Microchip Technology 93LC46C-E/MS

Overview

93LC46C-E/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1Kbit low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG-pin-selectable 8-/16-bit word organization, and industrial/automotive temperature support (–40°C to +125°C). It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and 1,000,000 endurance cycles. Used in microcontroller configuration storage, sensor calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC46C-E/MS datasheet, 93LC46C-E/MS pinout, 93LC46C-E/MS application, or 93LC46C-E/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), ORG pin dependency for word size, Ready/Busy status via DO pin, sequential read capability, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained embedded designs.

Technical Context

The 93LC46C-E/MS implements a synchronous Microwire-compatible serial interface using CS, CLK, and DI/DO signals with start-bit detection and opcode-driven command execution. Its dual-organization memory array (128 × 8-bit or 64 × 16-bit) is selected by the logic level on the dedicated ORG pin - tied high for x16, low for x8 - enabling flexible data-width integration without hardware redesign.

Internal control logic enforces power-on write protection (EWDS default), requiring explicit EWEN before erase/write operations. Erase/write cycles are fully self-timed (6 ms typical for 93LC versions), with Ready/Busy status reported actively on DO during CS-high polling windows after TCSL ≥ 250 ns, eliminating need for fixed delay timing in host firmware.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC46C-E/MS is housed in an 8-lead MSOP (Mini Small Outline Package) with 0.65 mm pitch, 3.0 mm × 3.0 mm body, and exposed pad option (not connected per datasheet). Pin 1 marked by laser dot; pin 1 ID corner indicated on top marking.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.

Compared with 93LC46B-E/MS, the 93LC46C-E/MS offers field-configurable word size at the cost of one extra PCB trace and bias resistor; versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire compatibility and lower pin count but trades off maximum clock speed and industry-standard SPI tooling support.

Availability

93LC46C-E/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU calibration storage, industrial PLC configuration backup, and medical device parameter retention requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC46C-E/MS 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 93LC46C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems requiring robust nonvolatile storage with minimal GPIO footprint and broad voltage/temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC46C-E/MS?

The ORG pin on the 93LC46C-E/MS selects memory organization: logic high (VCC) configures the device as 64 × 16-bit, while logic low (VSS) configures it as 128 × 8-bit. This pin must be statically biased - never left floating - and determines instruction length, address width, and data-out bit count. The 93LC46C-E/MS requires this pin to be externally controlled, unlike the fixed-organization 93LC46A-E/MS (x8) or 93LC46B-E/MS (x16).

Does the 93LC46C-E/MS support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93LC46C-E/MS supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock edges output the next memory location's data on DO. This enables efficient block reads without reissuing opcodes or addresses, reducing host MCU overhead during configuration dump or firmware patch loading sequences involving the 93LC46C-E/MS.

What is the minimum VCC required for ERAL and WRAL commands on the 93LC46C-E/MS?

The 93LC46C-E/MS requires VCC ≥ 4.5 V to execute ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands reliably. This is explicitly specified in the datasheet timing sections (Figures 2-3, 2-4, 2-10, 2-11) and electrical characteristics notes. Attempting these commands below 4.5 V may result in incomplete erasure or write failure, though standard READ, WRITE, and ERASE operations remain functional down to 2.5 V.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93LC46C-E/MS DO pin?

During erase or write operations, the DO pin of the 93LC46C-E/MS outputs Ready/Busy status: logic low indicates ongoing programming, logic high indicates completion. To sample this, CS must be brought high for ≥250 ns after the initial CS low pulse (TCSL), then monitored on subsequent CLK edges. DO returns to High-Z on CS falling edge, and status is cleared by issuing a Start bit followed by CS low after completion - a critical step for reliable multi-command sequences using the 93LC46C-E/MS.

Is the 93LC46C-E/MS pin-compatible with other packages in the 93LC46x family?

The 93LC46C-E/MS (MSOP-8) shares identical pinout and signal mapping with 93LC46C in PDIP-8, SOIC-8, TSSOP-8, and DFN-8 packages per Microchip's DS20001749K-page 2 pin function table. All variants assign CS, CLK, DI, DO, VSS, ORG, NC, and VCC to pins 1–8 respectively. However, mechanical dimensions, thermal performance, and soldering profiles differ - PCB land patterns must match the MSOP-8 footprint, not generic SOIC.