Microchip Technology 93LC46C-E/SN

Overview

93LC46C-E/SN from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit 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 delivers 1 million erase/write cycles, >200-year data retention, and self-timed erase/write operations. Used in microcontroller configuration storage, calibration data logging, and power-fail-safe parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC46C-E/SN datasheet, 93LC46C-E/SN pinout, 93LC46C-E/SN application, or 93LC46C-E/SN equivalent, key selection criteria include VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), ORG-configurable memory width, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, sequential read capability, and automotive-grade reliability for embedded control systems.

Technical Context

The 93LC46C-E/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins. Its ORG pin determines whether the internal 1Kbit array is organized as 128 × 8-bit (ORG = VSS) or 64 × 16-bit (ORG = VCC), enabling flexible host bus alignment without external glue logic.

It features hardware-level data protection including power-on/off voltage detection (VPOR = 2.5 V typ.), automatic EWDS on power-up, and mandatory EWEN before any erase/write. Erase/write cycles are fully self-timed (TWC = 6 ms for 93LC versions), with ERAL and WRAL commands supporting bulk operations requiring VCC ≥ 4.5 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC46C-E/SN is packaged in an 8-lead SOIC (SN) with Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package dimensions conform to JEDEC MS-012AA.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46B-E/SN, the 93LC46C-E/SN adds ORG-driven configurability at identical endurance and temperature rating; versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it trades SPI speed for Microwire simplicity, built-in bulk commands, and deterministic 6 ms write timing - critical for resource-constrained 8-bit MCUs.

Availability

93LC46C-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control modules, industrial sensor calibration systems, and medical device parameter backup requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for 93LC46C-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 components, and memory solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.

The 93LC46C-E/SN belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, low-power embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and software overhead.

FAQ

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

The ORG pin on the 93LC46C-E/SN selects memory organization: tied to VCC for 64 × 16-bit mode, or to VSS for 128 × 8-bit mode. This pin is not present on A/B variants and must be externally biased - floating is invalid. The 93LC46C-E/SN uses this pin to eliminate host-side data width conversion logic, making it adaptable to both 8-bit and 16-bit microcontroller interfaces without changing firmware or PCB layout.

Does the 93LC46C-E/SN require an external write-enable command before every write operation?

Yes - the 93LC46C-E/SN powers up in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) mode. An EWEN instruction must be issued before any ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, or WRAL command. After successful programming, best practice is to issue EWDS again to prevent accidental writes. This dual-command safety mechanism is enforced in hardware and applies to all 93LC46C-E/SN operations regardless of VCC level or temperature.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the 93LC46C-E/SN at 3.3 V?

At VCC = 3.3 V (within 2.5–5.5 V range), the 93LC46C-E/SN supports a maximum clock frequency of 2 MHz, as specified in Table 1-2 (A1). This is lower than the 3 MHz maximum allowed at 4.5–5.5 V. Timing parameters including TCKH (250 ns min), TCKL (200 ns min), and TPD (250 ns max) are all guaranteed across the full industrial/automotive temperature range when operated within these limits.

Can the 93LC46C-E/SN be used in a shared-data-bus configuration with DI and DO connected together?

Yes - the 93LC46C-E/SN supports bus-sharing of DI and DO, but a current-limiting resistor (typically 10 kΩ) must be placed between them to prevent bus conflict during the dummy zero preceding READ operations. This configuration reduces pin count on space-constrained MCUs but requires careful signal integrity analysis, especially when A0 is high. The 93LC46C-E/SN datasheet explicitly validates this topology under controlled impedance conditions.

Is the 93LC46C-E/SN RoHS compliant and lead-free?

Yes - the 93LC46C-E/SN is RoHS compliant and features a Pb-free Matte Tin (Sn) finish, as confirmed in the device selection table and packaging section of DS20001749K. The "SN" suffix denotes the 8-lead SOIC package with this finish, and all package variants (including TSSOP, MSOP, and DFN) listed for 93LC46C-E/SN meet JEDEC J-STD-609 Category 1 moisture sensitivity and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU requirements.