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Microchip Technology 93LC46CT-I/MS
- Part No.:
- 93LC46CT-I/MS
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46CT-I/MS.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8MSOP
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,160
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Product details
Overview
93LC46CT-I/MS from Microchip Technology Inc. is a 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) low-voltage serial EEPROM with Microwire-compatible 3-wire interface, operating from 2.5 V to 5.5 V, rated for Industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and housed in an 8-lead MSOP package. It features self-timed erase/write cycles, automatic ERAL before WRAL, power-on/off data protection, and Ready/Busy status signaling via DO pin - deployed in embedded system configuration storage, sensor calibration memory, and firmware parameter retention.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46CT-I/MS datasheet, 93LC46CT-I/MS pinout, 93LC46CT-I/MS application, or 93LC46CT-I/MS equivalent, key selection considerations include its fixed 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), 2.5–5.5 V supply range, 3 MHz max clock frequency at VCC ≥ 4.5 V, 6 ms typical write cycle time, and MSOP-8 package compatibility with space-constrained industrial control modules.
Technical Context
The 93LC46CT-I/MS implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins, supporting READ, WRITE, ERASE, ERAL, WRAL, EWEN, and EWDS instructions. Its internal architecture includes address decoder, mode decode logic, and output buffer, with all programming operations requiring prior EWEN command and automatic post-write EWDS recommended.
It uses CMOS EEPROM technology with 1,000,000 erase/write endurance and >200 years data retention. Power-on reset detection triggers at ~1.5 V, disabling all operations below threshold. The device enters Standby mode when CS is low, drawing only 1 µA typical ICCS current.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit); fixed x8 organization - no ORG pin, eliminating external configuration logic. |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V; supports single-supply operation across 3.3 V and 5 V systems without level shifting. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO); requires no additional control lines or protocol stack. |
| Write Cycle Time | 6 ms typical (TWC); self-timed auto-erase-and-write eliminates need for external timing control. |
| Endurance & Retention | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles; >200 years data retention at 25°C - suitable for long-life field-deployed equipment. |
| Temp Range | Industrial: –40°C to +85°C - validated for use in motor drives, PLC I/O modules, and industrial HMI panels. |
| Package | 8-lead MSOP (3.0 × 4.9 mm, 0.65 mm pitch); surface-mount compatible with automated assembly and thermal cycling reliability. |
Pinout & Package
8-lead MSOP package (Microchip part number suffix "MS") with exposed pad (optional VSS connection), 3.0 mm × 4.9 mm body, 0.65 mm lead pitch, and RoHS-compliant matte tin finish.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (CS) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; initiates self-timed write on falling edge. |
| 2 (CLK) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence. |
| 3 (DI) | Data Input | Accepts Start bit, instruction opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares net with DO in bidirectional configurations (with series resistor). |
| 4 (DO) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); high-Z when not active; cleared by Start+CS low after operation. |
| 5 (VSS) | Ground | Reference return path for all signals; exposed pad may be connected to VSS for improved thermal performance. |
| 6 (NC) | No Connect | Internally unconnected; must be left floating or tied to VSS per layout best practice - no functional role. |
| 7 (ORG) | Organization Select | Not present on 93LC46A devices - pin is NC; confirms fixed 8-bit word size, simplifying PCB design and firmware. |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; internal POR circuit disables operations below ~1.5 V, preventing corruption during brownout. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed Erase/Write | Eliminates external timing circuitry; 6 ms typical TWC ensures predictable firmware delay budgeting. |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Guarantees full-array readiness before bulk write - prevents partial writes and data corruption in configuration updates. |
| Power-On/Off Data Protection | Hardware-enforced lockout below 1.5 V VCC; no software intervention needed to prevent inadvertent writes during power ramp. |
| Ready/Busy Status via DO | Enables polling-based host synchronization without interrupts or timers - reduces MCU resource usage in cost-sensitive designs. |
| 128 × 8-bit Fixed Organization | Removes ORG pin dependency and associated routing complexity; simplifies schematic capture and layout verification. |
Applications
| Industrial Sensor Calibration Storage | Embedded System Configuration Memory |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Storing factory-calibrated offset/gain coefficients for analog sensor front-ends in programmable logic controllers. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile parameter store accessed at boot and during field recalibration; interfaces via Microwire under MCU GPIO bit-banging or hardware SPI peripheral. Use Value: Ensures measurement accuracy over product lifetime using 1M-cycle endurance and >200-year retention - avoids recalibration service visits. |
Use Scenario: Holding user-defined settings (display brightness, communication baud rate, alarm thresholds) in medical diagnostic handhelds. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration EEPROM interfaced to ARM Cortex-M0+ via dedicated 3-wire GPIOs; accessed during UI initialization and save events. Use Value: MSOP-8 footprint enables compact PCB layout; 2.5 V min VCC supports battery-backed operation down to single-cell Li-ion voltage. |
| Firmware Parameter Backup | Motor Drive Control Profile Storage |
|
Use Scenario: Backing up runtime-tuned PID loop gains and fault log history in HVAC variable-frequency drives. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secondary nonvolatile memory co-located with main MCU; written only after successful validation and checksum verification. Use Value: 6 ms write time allows deterministic update windows; ERAL+WRAL support enables atomic profile replacement without partial writes. |
Use Scenario: Storing torque/speed lookup tables and safety-critical trip thresholds in servo amplifier modules. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dedicated EEPROM on motor control board; accessed during power-up initialization and dynamic reconfiguration via CAN bus commands. Use Value: Industrial temp rating (–40°C to +85°C) ensures reliable operation inside sealed drive enclosures; RoHS compliance meets global regulatory requirements. |
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/MS | 16-bit organization (64 × 16), same VCC range and package; requires ORG = VCC or hardwired 16-bit interface. | Used where wider data path reduces transaction count (e.g., storing 16-bit ADC results); incompatible with existing 8-bit firmware. | Select only if system firmware and hardware support x16 addressing; not drop-in replaceable due to word-size mismatch. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, SOIC-8; lacks ERAL/WRAL but offers faster 10 MHz clock. | Better suited for high-throughput logging; requires additional CS line and SPI peripheral - no Microwire compatibility. | Choose when migrating to SPI-based platforms or needing higher speed; requires PCB and firmware redesign. |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/MS and AT25010B-MAHL-T, the 93LC46CT-I/MS provides optimal balance of Microwire simplicity, fixed 8-bit compatibility, and industrial-grade reliability - making it ideal for legacy-maintained or resource-constrained microcontroller designs.
Availability
93LC46CT-I/MS is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control systems, sensor calibration modules, and embedded configuration storage requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93LC46CT-I/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 93LC46 series belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-power, space-constrained embedded applications requiring robust nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and firmware overhead.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46CT-I/MS?
The 93LC46CT-I/MS is a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) EEPROM with no ORG pin - confirming x8 organization only. Unlike 'C' variants, it does not support runtime word-size switching. This eliminates external ORG routing and simplifies firmware development, as all read/write operations use 8-bit data framing and 7-bit addressing (A6–A0).
Does the 93LC46CT-I/MS require an external pull-up resistor on the DO line?
No external pull-up is required on the DO line of the 93LC46CT-I/MS. The DO pin actively drives high/low during READ or Ready/Busy polling and enters High-Z state otherwise. However, if DI and DO are shorted (bidirectional bus), a 1–10 kΩ series resistor is recommended to prevent bus conflict when A0 = high during the dummy zero phase of READ.
What is the minimum VCC required for reliable write operation of the 93LC46CT-I/MS?
The 93LC46CT-I/MS requires VCC ≥ 2.5 V for specification-compliant operation, but reliable erase/write functionality mandates VCC ≥ 4.5 V for ERAL and WRAL commands. For standard byte WRITE and ERASE, 2.5 V is sufficient; however, write cycle time increases to 2 ms at 2.5 V (per AC specs), and full-array operations will fail below 4.5 V.
How is data protection implemented in the 93LC46CT-I/MS during power transitions?
The 93LC46CT-I/MS integrates hardware power-on-reset (POR) circuitry that disables all write/erase functions when VCC drops below ~1.5 V. Additionally, it powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode, requiring explicit EWEN instruction before any programming. These dual protections prevent accidental corruption during brownout, cold start, or rapid power cycling - critical for industrial field equipment.
Can the 93LC46CT-I/MS be used with a microcontroller lacking native Microwire support?
Yes - the 93LC46CT-I/MS is fully compatible with bit-banged GPIO implementations. Its synchronous 3-wire protocol (CS, CLK, DI/DO) requires only three MCU pins and precise timing control. Sample code for common MCUs (e.g., PIC, STM32, MSP430) is available in Microchip AN701 and community repositories, enabling integration even without dedicated Microwire peripherals.
93LC46CT-I/MS Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 8-TSSOP, 8-MSOP (0.118", 3.00mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tape & Reel (TR)
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- EEPROM
- Technology:
- EEPROM
- Memory Size:
- 1Kbit
- Memory Organization:
- 128 x 8, 64 x 16
- Memory Interface:
- Microwire
- Clock Frequency:
- 3 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-MSOP
93LC46CT-I/MS FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46CT-I/MS through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46CT-I/MS 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 93LC46CT-I/MS reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46CT-I/MS are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46CT-I/MS is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46CT-I/MS?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46CT-I/MS transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46CT-I/MS?
93LC46CT-I/MS orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46CT-I/MS 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 93LC46CT-I/MS?
For technical support, including 93LC46CT-I/MS datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46CT-I/MS requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46CT-I/MS is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46CT-I/MS 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 93LC46CT-I/MS meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46CT-I/MS?
All 93LC46CT-I/MS units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46CT-I/MS, 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 93LC46CT-I/MS part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46CT-I/MS:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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