Microchip Technology 93LC46C-I/P

Overview

93LC46C-I/P from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8 or 64 × 16) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, ORG pin for runtime word-size selection, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°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, calibration data retention, and firmware parameter backup.

For engineers reviewing the 93LC46C-I/P datasheet, 93LC46C-I/P pinout, 93LC46C-I/P application, or 93LC46C-I/P equivalent, key selection considerations include V_CC range (2.5–5.5 V), ORG-configurable organization, Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, sequential read capability, and Pb-free PDIP packaging compatibility with legacy through-hole designs.

Technical Context

The 93LC46C-I/P implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO lines, where instruction execution begins on detection of a Start bit (CS high and DI high on CLK rising edge). Memory organization is dynamically selected by the ORG pin: logic high enables 64 × 16-bit mode; logic low enables 128 × 8-bit mode.

It uses CMOS EEPROM technology with on-chip auto-erase prior to write, integrated power-on reset detection (V_POR = 1.5 V typical), and Erase/Write Enable/Disable (EWEN/EWDS) command protocol to prevent accidental programming. Standby current is ≤1 µA at I-temp, and write cycle time is 6 ms for erase/write operations.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

93LC46C-I/P is supplied in an 8-lead plastic dual in-line package (PDIP), with lead finish Matte Tin (Pb-free). Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; package conforms to JEDEC MS-001 standard.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with 93LC46B-I/P and AT25010B-PU, the 93LC46C-I/P uniquely supports dynamic 8/16-bit mode switching via ORG, retains Microwire simplicity with 3-wire operation, and provides guaranteed auto-erase before WRAL - critical for robust parameter management in resource-constrained controllers.

Availability

93LC46C-I/P is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for motor control configuration storage, smart sensor calibration data, and embedded system bootloader parameters requiring stable component supply across industrial temperature ranges and long product lifecycles.

Supply support for 93LC46C-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 93LC46C belongs to Microchip's legacy 93XX serial EEPROM family, designed specifically for low-pin-count, low-power nonvolatile storage in cost-sensitive embedded systems where Microwire compatibility and flexible word-width configuration are essential.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the 93LC46C-I/P?

The ORG pin on the 93LC46C-I/P selects memory organization: tied to VCC it configures the device as 64 × 16-bit; tied to VSS it configures as 128 × 8-bit. This pin is mandatory for operation - it must be externally biased to a valid logic level, not left floating. The 93LC46C-I/P is the only 'C' variant in its family offering this runtime configurability, distinguishing it from fixed-organization 'A' and 'B' versions.

Does the 93LC46C-I/P support sequential read operations?

Yes, the 93LC46C-I/P supports sequential read: when CS remains high after a READ instruction, the internal address counter automatically increments, and subsequent clock cycles output data from consecutive memory locations. This eliminates the need to reissue the READ command and address for each byte/word, improving efficiency in bulk data retrieval scenarios such as loading configuration blocks into MCU RAM.

What is the minimum V_CC required for reliable operation of the 93LC46C-I/P?

The 93LC46C-I/P requires V_CC ≥ 2.5 V for full specification compliance across its industrial temperature range. Its internal power-on reset circuit activates below 1.5 V (typical), disabling all write operations to prevent data corruption during brownout. Operation below 2.5 V is not characterized and may result in undefined behavior, failed writes, or incomplete erase cycles - always maintain V_CC within 2.5–5.5 V per the datasheet.

How does the Ready/Busy status work on the 93LC46C-I/P DO pin?

The DO pin of the 93LC46C-I/P serves dual purpose: during READ it outputs data; during erase/write it signals Ready/Busy. After initiating ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, or WRAL, bring CS high for ≥250 ns (T_CSL), then sample DO - low indicates ongoing operation, high indicates completion. DO returns to High-Z when CS is low. This allows efficient polling without fixed delays, reducing MCU active time during programming.

Is the 93LC46C-I/P RoHS compliant and Pb-free?

Yes, the 93LC46C-I/P is RoHS compliant and features a Matte Tin (Sn) Pb-free finish per JEDEC standards. The 'I/P' suffix explicitly denotes Industrial temperature grade in an 8-lead PDIP package with Pb-free termination. All package variants in the 93LC46x family, including the 93LC46C-I/P, meet RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and are suitable for environmentally regulated markets.