Microchip Technology 93LC46B-E/P
- Part No.:
- 93LC46B-E/P
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46B-E/P.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8DIP
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:4,115
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Product details
Overview
93LC46B-E/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit (64 × 16-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 2.5–5.5V supply range, and industrial/automotive temperature support (−40°C to +125°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles - used for configuration storage in automotive body control modules.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46B-E/P datasheet, 93LC46B-E/P pinout, 93LC46B-E/P application, or 93LC46B-E/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 16-bit organization (no ORG pin), Pb-free PDIP-8 package, automotive-grade qualification, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers requiring deterministic timing and hardware data protection.
Technical Context
This device implements a synchronous serial interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins, supporting READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions. Its internal architecture includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, with all programming operations gated by Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) state.
It operates in Standby mode when CS is low, enters active mode on CS high, and uses rising-edge clocking for instruction/address/data transfer. Ready/Busy status is actively driven on DO during erase/write cycles only when CS is reasserted after ≥250 ns low time (TCSL), and returns to High-Z on CS falling edge.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (64 words × 16 bits) - fixed x16 organization; no ORG pin; requires 6-bit address field. |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide-input industrial and automotive power rails; POR threshold at 1.5 V. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - no separate ORG pin; no software-configurable word size. |
| Timing (FCLK) | Up to 2 MHz at VCC = 2.5 V - defines maximum command throughput; TCKH/TCKL minima scale with voltage. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - validated at 25°C, VCC = 5.0 V; enables long-term field calibration storage. |
| Data Retention | 200 years at 25°C - ensures nonvolatile integrity over full product lifecycle without refresh. |
| Temp Range | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-grade) - qualified for under-hood and chassis-mounted applications. |
Pinout & Package
93LC46B-E/P is supplied in an 8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package) with 0.3-inch body width and Pb-free Matte Tin (Sn) finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner is bottom-left when viewed top-side with notch up.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between commands; initiates self-timed write on falling edge (93LC). |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Rising-edge synchronized I/O; clock can pause mid-transfer; no clocks required during auto-erase/write cycle. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode, address, and data; tied high with pull-up for Start detection; not shared with DO in standard use. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy (low = busy); enters High-Z on CS falling edge; requires CS reassertion to sample status. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal logic; must be connected directly to system ground plane. |
| 6 (NC) | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice; no routing required. |
| 7 (NC) | No Connect | Same as Pin 6; dual NC pins confirm absence of ORG function in 'B' variant. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; includes internal POR circuitry (trip point 1.5 V); decoupling capacitor required within 1 cm. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates external timing control; TWC = 6 ms max (93LC), enabling deterministic firmware wait loops. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees clean memory state prior to bulk write; removes need for explicit ERAL command in initialization sequences. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware POR blocks writes below 1.5 V; prevents corruption during brown-out or hot-swap events. |
| Erase/Write Enable (EWEN/EWDS) | Stateful lock mechanism - powers up in EWDS; requires explicit EWEN before any program operation. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables polling-based flow control without interrupt lines; avoids fixed delays and improves system responsiveness. |
Applications
| Automotive Body Control Unit | Industrial PLC Configuration Storage |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing seat position presets, mirror angles, and lighting profiles in vehicle door modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed infrequently via microcontroller SPI-like Microwire interface. Use Value: 200-year data retention and −40°C to +125°C operation ensure settings persist across vehicle lifetime without battery backup. |
Use Scenario: Holding I/O mapping tables, calibration coefficients, and firmware update flags in modular PLC backplanes. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration memory interfaced to ARM Cortex-M host via GPIO-banged Microwire protocol. Use Value: 1M endurance allows daily recalibration logging over 2,700+ days; EWEN/EWDS prevents accidental overwrite during runtime. |
| Medical Infusion Pump Settings | Smart Energy Meter Calibration Data |
Use Scenario: Retaining drug library parameters, dose limits, and user audit trails in Class II medical devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage element with hardware write protection enabled at boot. Use Value: RoHS-compliant Pb-free PDIP package meets medical regulatory requirements; POR and EWDS prevent data corruption during power cycling. |
Use Scenario: Storing meter-specific CT/PT ratios, tariff schedules, and firmware revision history in ANSI C12.22-compliant meters. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power serial EEPROM accessed during meter startup and periodic maintenance windows. Use Value: 2.5 V minimum VCC enables direct connection to 3.3 V rail; 6 ms write time fits within 10 ms watchdog window. |
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/P | Same 64×16-bit organization and PDIP-8 package, but rated for −40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade only). | Lacks automotive temperature qualification; unsuitable for under-hood or chassis-mounted deployments. | Select 93LC46B-I/P only for cost-sensitive industrial control where ambient temperature stays ≤85°C. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128×8), 1.8–5.5 V, SOIC-8; no Ready/Busy pin; uses Write Enable (WREN) instead of EWEN/EWDS. | Different command set and timing model; requires SPI master support; lacks hardware status polling capability. | Choose AT25010B-MAHL-T only if migrating to SPI infrastructure and accepting loss of deterministic status feedback. |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/P, the 93LC46B-E/P adds automotive-grade thermal reliability and extended data retention assurance; compared with AT25010B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and hardware-ready signaling critical for legacy controller integration.
Availability
93LC46B-E/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive electronics, industrial programmable logic controllers, and medical device manufacturing requiring stable component supply with full traceability and long-term lifecycle support.
Supply support for 93LC46B-E/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 microcontrollers, analog components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93LC46B-E/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power, nonvolatile storage in automotive and industrial systems requiring proven reliability and Microwire protocol compatibility.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46B-E/P?
The 93LC46B-E/P has a fixed 64 × 16-bit (1Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C' variants, it lacks an ORG pin and is hardwired for 16-bit word access - requiring 6-bit addresses and delivering 16-bit data per READ/WRITE cycle. This eliminates configuration ambiguity and simplifies firmware driver development.
Does the 93LC46B-E/P require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No - the 93LC46B-E/P drives DO actively during READ and Ready/Busy polling; no external pull-up is needed. However, a 10 kΩ pull-down on CS is recommended per Microchip's application guidance to prevent spurious activation during power-up or noise events affecting the 93LC46B-E/P.
How does the 93LC46B-E/P protect against inadvertent writes during power transitions?
The 93LC46B-E/P incorporates dual hardware safeguards: (1) Power-On Reset circuitry that inhibits all operations below 1.5 V, and (2) Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) state at power-up, requiring explicit EWEN command before any ERASE or WRITE. Both mechanisms operate independently of firmware, ensuring robust 93LC46B-E/P data integrity.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC46B-E/P at 3.3 V?
At VCC = 3.3 V, the 93LC46B-E/P supports up to 2 MHz clock frequency (FCLK), as specified in Table 1-2 for the 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 4.5 V range. This allows reliable communication with common 3.3 V microcontrollers without timing margin concerns, provided TCKH ≥ 250 ns and TCKL ≥ 200 ns are met.
Can the 93LC46B-E/P be used in place of the 93LC46A-E/P in an existing design?
No - the 93LC46B-E/P (64×16) and 93LC46A-E/P (128×8) differ in memory organization, address depth, and data width. Firmware must be modified to handle 16-bit reads/writes and 6-bit addressing instead of 8-bit and 7-bit. The 93LC46B-E/P is not a drop-in replacement for the 93LC46A-E/P without hardware and software validation.
93LC46B-E/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:
- 64 x 16
- 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:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
93LC46B-E/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46B-E/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46B-E/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 93LC46B-E/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46B-E/P are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46B-E/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46B-E/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46B-E/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46B-E/P?
93LC46B-E/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46B-E/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 93LC46B-E/P?
For technical support, including 93LC46B-E/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46B-E/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46B-E/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46B-E/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 93LC46B-E/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46B-E/P?
All 93LC46B-E/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46B-E/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 93LC46B-E/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46B-E/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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