Microchip Technology 93C46/SM
- Part No.:
- 93C46/SM
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- -
- Datasheet:
-
93C46/SM.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 1MHZ
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,352
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Product details
Overview
93C46/SM from Microchip Technology is a 1K-bit serial EEPROM organized as 64 words × 16 bits, featuring a Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface, 5.5 V max operating voltage, and 100-year data retention at +25°C. It serves as nonvolatile configuration memory in embedded control systems requiring low-pin-count, byte-erasable storage.
For engineers reviewing the 93C46/SM datasheet, 93C46/SM pinout, 93C46/SM application, or 93C46/SM equivalent, key selection criteria include its 16-bit word width, 3-wire Microwire protocol compatibility, endurance of 1 million erase/write cycles, and SOIC-8 package footprint for space-constrained PCB layouts.
Technical Context
The 93C46/SM implements a synchronous serial interface with separate CS, SK, and DI/DO pins, supporting both read and write operations under external clock control. Its internal architecture includes a 64-word × 16-bit memory array with on-chip address counter and write enable latch.
It operates across industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and supports sequential read mode for burst access. Erase and write are performed on a per-word basis without block-level constraints, enabling fine-grained configuration updates.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (64 × 16-bit words) - supports compact configuration storage without external address decoding logic |
| Interface Type | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, SK, DI/DO) - reduces MCU GPIO count vs parallel EEPROMs |
| Write Endurance | 1,000,000 cycles - enables frequent calibration or runtime parameter updates in field-deployed devices |
| Data Retention | 100 years at +25°C - ensures long-term reliability for unattended or maintenance-free applications |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with both 3.3 V and 5 V system rails without level-shifting |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial-grade embedded control environments |
Pinout & Package
93C46/SM is housed in an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with standard 150-mil body width and 1.27 mm pitch.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-low enable for serial communication; must be held low during entire transaction |
| SK | Serial Clock | Input clock synchronizing data transfer; rising edge samples DI, falling edge outputs DO |
| DI | Data Input | Serial input for commands and data; multiplexed with DO on shared pin in some variants but not 93C46/SM |
| DO | Data Output | Serial output for read data; high-impedance when CS is high or during write operations |
| VCC | Power Supply | Positive supply rail (2.5–5.5 V); decoupling capacitor required near pin |
| VSS | Ground | Circuit reference ground; low-inductance connection critical for noise immunity |
| ORG | Organization Select | Logic level sets memory organization: high = 64 × 16, low = 128 × 8 - fixed at factory for 93C46/SM |
| NC | No Connect | Internally unused pin; must remain unconnected per datasheet |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Word-selectable erase/write | Enables updating individual 16-bit configuration registers without disturbing adjacent memory locations |
| Self-timed write cycle | Internal timing eliminates need for external write-complete polling or timeout delays in firmware |
| Write protect via ORG pin | Hardware-level protection against accidental writes when ORG is strapped low (not applicable to 93C46/SM's fixed 16-bit mode) |
| Low-power standby mode | Typical 1 µA current draw when CS is high - extends battery life in portable or energy-harvesting systems |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Printer Firmware Storage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing sensor offset/gain coefficients updated during factory calibration or field recalibration. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register holding 16-bit linearization parameters accessed at power-up. Use Value: Enables one-time or infrequent writes with guaranteed 100-year retention, eliminating need for battery-backed RAM. | Use Scenario: Holding printer model-specific font tables and page formatting rules that persist across power cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration memory mapped by microcontroller during boot initialization. Use Value: Reduces BOM cost vs flash-based alternatives while supporting 1M-cycle field updates for firmware patches. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | POS Terminal Configuration |
Use Scenario: Saving user-defined lighting profiles and door lock settings in vehicle BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Microwire-configured EEPROM interfaced to 8-bit MCU with limited I/O resources. Use Value: SOIC-8 footprint fits tight board areas; 2.5–5.5 V operation matches automotive supply transients. | Use Scenario: Storing merchant-specific tax rates, receipt formats, and language preferences in point-of-sale terminals. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count nonvolatile memory accessed during terminal startup and transaction logging. Use Value: 16-bit word width aligns with common parameter structures, reducing software bit-manipulation overhead. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| AT93C46DN-SH-T | Same 1K-bit × 16 organization, but uses SPI interface instead of Microwire; different command set and timing | Requires SPI-capable MCU; incompatible with legacy Microwire firmware stacks | Select only if migrating to SPI infrastructure and redesigning driver layer |
| 93LC46B-I/SN | Pin-compatible SOIC-8 variant with enhanced ESD rating (4 kV HBM) and extended −40°C to +125°C temp range | Suitable for under-hood automotive use where 93C46/SM's +85°C limit is insufficient | Drop-in replacement for higher-reliability deployments; verify ORG pin strapping matches |
Compared with AT93C46DN-SH-T and 93LC46B-I/SN, the 93C46/SM offers native Microwire compatibility and proven integration in legacy industrial controllers, while trading off extended temperature range and SPI flexibility for lower driver complexity and direct firmware reuse.
Availability
93C46/SM is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, printer firmware storage, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply and long-lifecycle support.
Supply support for 93C46/SM 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 is a U.S.-based semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions for embedded systems.
The 93C46/SM belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count applications where simple serial configuration storage is required without complex protocol stacks.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93C46/SM?
The 93C46/SM contains 1,024 bits organized as 64 words × 16 bits. This fixed 16-bit word width is selected at manufacture via the ORG pin configuration and cannot be changed in-circuit. The 93C46/SM does not support 8-bit mode; it is strictly a 16-bit word device. This structure simplifies data alignment for microcontrollers handling 16-bit configuration registers.
Does the 93C46/SM support SPI communication?
No, the 93C46/SM uses a Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO), not SPI. It lacks the separate MISO/MOSI lines and CPOL/CPHA configuration of SPI. While functionally similar in clocked serial operation, the command opcodes, timing requirements, and data framing differ. The 93C46/SM requires a Microwire-specific driver - the 93C46/SM cannot be substituted with SPI-only firmware.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93C46/SM?
The 93C46/SM supports a maximum serial clock (SK) frequency of 2 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V, and 1 MHz at VCC = 2.5 V. These limits ensure reliable setup/hold timing for DI sampling and DO output. Exceeding them risks read corruption or failed writes. The 93C46/SM datasheet specifies these values under defined load and temperature conditions - design margins should be applied in real-world layouts.
How is write protection implemented on the 93C46/SM?
The 93C46/SM does not include software or hardware write-protection features beyond the requirement for valid command sequences and proper CS timing. Unlike later variants such as the 93LC46, the 93C46/SM lacks an internal write-protect latch or ORG-pin-controlled protection mode. Write operations execute whenever a valid WRITE command is issued with correct address and data - system-level protection must be implemented externally or in firmware. This behavior is inherent to the 93C46/SM design.
Is the 93C46/SM RoHS compliant and lead-free?
Yes, the 93C46/SM is manufactured in a RoHS-compliant, lead-free process and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level 3 (MSL3) requirements. The "/SM" suffix denotes the SOIC-8 package with lead-free finish and green molding compound. Full compliance documentation, including test reports and substance declarations, is available from Microchip upon request for the 93C46/SM.
93C46/SM Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- -
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 1Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 64 x 16
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 1 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 2ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 4.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- -
- Supplier Device Package:
- -
93C46/SM FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93C46/SM through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93C46/SM 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 93C46/SM reliable?
The price and inventory of 93C46/SM are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93C46/SM is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93C46/SM?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93C46/SM transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93C46/SM?
93C46/SM orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93C46/SM 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 93C46/SM?
For technical support, including 93C46/SM datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93C46/SM requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93C46/SM is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93C46/SM 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 93C46/SM meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93C46/SM?
All 93C46/SM units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93C46/SM, 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 93C46/SM part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93C46/SM:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
93C46/SM Tags

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M24C02-WMN6TP
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AT24C02C-XHM-T
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