Microchip Technology 93LC46A-I/SN
- Part No.:
- 93LC46A-I/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46A-I/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:1,720
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Product details
Overview
93LC46A-I/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating across 2.5–5.5 V, supporting Industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), and delivering 1 million erase/write cycles with >200 years data retention. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring compact, low-power memory.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46A-I/SN datasheet, 93LC46A-I/SN pinout, 93LC46A-I/SN application, or 93LC46A-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), SOIC-8 package compatibility, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, self-timed erase/write (6 ms typical), and power-on data protection circuitry.
Technical Context
The 93LC46A-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, DI, and DO pins - no ORG pin present - enforcing strict 8-bit word access. Its internal architecture includes an address counter, mode decode logic, and output buffer enabling sequential read and auto-erase-before-write functionality.
It supports full instruction set including READ (18 clock cycles), WRITE (18 cycles), ERASE (10 cycles), ERAL (6 ms), and WRAL (15 ms), all initiated by falling edge of CS (for 93LC variants). Device status is actively signaled on DO during programming, eliminating need for fixed delay timing.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit organization; fixed, no ORG pin) |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports mixed-voltage MCU interfaces without level shifters |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - suitable for frequent calibration or logging use cases |
| Data Retention | Greater than 200 years at 25°C - ensures long-term firmware/config integrity |
| Write Cycle Time | 6 ms typical (TWC) - enables deterministic timeout handling in host firmware |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS/CLK/DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage, no SPI mode bits required |
| Temperature Range | Industrial: −40°C to +85°C - validated for industrial control and automotive body electronics |
Pinout & Package
93LC46A-I/SN is supplied in 8-lead SOIC (SN) package per JEDEC MS-012, with 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 |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; initiates self-timed write on falling edge |
| CLK (Pin 2) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising-edge sampled for DI/DO; stoppable mid-sequence |
| 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 return path for all I/O and internal logic; requires low-impedance PCB connection |
| NC (Pin 6) | No Internal Connection | Unbonded pad; must remain floating - no external connection permitted |
| NC (Pin 7) | No Internal Connection | Unbonded pad; must remain floating - no external connection permitted |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V supply; internal POR triggers at ~1.5 V; powers internal charge pump for write operations |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write cycle | Eliminates need for host-controlled timing delays; 6 ms typical ensures predictable firmware flow |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables polling-based write completion detection instead of fixed wait loops - saves CPU cycles |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware lockout below ~1.5 V VCC prevents corruption during brown-out or power ramp |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | WRAL command internally executes full array erase prior to write - no separate ERAL sequence needed |
| 128 × 8-bit fixed organization | Removes ORG pin dependency and simplifies PCB layout vs. C-series; eliminates external logic for word size |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Consumer Remote Control Memory |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-trimmed sensor offset/gain coefficients and user-adjusted thresholds in HVAC or pressure transmitters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed infrequently during startup or service mode; operates at ≤1 MHz CLK. Use Value: Ensures consistent measurement accuracy across power cycles and device lifetime without battery backup. |
Use Scenario: Retaining user-programmed channel presets, volume levels, and pairing IDs in IR remote handsets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count serial memory interfaced directly to 8-bit MCU GPIO; accessed only during setup or power-on. Use Value: Enables persistent personalization with <1 µA standby current - extends coin-cell battery life beyond 5 years. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Medical Diagnostic Device Settings |
|
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position memory, lighting profiles, and door lock preferences in 12 V automotive systems with LDO-regulated 3.3 V rail. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated configuration EEPROM sharing bus with other peripherals; withstands −40°C to +85°C ambient. Use Value: Meets AEC-Q100 stress requirements for reliability; 200-year retention guarantees data integrity over vehicle lifetime. |
Use Scenario: Storing calibration constants, test history logs, and operator-defined alarm thresholds in portable ECG or glucose meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage isolated from main processor; accessed only during boot or maintenance mode. Use Value: RoHS-compliant Pb-free packaging and >1M endurance support regulatory compliance and repeated field recalibration. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46B-I/SN | 64 × 16-bit organization; identical pinout and timing but outputs 16-bit words per READ | Requires host software adaptation for 16-bit data alignment; unsuitable where byte-addressable access is mandatory | Select only if system architecture natively uses 16-bit data paths and avoids byte-level manipulation |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, 20 MHz max CLK - faster but requires extra CS line | Not Microwire-compatible; incompatible instruction set and timing; needs SPI peripheral or bit-banged driver | Choose when migrating to SPI-based platforms or when higher throughput (>1 Mbps) is required |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/SN, the 93LC46A-I/SN provides guaranteed byte-aligned access without software bit-shifting; compared with AT25010B-MAHL-T, it reduces GPIO count and eliminates SPI mode configuration overhead at the cost of lower maximum clock rate.
Availability
93LC46A-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer remote control memory, automotive body control modules, and medical diagnostic device settings requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC46A-I/SN 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, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93LC46A-I/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, low-power nonvolatile storage with minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46A-I/SN?
The 93LC46A-I/SN has a fixed 128 × 8-bit organization - meaning 128 addresses each storing 8 bits. Unlike 'C' variants, it lacks an ORG pin and does not support 16-bit mode. This simplifies design by removing configuration dependencies and ensuring consistent byte-level addressing for all host firmware implementations.
Does the 93LC46A-I/SN require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93LC46A-I/SN does not require an external pull-up on DO. The DO pin actively drives high/low during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting, and enters High-Z when deselected or idle. However, a 10 kΩ pull-down on CS is recommended per Microchip application guidance to prevent spurious activation during power-up.
How is write protection implemented on the 93LC46A-I/SN?
Write protection on the 93LC46A-I/SN is implemented via hardware power-on reset (POR) lockout below ~1.5 V and software-controlled EWEN/EWDS commands. The device powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) state; an explicit EWEN instruction must precede any ERASE or WRITE operation, and EWDS should follow to re-lock.
Can the 93LC46A-I/SN be used in automotive applications?
The 93LC46A-I/SN is rated for Industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), making it suitable for under-hood-adjacent or cabin-mounted automotive subsystems such as mirror controls or interior lighting. For under-hood engine control units requiring −40°C to +125°C, the 93LC46A-E/SN (Automotive grade) must be specified instead.
What is the minimum CS low time required between instructions for the 93LC46A-I/SN?
The 93LC46A-I/SN requires a minimum Chip Select low time (TCSL) of 250 ns between consecutive instructions. This ensures internal logic resets properly and prevents command misinterpretation. Violating this timing may result in undefined behavior or failed writes, especially during rapid command sequences.
93LC46A-I/SN Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- 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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93LC46A-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46A-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46A-I/SN 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-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46A-I/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46A-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46A-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46A-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46A-I/SN?
93LC46A-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46A-I/SN 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-I/SN?
For technical support, including 93LC46A-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46A-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46A-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46A-I/SN 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-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46A-I/SN?
All 93LC46A-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46A-I/SN, 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-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46A-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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