Microchip Technology 93C46CT-I/ST
- Part No.:
- 93C46CT-I/ST
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93C46CT-I/ST.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8TSSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93C46CT-I/ST 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 (ST). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and Ready/Busy status via DO pin - used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46CT-I/ST datasheet, 93C46CT-I/ST pinout, 93C46CT-I/ST application, or 93C46CT-I/ST equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2 ms program cycle time, 1 million erase/write endurance, 200-year data retention, and compatibility with legacy Microwire host controllers requiring strict timing compliance at 5 V.
Technical Context
This device implements a synchronous serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. It supports READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all clocked on rising CLK edges, with DO providing either data output or Ready/Busy status depending on CS timing and operation phase.
The 93C46CT-I/ST uses internal auto-erase-before-write logic and requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V for ERAL and WRAL operations. Its power-on protection circuitry disables write functions until explicit EWEN is issued, and it enters standby mode when CS is low - with current draw dropping to ≤1 µA under I-temp conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin; no word-size reconfiguration. |
| VCC range | 4.5 V to 5.5 V - incompatible with 3.3 V or 2.5 V systems; POR threshold is 3.8 V. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - no SPI or I²C protocol support. |
| Write cycle time | 2 ms max - self-timed; includes auto-erase; enables deterministic firmware delay handling. |
| Endurance & retention | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; >200 years data retention - validated at 25°C, VCC = 5.0 V. |
| Temp range | Industrial: −40°C to +85°C - qualified per Microchip's I-temp specification; not automotive-rated. |
| Package | 8-lead SOIC (ST) - standard 150-mil body width; RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. |
Pinout & Package
8-lead SOIC (ST) package with gull-wing leads, 1.27 mm pitch, and standard pin 1 marking. Pin 1 is CS; pin 2 is CLK; pin 3 is DI; pin 4 is DO; pin 5 is VSS; pin 6 is NC (no internal connection); pin 7 is NC; pin 8 is VCC.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; initiates self-timed write on falling edge for 93C devices. |
| CLK (Pin 2) | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O; clocking stops during write; TCKH/TCKL minima vary with VCC. |
| DI (Pin 3) | Data Input | Receives start bit, opcode, address, and write data; high-impedance when not selected. |
| DO (Pin 4) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge. |
| VSS (Pin 5) | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog functions; decoupling capacitor required near VCC/VSS. |
| NC (Pin 6 & 7) | No Connection | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice. |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 4.5–5.5 V only; voltage detect circuit disables writes below 3.8 V; bypass with 0.1 µF ceramic. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates external timing control; 2 ms max cycle ensures predictable firmware wait states. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees full-array readiness before bulk write; avoids partial-write corruption without host intervention. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables polling-based write completion detection without interrupt or timeout fallback. |
| Power-on data protection | Hardware lockout below 3.8 V prevents spurious writes during brown-out or power ramp-up. |
| Erase/write disable/enable (EWDS/EWEN) | Explicit command gating adds software-controlled write safety; powers up in EWDS state. |
Applications
| Industrial Control Configuration | Consumer Appliance Settings Storage |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing calibration offsets, sensor compensation tables, and user preferences in PLC I/O modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed infrequently during boot or service mode via Microwire host MCU. Use Value: 1M endurance supports field recalibration over 10+ years; 200-year retention ensures data integrity across product lifecycle. |
Use Scenario: Retaining cooking presets, timer values, and display brightness settings in microwave ovens and washing machines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count serial EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU with limited GPIO resources. Use Value: SOIC-8 footprint simplifies PCB layout; 4.5–5.5 V operation matches legacy 5 V appliance power rails. |
| Medical Device Calibration Data | Automotive Body Control Module (BCM) Trim Settings |
|
Use Scenario: Saving factory-calibrated ADC gain/offset coefficients and patient-specific therapy parameters in portable diagnostic tools. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant memory element isolated from main processor bus. Use Value: Hardware write-protection (EWDS default) prevents accidental overwrite during firmware updates or debug sessions. |
Use Scenario: Storing seat position memory, mirror tilt angles, and lighting profiles in non-safety-critical BCM subsystems. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary configuration store supplementing main MCU flash for user-customizable features. Use Value: Industrial temp rating covers under-hood ambient extremes; 2 ms write time enables fast parameter save on ignition-off. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46AT-I/ST | Wider VCC range (2.5–5.5 V); same 128 × 8-bit organization; identical SOIC-8 package and pinout. | Supports 3.3 V systems; lacks 93C-series 5 V-only optimization (e.g., higher noise immunity). | Select when migrating to mixed-voltage designs or requiring broader supply flexibility. |
| 93AA46AT-I/ST | Lowest VCC range (1.8–5.5 V); same 128 × 8-bit organization; identical SOIC-8 package and pinout. | Enables battery-powered or ultra-low-power operation; higher leakage risk below 2.5 V. | Select for energy-constrained applications where 1.8 V startup or extended sleep current matters. |
Compared with 93LC46AT-I/ST and 93AA46AT-I/ST, the 93C46CT-I/ST offers superior noise margin and timing stability at 5 V but sacrifices voltage scalability - making it optimal for legacy 5 V industrial controllers where supply regulation is robust and design reuse is prioritized.
Availability
93C46CT-I/ST is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control configuration, consumer appliance settings storage, and medical device calibration data requiring stable component supply across long-lifecycle production programs.
Supply support for 93C46CT-I/ST 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 U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded applications.
The 93Cxx series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count serial EEPROM applications in 5 V legacy systems - emphasizing reliability, ease of integration, and long-term manufacturability.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46CT-I/ST?
The 93C46CT-I/ST has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C'-suffix variants with an ORG pin, the 'A'-suffix 93C46CT-I/ST does not support x16 mode - its word size is permanently set to 8 bits, eliminating external configuration logic and reducing BOM count.
Does the 93C46CT-I/ST support 3.3 V operation?
No, the 93C46CT-I/ST requires 4.5 V to 5.5 V supply voltage. Its power-on reset threshold is 3.8 V, and operation below 4.5 V is not guaranteed. For 3.3 V systems, consider the pin-compatible 93LC46AT-I/ST or 93AA46AT-I/ST instead.
How is write protection implemented on the 93C46CT-I/ST?
The 93C46CT-I/ST powers up in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) mode. An explicit EWEN instruction must precede any ERASE or WRITE command. After programming, issuing EWDS restores protection - preventing accidental writes during noise events or power transients.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C46CT-I/ST?
At VCC = 4.5–5.5 V, the 93C46CT-I/ST supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency. Timing parameters such as TCKH (200 ns min) and TCKL (100 ns min) are specified for this range, enabling reliable communication with standard 5 V microcontrollers.
Can the 93C46CT-I/ST be used in automotive applications?
The 93C46CT-I/ST is rated for Industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), not Automotive (−40°C to +125°C). While it may function in some under-dash environments, it is not qualified to AEC-Q100 and lacks automotive-grade screening - use 93C46BT-E/ST or 93C46CT-E/ST for certified automotive deployment.
93C46CT-I/ST Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP (0.173", 4.40mm Width)
- 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-TSSOP
93C46CT-I/ST FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46CT-I/ST through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46CT-I/ST 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/ST reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46CT-I/ST 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/ST is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46CT-I/ST?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46CT-I/ST transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46CT-I/ST?
93C46CT-I/ST orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46CT-I/ST 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/ST?
For technical support, including 93C46CT-I/ST datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46CT-I/ST requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46CT-I/ST is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46CT-I/ST 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/ST meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46CT-I/ST?
All 93C46CT-I/ST units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46CT-I/ST, 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/ST part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46CT-I/ST:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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