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

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,732
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Product details
Overview
93LC46B-I/P from Microchip Technology is a 1Kbit (64 × 16-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/WRAL support, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin. Used for configuration storage in embedded microcontroller systems requiring nonvolatile parameter retention.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46B-I/P datasheet, 93LC46B-I/P pinout, 93LC46B-I/P application, or 93LC46B-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 16-bit word organization (no ORG pin), PDIP-8 package compatibility, 6 ms write cycle time, and power-on data protection circuitry - critical for reliable boot-time configuration recovery.
Technical Context
The 93LC46B-I/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins. It uses a dedicated 16-bit memory architecture (64 words × 16 bits), eliminating ORG pin dependency. All instructions - READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, EWDS - are executed via clocked bit-streams with defined clock timing (up to 2 MHz at 2.5 V).
Internal logic includes an address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer with High-Z DO state control. Power-on reset circuitry holds the device in EWDS mode until explicit EWEN command, preventing accidental writes. Ready/Busy polling is supported via DO pin after minimum TCSL (250 ns) CS low time.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (64 × 16-bit organization); supports fixed 16-bit word access without external ORG pin logic. |
| VCC range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V; enables direct interfacing with 3.3 V and 5 V microcontrollers without level shifting. |
| Write cycle time | 6 ms typical (TWC); self-timed auto-erase-and-write eliminates need for external timing control. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; ensures long-term reliability in field-updatable configuration storage. |
| Data retention | 200 years at 25°C; guarantees persistent storage of calibration or security keys over product lifetime. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO); reduces PCB routing complexity vs. SPI or I²C. |
| Temp range | Industrial: –40°C to +85°C; validated for use in industrial controllers, metering, and automotive body electronics. |
Pinout & Package
8-lead PDIP (Plastic Dual In-line Package), through-hole mounting, 0.3-inch body width, RoHS-compliant matte tin finish. Pin 1 marked by notch or dot; pin 1 ID confirmed by laser mark per Microchip DS20001749K-page 18.
| 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 mode. |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares net with DO only with series resistor to avoid bus conflict. |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS low or during non-read operations. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog functions; requires low-impedance connection to system ground plane. |
| 6 (NC) | No Connection | Internally unconnected; must remain floating or tied to VSS per design guidelines - no functional role. |
| 7 (NC) | No Connection | Unused pin in PDIP-8 variant; not bonded; electrically isolated from die. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V supply input; includes internal voltage detect (VPOR = 1.5 V) for power-on data protection. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write | Eliminates external timing circuitry; 6 ms typical cycle completes autonomously after CS fall (93LC devices). |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | WRAL instruction internally executes full array erase prior to write, ensuring deterministic blank-state programming. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware VPOR circuitry inhibits all operations below 1.5 V, preventing corruption during brown-out or power ramp. |
| Erase/write enable/disable (EWEN/EWDS) | Explicit command-based write lock prevents accidental overwrites; powers up in secure EWDS state. |
| Ready/Busy status on DO | Enables polling-based firmware flow control without interrupt lines or additional GPIOs. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration | Embedded Boot Configuration |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated sensor offset/gain coefficients in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and environmental monitors. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed during power-up initialization via MCU's Microwire peripheral. Use Value: 200-year data retention and 1M endurance ensure calibration integrity across decades of field operation without recalibration. | Use Scenario: Holding bootloader parameters (e.g., firmware version, boot mode flags, UART baud rate) in medical diagnostic equipment. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration store read early in boot sequence; supports sequential read for fast parameter fetch. Use Value: Fixed 16-bit word size matches common MCU register widths, reducing software bit-packing overhead. |
| Automotive Body Control Module | Consumer Appliance Settings Storage |
Use Scenario: Saving user preferences (window position, mirror angle) and fault logs in 12 V automotive systems with 3.3 V MCU rails. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power EEPROM interfaced to 3.3 V microcontroller; operates across –40°C to +85°C ambient. Use Value: 2.5 V minimum VCC allows stable operation during cold-crank battery dips down to ~2.8 V nominal. | Use Scenario: Retaining cooking presets, child-lock status, and energy usage history in smart ovens and washing machines. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Standalone configuration memory accessed infrequently but requiring high reliability under thermal cycling. Use Value: PDIP-8 package enables easy manual rework and legacy board compatibility in cost-sensitive white goods designs. |
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 | Same electrical specs and pinout; SOIC-8 package instead of PDIP-8; 3.9 mm × 4.9 mm footprint vs. 9.1 mm × 6.4 mm. | Preferred for automated SMT assembly; unsuitable for hand-soldered prototyping or socket-based test fixtures. | Select I/SN for volume production PCBs; retain I/P for lab validation, repair, or legacy through-hole designs. |
| AT25010B-SSHL-T | 1 Kbit SPI EEPROM (not Microwire); 2.5–5.5 V; 5 ms max write time; no ERAL/WRAL; different instruction set and timing. | Requires SPI host driver instead of Microwire; lacks auto-erase-all functionality; no Ready/Busy polling via DO. | Choose only if migrating to SPI architecture; verify firmware rewrite for instruction mapping and status handling. |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/SN, the 93LC46B-I/P offers identical functionality in a through-hole package enabling manual replacement and socket testing, while AT25010B-SSHL-T requires full interface and firmware redesign due to SPI protocol divergence and missing Microwire-specific commands.
Availability
93LC46B-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded boot configuration, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC46B-I/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-I/P belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for low-pin-count, low-power nonvolatile storage in resource-constrained embedded systems where Microwire compatibility and hardware data protection are essential.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46B-I/P?
The 93LC46B-I/P has a fixed 64 × 16-bit (1 Kbit) organization. Unlike 'C' variants, it lacks an ORG pin and is hardwired for 16-bit word access - no external logic or configuration is needed to select word size. This simplifies interface design for MCUs with native 16-bit data paths.
Does the 93LC46B-I/P require an external pull-up resistor on the DO pin?
No, the 93LC46B-I/P does not require an external pull-up on DO. The DO pin actively drives high/low during READ and Ready/Busy polling, and enters High-Z when inactive. However, if DI and DO are shorted on a shared bus, a 10 kΩ series resistor is recommended to prevent bus conflict during dummy-zero read phases.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC46B-I/P at 3.3 V?
At VCC = 3.3 V (within 2.5–5.5 V range), the 93LC46B-I/P supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1, FCLK) for 2.5 V ≤ VCC < 5.5 V. Exceeding this violates AC timing and may cause instruction misreads or failed writes.
Can the 93LC46B-I/P be used in automotive applications requiring AEC-Q200 qualification?
No, the 93LC46B-I/P is rated for Industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C) only and is not AEC-Q200 qualified. For automotive applications, Microchip offers the 93LC46B-E/P variant (–40°C to +125°C) with automotive-grade screening - confirm part number suffix 'E' and consult latest Microchip automotive qualification reports.
How does the 93LC46B-I/P handle power loss during a write cycle?
The 93LC46B-I/P incorporates power-on/off data protection: its internal voltage detect (VPOR ≈ 1.5 V) disables all operations when VCC drops below threshold, preventing partial writes or corruption. Combined with self-timed erase/write, this ensures atomicity - either full completion or no change occurs during brown-out events.
93LC46B-I/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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-PDIP
93LC46B-I/P FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46B-I/P through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46B-I/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-I/P reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46B-I/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-I/P is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46B-I/P?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46B-I/P transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46B-I/P?
93LC46B-I/P orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46B-I/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-I/P?
For technical support, including 93LC46B-I/P datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46B-I/P requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46B-I/P is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46B-I/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-I/P meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46B-I/P?
All 93LC46B-I/P units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46B-I/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-I/P part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46B-I/P:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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