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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC46BX-I/SN from Microchip Technology is a 1 Kbit (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 erase-all-before-write-all (ERAL/WRAL), and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin. Used for configuration storage in microcontroller-based embedded systems requiring nonvolatile memory with low power consumption and robust data retention.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46BX-I/SN datasheet, 93LC46BX-I/SN pinout, 93LC46BX-I/SN application, or 93LC46BX-I/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), SOIC-8 package, 1 million erase/write endurance, >200-year data retention, and compatibility with legacy Microwire controllers in space-constrained industrial designs.
Technical Context
This device implements a synchronous serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO lines with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. It supports READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions - all clocked on CLK rising edges, with DO providing either data output or Ready/Busy status depending on CS timing and operation phase.
The 93LC46BX-I/SN operates exclusively in x8 mode (ORG pin not present), eliminating configuration ambiguity. Its internal auto-erase-before-write logic ensures data integrity without external timing control, while power-on/off protection circuitry prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out conditions.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin; suitable for byte-aligned configuration storage. |
| VCC range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide supply rails including 3.3 V and 5 V systems without level-shifting. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - enables frequent field updates in calibration or logging applications. |
| Data retention | >200 years at 25°C - guarantees long-term reliability for unattended or maintenance-free deployments. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - minimal GPIO usage; compatible with legacy MCU peripherals. |
| Max clock frequency | 3 MHz at VCC ≥ 4.5 V - enables fast programming (6 ms typical write cycle) without high-speed timing constraints. |
| Temperature grade | Industrial (–40°C to +85°C) - qualified for use in factory automation, metering, and industrial HMI. |
Pinout & Package
93LC46BX-I/SN is housed in an 8-lead SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with standard 150-mil body width and Pb-free Matte Tin (Sn) finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; orientation follows JEDEC MS-012AA.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between commands; initiates self-timed write on falling edge. |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers on rising edge; stoppable at any point; no clock required during erase/write. |
| DI | Data Input | Accepts start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares net with DO only if series resistor used to avoid bus conflict. |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS goes low after operation. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path; must be low-impedance for stable read/write margins and ESD immunity. |
| NC | No Connection | Pin 7 is internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice. |
| VCC | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; includes internal POR detection (1.5 V threshold) to inhibit writes during power ramp. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed erase/write cycles | Eliminates need for external timing control or polling delays - write completes in 6 ms (typical), freeing MCU resources. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full-array write integrity without separate erase command - simplifies firmware and reduces command overhead. |
| Power-on/off data protection | Hardware-level VCC monitoring disables all write operations below 1.5 V - prevents corruption during brown-out or hot-swap events. |
| Ready/Busy status via DO | Enables efficient polling without dedicated status pins - reduces BOM count and PCB routing complexity. |
| Industry-standard 3-wire interface | Direct drop-in replacement for legacy Microwire EEPROMs - preserves existing driver code and schematic design. |
Applications
| Smart Energy Metering | Industrial PLC Configuration |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing tariff tables, calibration coefficients, and event logs in electricity/water/gas meters operating unattended for 10+ years. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration and runtime data storage with guaranteed data integrity across power cycles and temperature extremes. Use Value: >200-year data retention and 1M endurance support lifetime field updates without hardware replacement. |
Use Scenario: Holding I/O mapping, PID tuning parameters, and firmware boot flags in programmable logic controllers deployed in factory environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Byte-addressable serial EEPROM interfaced directly to ARM Cortex-M or PIC MCU SPI/Microwire peripheral. Use Value: Fixed 8-bit organization eliminates ORG pin routing and configuration software overhead - accelerates firmware bring-up. |
| Medical Diagnostic Device Settings | Automotive Body Control Module |
|
Use Scenario: Saving user preferences, sensor offsets, and diagnostic history in portable ultrasound or glucose monitors with strict regulatory traceability requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant storage of calibrated values and audit trails - accessed only during initialization or service mode. Use Value: Built-in EWEN/EWDS commands provide software-controlled write protection - meets IEC 62304 data safety requirements. |
Use Scenario: Storing seat position memory, mirror presets, and lighting profiles in automotive BCMs where space and cost are critical. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-pin-count serial EEPROM sharing MCU GPIOs with other peripherals in compact QFP or LQFP packages. Use Value: SOIC-8 footprint and 2.5–5.5 V operation allow direct integration into 3.3 V or 5 V automotive sub-systems without voltage translation. |
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 | 16-bit (64 × 16) organization; same VCC range, package, and timing; no ORG pin. | Requires 16-bit data path alignment; incompatible with byte-oriented firmware unless restructured. | Select only if system architecture mandates 16-bit word access and MCU supports native 16-bit Microwire framing. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, same endurance and retention; different command set and timing. | Requires SPI peripheral instead of Microwire; incompatible instruction protocol; needs driver rewrite. | Choose when migrating to SPI-based platforms or consolidating with other Atmel SPI EEPROMs in BOM. |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/SN, the 93LC46BX-I/SN offers simpler byte-aligned firmware integration; compared with AT25010B-MAHL-T, it preserves legacy Microwire compatibility but lacks SPI flexibility - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, pin-constrained industrial upgrades.
Availability
93LC46BX-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLC configuration, and medical diagnostics requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93LC46BX-I/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 93LC46 family was designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable, easy-to-integrate serial EEPROM - emphasizing simplicity, robustness, and backward compatibility with Microwire architectures.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46BX-I/SN?
The 93LC46BX-I/SN has a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) organization with no ORG pin - unlike 'C' variants, it does not support x16 mode. This eliminates external configuration logic and simplifies firmware handling of byte-aligned data structures in the 93LC46BX-I/SN.
Does the 93LC46BX-I/SN require an external pull-up resistor on the DO line?
No external pull-up is required on DO for normal operation. The 93LC46BX-I/SN drives DO actively during READ and Ready/Busy status checks. However, if DI and DO are shorted (shared bus), a series resistor (e.g., 10 kΩ) is recommended to prevent bus conflict when A0 is high during dummy-zero read phases.
What is the minimum VCC required to enable write operations on the 93LC46BX-I/SN?
The 93LC46BX-I/SN incorporates internal power-on reset (POR) circuitry that inhibits all write functions until VCC rises above 1.5 V. Below this threshold, EWEN, WRITE, and ERASE commands are ignored - ensuring data integrity during power ramp-up or brown-out events in the 93LC46BX-I/SN.
Can the 93LC46BX-I/SN be used in automotive applications?
The 93LC46BX-I/SN is rated for Industrial temperature (–40°C to +85°C), not Automotive (–40°C to +125°C). For automotive use, Microchip specifies the 93LC46B-E/SN or 93LC46C-E/SN variants - the 93LC46BX-I/SN is intended for industrial, medical, and commercial equipment where extended temperature is not required.
How does the 93LC46BX-I/SN indicate completion of a write cycle?
The 93LC46BX-I/SN asserts Ready/Busy status on the DO pin: DO = low indicates ongoing erase/write; DO = high signals completion. To poll, hold CS high ≥250 ns after initiating the command, then sample DO - no additional clocking is needed. This behavior is consistent across all operations in the 93LC46BX-I/SN.
93LC46BX-I/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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93LC46BX-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46BX-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46BX-I/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-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46BX-I/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-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46BX-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46BX-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46BX-I/SN?
93LC46BX-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46BX-I/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-I/SN?
For technical support, including 93LC46BX-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46BX-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46BX-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46BX-I/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-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46BX-I/SN?
All 93LC46BX-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46BX-I/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-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46BX-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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