Microchip Technology 93LC46AT-I/MC
- Part No.:
- 93LC46AT-I/MC
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46AT-I/MC.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8DFN
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC46AT-I/MC from Microchip Technology is a 1Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, and industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration memory, and firmware parameter retention.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46AT-I/MC datasheet, 93LC46AT-I/MC pinout, 93LC46AT-I/MC application, or 93LC46AT-I/MC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 8-bit fixed organization (no ORG pin), DFN-8 (2×3 mm) Pb-free package, 1 million erase/write endurance, 200-year data retention, and compatibility with microcontroller SPI-like serial masters requiring nonvolatile memory with hardware write protection.
Technical Context
The 93LC46AT-I/MC implements a synchronous serial Microwire protocol with CS, CLK, and DI/DO signals - no ORG pin (dedicated 8-bit x128 organization). It uses CMOS EEPROM technology with on-chip charge pump for internal high-voltage generation during erase/write, eliminating external VPP.
Operation requires an EWEN command to enable programming; it powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) state. Read, erase, write, ERAL, and WRAL instructions are executed via 10- or 18-clock-cycle sequences depending on operation, with DO pin providing real-time Ready/Busy status after CS reassertion post-TCSL (≥250 ns).
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 words × 8 bits) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin; no word-size configuration required. |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide-range microcontroller I/O domains; POR threshold at 1.5 V prevents spurious writes during brown-out. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - software-bitbangable; no separate chip-select decoding logic needed. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - validated at 25°C, 5.0 V; enables long-term field calibration updates in industrial sensors. |
| Data Retention | >200 years at 25°C - ensures lifetime data integrity in unpowered storage without refresh. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 3 MHz at VCC ≥4.5 V; 2 MHz at 2.5 V ≤ VCC <4.5 V - defines minimum instruction execution time (e.g., WRITE = 18 clocks + TWC = 6 ms). |
| Write Cycle Time | 6 ms typical (TWC) - self-timed; eliminates need for external timing control or polling delay estimation. |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - qualified for use in motor controllers, HVAC modules, and industrial HMIs. |
Pinout & Package
93LC46AT-I/MC is housed in an 8-lead 2×3 mm DFN (Dual Flat No-lead) package with exposed pad (Pb-free Matte Tin finish). Pin 1 is laser-marked; exposed pad may be connected to VSS or left floating per Microchip packaging spec.
| 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 ≤1 µA). |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence without error. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; tied to DO only with series resistor to avoid bus conflict. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS goes low; status valid only after CS high ≥TCSL. |
| 5 (NC) | No Internal Connection | Not bonded; must be left unconnected or tied to VSS/VCC per PCB layout best practice (no functional impact). |
| 6 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal circuitry; recommended connection to exposed pad for thermal and noise performance. |
| 7 (ORG) | Organization | Not present - 93LC46A devices have NC at this position; fixed 8-bit mode; no external logic required. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V supply; internal voltage detector (VPOR = 1.5 V) blocks operations below threshold. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates external timing components and software delay loops; TWC = 6 ms guaranteed across temp/voltage. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full array erase prior to bulk write - prevents partial-write corruption without host MCU intervention. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware lockout below VPOR (1.5 V) prevents inadvertent writes during power ramp-up/down or brown-out. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables efficient polling instead of fixed delays; reduces average write latency by up to 40% in interrupt-driven systems. |
| 1M endurance >200-yr retention | Validated for >10 years of daily calibration updates in battery-backed metering and telemetry applications. |
| RoHS-compliant Pb-free DFN | 2×3 mm footprint saves board space vs. SOIC-8; exposed pad improves thermal dissipation in sealed enclosures. |
Applications
| Smart Sensor Calibration Storage | Industrial PLC Configuration Memory |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-trimmed offset/gain coefficients and temperature compensation tables in MEMS pressure sensors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter register accessed at power-up and during field recalibration; serial interface minimizes GPIO usage on low-pin-count MCUs. Use Value: Enables single-device calibration traceability; 1M endurance supports >200 recalibrations over product lifetime without wear-out risk. |
Use Scenario: Retaining user-defined I/O mapping, PID loop parameters, and alarm thresholds in DIN-rail mounted PLC modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: System configuration store updated infrequently but requiring guaranteed persistence across 10+ year deployments. Use Value: Eliminates battery-backed SRAM; 200-year retention ensures data survival beyond mechanical end-of-life. |
| Medical Device Setup Parameters | Consumer Appliance User Preferences |
Use Scenario: Saving clinician-configured therapy settings (e.g., flow rate limits, alarm thresholds) in portable infusion pumps. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage accessible only after authentication; powered from main 3.3 V rail. Use Value: Meets IEC 62304 Class B software requirements for persistent data integrity; no external write-enable logic needed. |
Use Scenario: Preserving user-selected modes (e.g., eco, turbo), timer values, and language preferences in smart washing machines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power background storage updated during idle cycles; accessed at boot and UI interaction. Use Value: DFN-8 package fits tight space constraints behind control panel; 2.5 V min VCC allows direct connection to 3.3 V LDO without level shifters. |
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/MC | 16-bit (64 × 16) organization; same VCC/temp/package; no ORG pin - fixed x16 mode. | Requires MCU firmware adaptation for 16-bit word access; incompatible with existing 8-bit read/write routines. | Select only if system architecture mandates 16-bit data alignment and memory bandwidth optimization. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, SOIC-8 package; no Ready/Busy pin - relies on WIP flag polling. | Larger footprint; requires extra GPIO for CS; lacks hardware status signal - increases MCU overhead during writes. | Choose when SPI-native MCU integration simplifies firmware, and DFN size is not critical. |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/MC, the 93LC46AT-I/MC offers native 8-bit compatibility and identical timing behavior; versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it delivers lower pin count, smaller DFN-8 footprint, and deterministic Ready/Busy signaling - reducing both PCB area and firmware complexity in resource-constrained designs.
Availability
93LC46AT-I/MC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, medical instrumentation, and consumer appliance designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93LC46AT-I/MC 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, FPGA, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93LC46A/B/C series was designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems needing reliable, small-footprint serial EEPROM - emphasizing ease of integration, robustness across voltage/temperature, and long-term data integrity without batteries or capacitors.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46AT-I/MC?
The 93LC46AT-I/MC has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization with no ORG pin - it operates exclusively in x8 mode. Unlike 'C' variants, it does not support runtime word-size switching; address range is A6–A0 (7 bits), and each READ/WRITE accesses one byte. This simplifies firmware implementation in 8-bit MCU environments.
Does the 93LC46AT-I/MC require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No - the 93LC46AT-I/MC DO pin has an active push-pull output during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting. External pull-ups are unnecessary and may cause contention. When CS is low, DO enters High-Z state; during status polling, DO drives low (busy) or high (ready) actively - verified in DS20001749K Figures 2-1, 2-7, and 2-8.
How is write protection implemented on the 93LC46AT-I/MC?
Write protection is enforced through dual hardware/software mechanisms: (1) Power-on reset places the 93LC46AT-I/MC in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, blocking all programming until EWEN is issued; (2) VPOR circuitry disables all instructions when VCC falls below ~1.5 V. Both features are intrinsic to the 93LC46AT-I/MC silicon - no external components required.
Can the 93LC46AT-I/MC be used with a 1.8 V microcontroller?
No - the 93LC46AT-I/MC specifies a minimum VCC of 2.5 V (see Device Selection Table, DS20001749K page 2). While 93AA46A supports 1.8 V, the 'LC' prefix denotes 2.5–5.5 V operation. Using it below 2.5 V risks incomplete writes, data corruption, or failure to recognize commands; always verify VCC against the 'LC' row in the selection table.
What is the purpose of the NC pin (Pin 5) on the 93LC46AT-I/MC DFN package?
Pin 5 on the 93LC46AT-I/MC is designated NC (No Connection) - it is not internally bonded and carries no electrical function. Per Microchip's package drawing (DS20001749K page 26), it may be left floating or tied to VSS/VCC for mechanical stability or ESD mitigation, but it must never be driven or used as a signal path. Its presence maintains pin compatibility across the 93XX46 family's DFN variants.
93LC46AT-I/MC Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-VFDFN Exposed Pad
- 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
- 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-DFN (2x3)
93LC46AT-I/MC FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46AT-I/MC through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46AT-I/MC 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 93LC46AT-I/MC reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46AT-I/MC are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46AT-I/MC is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46AT-I/MC?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46AT-I/MC transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46AT-I/MC?
93LC46AT-I/MC orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46AT-I/MC 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 93LC46AT-I/MC?
For technical support, including 93LC46AT-I/MC datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46AT-I/MC requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46AT-I/MC is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46AT-I/MC 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 93LC46AT-I/MC meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46AT-I/MC?
All 93LC46AT-I/MC units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46AT-I/MC, 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 93LC46AT-I/MC part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46AT-I/MC:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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