Microchip Technology 93LC46A/P
- Part No.:
- 93LC46A/P
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46A/P.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:919
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Product details
Overview
93LC46A/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, supporting Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and Automotive (–40°C to +125°C) temperature ranges, and housed in an 8-lead PDIP package. It delivers nonvolatile memory for configuration storage in embedded controllers, power management ICs, and sensor calibration systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46A/P datasheet, 93LC46A/P pinout, 93LC46A/P application, or 93LC46A/P equivalent, key selection criteria include its dedicated 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), self-timed erase/write cycles (6 ms typical), Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, and RoHS-compliant Pb-free Matte Tin finish.
Technical Context
The 93LC46A/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins - no ORG pin is present, fixing memory organization to 128 × 8-bit. Communication requires a Start bit followed by opcode, address (7-bit), and data (8-bit), with all operations synchronized to the rising edge of CLK.
It features on-chip power-on/off data protection, automatic erase-before-write, and Erase All (ERAL) and Write All (WRAL) commands requiring VCC ≥ 4.5 V. The DO pin serves dual function: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status indicator during programming, entering High-Z when CS is low.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 words × 8 bits); fixed x8 organization eliminates external ORG logic and simplifies host firmware. |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V; supports direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level-shifting. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO); reduces PCB routing complexity vs. SPI/I²C. |
| Write Cycle Time | 6 ms typical (TWC); self-timed auto-erase/write enables deterministic firmware timing without polling overhead. |
| Data Retention | >200 years at +25°C; ensures long-term reliability in infrequently updated configuration storage. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; suitable for applications requiring frequent recalibration or field updates. |
| Temperature Range | Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) and Automotive (–40°C to +125°C); validated for under-hood and industrial control environments. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead PDIP (P), body width 0.300", lead pitch 0.100". Pin 1 marked by notch or dot; pin 1 ID confirmed per Microchip DS20001749K-page 18.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; device enters Standby mode when low, but completes ongoing write/erase before sleeping. |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data and clocks out read data/status. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, instruction opcodes, addresses, and write data; must be stable before CLK rising edge. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready (high)/Busy (low) status; enters High-Z when CS is low or during non-read states. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference return path for all I/O and internal circuitry; requires low-impedance connection to system ground plane. |
| 6 (NC) | No Internal Connection | Unbonded pad; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice - no functional role. |
| 7 (NC) | No Internal Connection | Unbonded pad; identical to Pin 6 - no electrical or thermal function; avoid routing signals underneath. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | Supplies core logic and memory array; requires local 0.1 µF ceramic decoupling capacitor placed ≤5 mm from pin. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write cycles | Eliminates need for external timing control or busy-wait loops - firmware only polls DO after CS high pulse. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | WRAL command internally executes full-array erase prior to write, ensuring consistent data integrity without separate ERAL step. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware lockout below VCC = 2.5 V (typical 1.5 V detect threshold) prevents corruption during brown-out or hot-plug events. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables real-time status monitoring without additional GPIO; DO low = active programming, DO high = ready for next command. |
| RoHS-compliant Matte Tin finish | Pb-free termination compatible with lead-free reflow profiles (J-STD-020) and eliminates post-solder cleaning requirements. |
Applications
| Smart Energy Meters | Industrial PLC I/O Modules |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing tariff tables, meter calibration coefficients, and firmware update flags across power cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory interfaced to MCU via Microwire; accessed during boot and periodic calibration. Use Value: 200-year data retention ensures accuracy over product lifetime; 1M endurance supports field recalibration every 3 months for 27+ years. |
Use Scenario: Holding I/O mapping definitions, channel scaling factors, and diagnostic history logs in modular controller backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial EEPROM providing persistent parameter storage for hot-swappable I/O cards; accessed during card insertion and runtime diagnostics. Use Value: –40°C to +85°C operation guarantees reliability in uncontrolled cabinet environments; 6 ms write time enables fast configuration save after module reconfiguration. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Medical Infusion Pumps |
Use Scenario: Saving seat/mirror position presets, lighting profiles, and fault code history in BCMs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated 8-bit EEPROM integrated into CAN/LIN gateway subsystems; accessed by 8-bit MCU over minimal 3-wire bus. Use Value: Automotive-grade (–40°C to +125°C) qualification ensures operation near engine bay heat sources; no ORG pin simplifies layout in space-constrained modules. |
Use Scenario: Storing drug library parameters, dose limits, and usage audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure configuration store for safety-critical infusion algorithms; accessed only during initialization and maintenance mode. Use Value: Hardware-based VCC lockout prevents writes during power instability - critical for data integrity in battery-powered devices; RoHS compliance meets medical supply chain requirements. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46B/P | 16-bit organization (64 × 16), same VCC range and package; no ORG pin - fixed x16 mode. | Requires host MCU to manage 16-bit data framing; unsuitable where legacy 8-bit firmware or protocol constraints exist. | Select only if system architecture mandates 16-bit word access and firmware already supports x16 addressing. |
| AT25010B-PU | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, SOIC-8; lacks Ready/Busy pin - relies on software delay or WIP polling. | Requires additional chip select line and different driver stack; no hardware status indication increases firmware complexity. | Choose when migrating from SPI-based designs or when leveraging existing AT25xxx driver libraries - not drop-in compatible. |
Compared with 93LC46B/P and AT25010B-PU, the 93LC46A/P provides deterministic 3-wire timing with hardware Ready/Busy signaling and guaranteed 8-bit compatibility - reducing firmware validation effort and eliminating timing margin uncertainty in resource-constrained MCUs.
Availability
93LC46A/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy meters, industrial PLC I/O modules, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93LC46A/P 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93LC46A/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and firmware overhead.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46A/P?
The 93LC46A/P has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization with no ORG pin - it operates exclusively in x8 mode. This eliminates external configuration logic and ensures deterministic 8-bit data framing for host microcontrollers, distinguishing it from 'C' variants that require ORG pin control for x8/x16 selection.
Does the 93LC46A/P support Automotive temperature grade?
Yes, the 93LC46A/P is qualified for Automotive temperature range (–40°C to +125°C) per its device selection table. This rating applies to all package variants including PDIP (P), enabling use in under-hood applications such as body control modules and powertrain sensors where extended thermal stability is required.
How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93LC46A/P?
The 93LC46A/P uses the DO pin to signal Ready/Busy status during erase/write operations: DO = low indicates active programming, DO = high means complete. To read status, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after TCSL; DO returns to High-Z when CS is low. This hardware signaling avoids software delays or fixed timeouts.
What is the minimum VCC required for write protection on the 93LC46A/P?
The 93LC46A/P incorporates hardware write protection that activates when VCC falls below ~1.5 V (typical), preventing accidental writes during power-up/down. This threshold is specified in Electrical Characteristics Table D11 (VPOR), and is independent of EWEN/EWDS commands - it is a physical voltage-detect feature.
Can the 93LC46A/P be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller?
Yes, the 93LC46A/P operates across 2.5 V to 5.5 V, making it fully compatible with 3.3 V systems. Its VIH1 (2.0 V min) and VIL1 (0.8 V max) thresholds ensure reliable logic-level recognition from standard 3.3 V CMOS outputs, and VOL1 (0.4 V max at 2.1 mA) guarantees clean low-level signaling into 3.3 V inputs.
93LC46A/P Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- 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:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
93LC46A/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46A/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46A/P 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/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46A/P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46A/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46A/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46A/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46A/P?
93LC46A/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46A/P 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/P?
For technical support, including 93LC46A/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46A/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46A/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46A/P 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/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46A/P?
All 93LC46A/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46A/P, 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/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46A/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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