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Microchip Technology 93LC46A-E/MS
- Part No.:
- 93LC46A-E/MS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46A-E/MS.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:4,397
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Product details
Overview
93LC46A-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating from 2.5V to 5.5V, rated for automotive temperature range (−40°C to +125°C), and housed in an 8-lead MSOP package. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - used for configuration storage in engine control units, infotainment boot loaders, and sensor calibration tables.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46A-E/MS datasheet, 93LC46A-E/MS pinout, 93LC46A-E/MS application, or 93LC46A-E/MS equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive-grade temperature support, 8-bit fixed organization (no ORG pin), 1M endurance cycles, 200-year data retention, and compatibility with legacy Microwire host controllers requiring minimal firmware changes.
Technical Context
The 93LC46A-E/MS implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins, using rising-edge clocking for instruction/address/data transfer. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, with no internal ORG pin - confirming fixed 128 × 8-bit memory mapping and eliminating external configuration logic.
All operations begin with a Start condition (CS high + DI high on CLK rising edge), followed by opcode, address, and optional data. Erase, write, and WRAL cycles are fully self-timed (6 ms typical), and Ready/Busy status is polled via DO while CS is high after ≥250 ns low time - enabling non-blocking host firmware integration without dedicated interrupt lines.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit); supports compact configuration storage without external address multiplexing |
| VCC range | 2.5V to 5.5V; compatible with 3.3V and 5V automotive subsystems without level-shifting |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; sufficient for frequent calibration updates over 15+ years of vehicle service life |
| Data retention | 200 years at +85°C; ensures EEPROM contents survive full vehicle lifecycle including hot under-hood environments |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO); interoperable with legacy microcontrollers lacking SPI hardware |
| Temp grade | Automotive (E): −40°C to +125°C; qualified per AEC-Q100 for engine control, body electronics, and ADAS modules |
| Write cycle time | 6 ms max (TWC); enables deterministic timing budgeting in real-time safety-critical firmware |
Pinout & Package
8-lead MSOP (Micro Small Outline Package), 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, exposed pad optional (VSS or floating), Pb-free Matte Tin finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby (ICCS ≤ 5 µA) |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O; clock can pause mid-transfer; no clocks required during self-timed write |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode, address, and write data; tied high at power-up to detect Start condition |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS low or during non-read states |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal logic; exposed pad may be connected to VSS for thermal relief |
| 6 (NC) | No Connection | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice |
| 7 (ORG) | Organization | No internal connection on 'A' devices; not present in functional logic - confirms fixed 8-bit word size |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5V operation; internal POR triggers at ~1.5V; inhibits all writes below threshold |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates need for external timing control or polling delays beyond TWC (6 ms), simplifying host driver code |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees full-array erase prior to bulk write, preventing partial-data corruption during firmware update sequences |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level VCC monitoring blocks all writes when supply drops below 1.5V, preventing inadvertent corruption during brown-out |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables efficient polling-based operation without interrupts or additional GPIO lines - critical for resource-constrained MCUs |
| 128 × 8-bit fixed organization | Removes dependency on external ORG pin routing and logic, reducing PCB complexity and BOM count |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Infotainment System Boot Loader |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing adaptive fuel trim values, knock sensor learning offsets, and emission calibration maps that update during vehicle operation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register providing persistent parameter storage accessible via MCU's Microwire peripheral during runtime. Use Value: Enables closed-loop engine optimization across temperature and aging conditions without requiring external FRAM or battery-backed SRAM. | Use Scenario: Holding secure boot keys, firmware signature hashes, and display initialization parameters loaded before main OS execution. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trusted configuration store accessed early in boot sequence to validate firmware integrity before execution. Use Value: Supports AEC-Q100-compliant secure boot architecture with guaranteed 200-year data retention under under-hood thermal stress. |
| Sensor Module Calibration | Body Control Module (BCM) |
Use Scenario: Retaining factory-calibrated offset/gain coefficients for pressure, temperature, and IMU sensors in ADAS cameras and radar units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Factory-programmed reference memory mapped to MCU's serial interface during production test and field recalibration. Use Value: Eliminates need for laser-trimmed resistors or external DACs; allows post-manufacture calibration updates via diagnostic port. | Use Scenario: Storing user preferences (window positions, mirror angles, lighting profiles) and door lock configuration across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Persistent settings register interfaced to 8-bit MCU with limited GPIO, using minimal 3-wire footprint. Use Value: Delivers cost-optimized, AEC-Q100-qualified storage with <5 µA standby current - extending battery life in always-on BCM sleep modes. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46B-E/MS | 16-bit organization (64 × 16), same voltage/temp range and package; requires host software rework for 16-bit addressing | Used where wider data path reduces transaction count (e.g., storing 16-bit ADC calibration slopes) | Select only if system firmware supports 16-bit word access and memory map alignment matches 64-word boundary |
| AT25DF041A-MAHN-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 4 Mbit density, 2.7–3.6V only, no Ready/Busy pin; requires different driver stack and higher pin count | Preferred for high-throughput firmware updates where sequential read speed and density outweigh interface simplicity | Choose when migrating to SPI-based platforms and >1 Kbit capacity is needed - not drop-in compatible |
Compared with 93LC46B-E/MS and AT25DF041A-MAHN-T, the 93LC46A-E/MS offers optimal balance of automotive qualification, minimal 3-wire footprint, fixed 8-bit compatibility, and proven Microwire ecosystem support - making it the preferred choice for cost-sensitive, legacy-compatible ECU and BCM designs.
Availability
93LC46A-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, infotainment boot loaders, and sensor calibration modules requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC46A-E/MS 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 microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design, manufacturing, and sales operations.
The 93LC46A-E/MS belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for automotive and industrial systems requiring robust, low-pin-count nonvolatile memory with guaranteed data integrity under harsh electrical and thermal conditions.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC46A-E/MS?
The 93LC46A-E/MS supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5V–5.5V, 2 MHz at 2.5V–4.5V, and 1 MHz at 1.8V–2.5V. These limits are defined in Table 1-2 (A1) of the DS20001749K datasheet and ensure reliable setup/hold timing across its specified automotive temperature range. The 93LC46A-E/MS does not require continuous clocking during write cycles.
Does the 93LC46A-E/MS have an ORG pin, and how does it affect memory organization?
No, the 93LC46A-E/MS does not have a functional ORG pin - it is marked NC (No Connection) in the pin function table and confirmed in Note 2 of the datasheet. As an 'A'-suffix device, it provides fixed 128 × 8-bit organization only. This eliminates external ORG routing and simplifies layout versus 'C'-suffix variants that require external logic to select 8-bit or 16-bit mode.
How is data protection implemented during power transitions in the 93LC46A-E/MS?
The 93LC46A-E/MS incorporates hardware-level power detection: all write/erase operations are inhibited when VCC falls below ~1.5V (VPOR parameter D11), preventing corruption during brown-out or power-down. Additionally, it powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, requiring an explicit EWEN command before any programming - ensuring accidental writes cannot occur at startup or reset.
What is the purpose of the Ready/Busy signal on the DO pin of the 93LC46A-E/MS?
The DO pin of the 93LC46A-E/MS serves dual function: during READ, it outputs data bits; during ERASE/WRITE/WRAL, it signals Ready/Busy status (low = busy, high = ready) when CS is brought high after ≥250 ns low time. This enables polling-based firmware control without interrupts or additional status lines - a key design feature for resource-constrained automotive MCUs interfacing to the 93LC46A-E/MS.
Is the 93LC46A-E/MS qualified for automotive applications, and what standards does it meet?
Yes, the 93LC46A-E/MS carries the 'E' temperature grade suffix, specifying operation from −40°C to +125°C and qualifying it for automotive under-hood and cabin applications. While the datasheet does not list AEC-Q100 certification explicitly, Microchip documents this part as automotive-grade in packaging and reliability testing per internal qualification standards aligned with AEC-Q100 stress test conditions for EEPROMs.
93LC46A-E/MS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 1Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 128 x 8
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 2 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 6ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.5V ~ 5.5V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-MSOP
93LC46A-E/MS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46A-E/MS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46A-E/MS 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 93LC46A-E/MS reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46A-E/MS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46A-E/MS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46A-E/MS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46A-E/MS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46A-E/MS?
93LC46A-E/MS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46A-E/MS 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 93LC46A-E/MS?
For technical support, including 93LC46A-E/MS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46A-E/MS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46A-E/MS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46A-E/MS 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 93LC46A-E/MS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46A-E/MS?
All 93LC46A-E/MS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46A-E/MS, 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 93LC46A-E/MS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46A-E/MS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
93LC46A-E/MS Tags
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