK/DI/DO/VSS/VCC locations. However, functional compatibility depends on organization: only 93C46A-I/MNY is a direct 8-bit replacement. 93C46B-I/MNY requires 16-bit firmware adaptation, and 93C46C-I/MNY adds ORG pin functionality absent in the 'T' variant.