Microchip Technology 93LC46BX-E/SN
- Part No.:
- 93LC46BX-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46BX-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC46BX-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, 2.5–5.5 V supply range, -40°C to +125°C automotive temperature grade, and self-timed erase/write cycles. It provides nonvolatile memory storage for configuration data in automotive control modules, sensor calibration registers, and power management ICs.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46BX-E/SN datasheet, 93LC46BX-E/SN pinout, 93LC46BX-E/SN application, or 93LC46BX-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its automotive-grade temperature support, 1M endurance cycles, 200-year data retention, 3-wire serial protocol compatibility, and SOIC-8 package with Pb-free Matte Tin finish.
Technical Context
The 93LC46BX-E/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins - no ORG pin (dedicated x8 organization). It uses internal auto-erase-before-write logic and supports ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands requiring ≥4.5 V for execution.
It features Ready/Busy status polling via DO pin during erase/write operations, power-on/off data protection circuitry, and automatic entry into Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) mode at power-up - requiring explicit EWEN command before programming. Standby current is ≤5 µA across I/E temp ranges.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin; suitable for byte-oriented configuration storage. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide-range automotive power rails including 3.3 V and 5 V systems. |
| Temperature Range | -40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-grade) - qualified for under-hood and powertrain applications. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - enables frequent field updates of calibration or fault logs. |
| Data Retention | 200 years at +85°C - ensures long-term reliability in safety-critical automotive deployments. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage; no address bus or parallel interface required. |
| Write Cycle Time | 6 ms typical (TWC) - deterministic timing for firmware-controlled write sequencing without external delay loops. |
Pinout & Package
93LC46BX-E/SN is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN suffix), RoHS-compliant with Matte Tin (Pb-free) finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package outline conforms to Microchip standard SOIC-8 (JEDEC MS-012).
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; deselects device into standby (≤5 µA ICCS). |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers on rising edge; supports up to 3 MHz at VCC ≥4.5 V; clock may pause mid-transfer. |
| DI | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, opcode, address, and write data; shares signal path with DO in bidirectional configurations (requires series resistor). |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS is low or after status read completion. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference for all digital and analog functions; must be low-impedance connection to system ground plane. |
| NC | No Internal Connection | Pin 7 in SOIC-8; unused and must not be connected to any net; floating or grounded per board layout best practice. |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; internal voltage detect (VPOR = 1.5 V) prevents operation below safe threshold. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write cycles | Eliminates need for external timing control or software delay loops; full 6 ms cycle completes autonomously after CS fall. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | WRAL command internally executes ERAL first - guarantees clean array before bulk write, reducing firmware complexity. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level lockout below VPOR (1.5 V) prevents corruption during brown-out or hot-plug events. |
| Erase/Write Enable/Disable (EWEN/EWDS) | Explicit EWEN required before any programming; EWDS restores protection immediately after write - critical for fail-safe systems. |
| Ready/Busy polling via DO | Enables non-blocking firmware design: host reads DO while waiting, avoiding fixed delays and improving real-time responsiveness. |
Applications
| Engine Control Unit (ECU) | Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing adaptive fuel trim values, misfire counters, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that persist across ignition cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration and event logging memory interfaced directly to MCU's Microwire peripheral. Use Value: 1M endurance supports daily recalibration over 10+ years; 125°C rating ensures operation near engine bay heat sources. | Use Scenario: Holding camera calibration offsets, radar beamforming coefficients, and sensor fusion parameters updated during vehicle initialization. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated x8 serial EEPROM providing deterministic 6 ms write latency for safety-critical parameter updates. Use Value: Automotive-grade temperature range and 200-year data retention guarantee integrity of ADAS calibration data over full vehicle lifetime. |
| Body Control Module (BCM) | Electric Power Steering (EPS) |
Use Scenario: Retaining user preferences (window positions, mirror angles, lighting profiles) and door lock configuration states. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power serial memory accessed intermittently via microcontroller GPIO-banged or hardware Microwire interface. Use Value: ≤5 µA standby current extends battery life during vehicle sleep modes; SOIC-8 footprint simplifies PCB routing in space-constrained BCMs. | Use Scenario: Storing torque sensor zero-point compensation, motor phase alignment data, and fault history logs in EPS electronic control units. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Safety-relevant nonvolatile memory with hardware write protection (EWDS) enabled after each update. Use Value: Power-on data protection prevents corruption during EPS power cycling; 2.5 V minimum VCC supports operation with buck-converted 3.3 V rails. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46BT-I/SN | Industrial grade (-40°C to +85°C); identical x8 organization, SOIC-8 package, and electrical specs except temp range. | Not qualified for under-hood or powertrain use; suitable for cabin electronics or infotainment modules. | Select only if automotive temperature qualification is unnecessary and cost optimization is prioritized. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | 1 Kbit SPI interface (4-wire), 1.8–5.5 V, industrial temp; lacks ERAL/WRAL commands and EWEN/EWDS protection. | Requires different MCU driver stack; no hardware write-disable state - relies on software lock bits only. | Choose when SPI is preferred over Microwire and full automotive qualification is not required. |
Compared with 93LC46BT-I/SN, the 93LC46BX-E/SN adds automotive temperature qualification and same-pinout compatibility but requires no layout change. Versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it offers superior data integrity via hardware EWDS and Microwire's simpler 3-wire interface, though at the cost of SPI ecosystem compatibility.
Availability
93LC46BX-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive control units, ADAS sensor modules, body electronics, and electric power steering systems requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for 93LC46BX-E/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 devices, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93LC46X family was designed specifically for automotive and industrial applications requiring reliable, low-power serial EEPROM with hardware-based data protection and extended temperature operation.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46BX-E/SN?
The 93LC46BX-E/SN is a dedicated 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) device with fixed x8 organization. It does not include an ORG pin - unlike 'C' variants - and therefore cannot be configured for x16 operation. This makes it ideal for byte-addressable firmware configuration storage where consistent 8-bit data width is required.
Does the 93LC46BX-E/SN support the ERAL and WRAL commands?
Yes, the 93LC46BX-E/SN supports both ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands. However, proper execution requires VCC ≥4.5 V. These commands are fully self-timed and initiate automatically upon CS falling edge (for 93LC versions), eliminating need for external timing control in safety-critical automotive firmware.
How is write protection implemented in the 93LC46BX-E/SN?
The 93LC46BX-E/SN implements hardware-based write protection via Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) and Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) commands. It powers up in EWDS mode - blocking all erase/write operations until EWEN is issued. After each write, issuing EWDS restores protection, preventing accidental overwrites during MCU resets or glitches.
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC46BX-E/SN?
The 93LC46BX-E/SN supports up to 3 MHz clock frequency when VCC is 4.5 V to 5.5 V. At 2.5 V to 4.5 V, maximum clock frequency is 2 MHz. These limits are defined in AC Characteristics Table A1 and ensure reliable setup/hold timing across the full automotive temperature range.
Is the 93LC46BX-E/SN pin-compatible with other 93LC46x variants in SOIC-8 package?
Yes, the 93LC46BX-E/SN is pin-compatible with all 93LC46x SOIC-8 variants (e.g., 93LC46BT-I/SN, 93LC46B-I/SN), sharing identical pinout, footprint, and electrical interface. The 'X' in the part number denotes rotated SOIC orientation - verified in Microchip DS20001749K-page 2 - but mechanical mounting and soldering remain identical.
93LC46BX-E/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:
- 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:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93LC46BX-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46BX-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46BX-E/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 93LC46BX-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46BX-E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46BX-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46BX-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46BX-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46BX-E/SN?
93LC46BX-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46BX-E/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 93LC46BX-E/SN?
For technical support, including 93LC46BX-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46BX-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46BX-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46BX-E/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 93LC46BX-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46BX-E/SN?
All 93LC46BX-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46BX-E/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 93LC46BX-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46BX-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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