Microchip Technology 93LC46CX-E/SN
- Part No.:
- 93LC46CX-E/SN
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
93LC46CX-E/SN.pdf
- Description:
- IC EEPROM 1KBIT MICROWIRE 8SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC46CX-E/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, industrial/automotive temperature grade (−40°C to +125°C), and 1 million erase/write cycles. It operates in dedicated 8-bit mode (ORG pin not used), supports self-timed erase/write, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and Ready/Busy status via DO pin - deployed in automotive body control modules for calibration storage.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46CX-E/SN datasheet, 93LC46CX-E/SN pinout, 93LC46CX-E/SN application, or 93LC46CX-E/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include VCC operating range (2.5–5.5 V), automotive-grade temperature support (−40°C to +125°C), 8-bit fixed organization, SOIC-8 package compatibility, and Microwire protocol timing compliance at up to 2 MHz (VCC ≥ 2.5 V).
Technical Context
The 93LC46CX-E/SN implements a synchronous 3-wire Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO lines, requiring a Start bit detection sequence before instruction execution. Its internal logic enforces power-on write protection and requires explicit EWEN command prior to any erase or write operation.
It uses CMOS EEPROM memory array with auto-erase-before-write architecture and supports sequential read, ERAL (Erase All), and WRAL (Write All) commands. The DO pin serves dual function: data output during READ and Ready/Busy status polling during programming cycles - active-high indicates completion.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit organization; ORG pin unused) |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - supports wide-input automotive power rails without external regulation |
| Temperature Grade | −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-temp) - qualified for under-hood and chassis-mounted applications |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - enables long-term field calibration updates in automotive ECUs |
| Data Retention | 200 years at +25°C - ensures firmware parameter integrity over vehicle lifetime |
| Max Clock Frequency | 2 MHz at VCC ≥ 2.5 V - defines maximum serial transaction rate for real-time configuration loading |
| Write Cycle Time | 6 ms per byte (TWC) - determines minimum time between successive WRITE commands |
| Interface Protocol | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - interoperable with legacy microcontrollers lacking SPI hardware |
Pinout & Package
93LC46CX-E/SN is packaged in 8-lead SOIC (SN) with Pb-free Matte Tin finish. Pin 1 is marked by laser dot; device orientation follows standard SOIC convention.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS (Pin 1) | Chip Select | Active-high enable; must be held low ≥250 ns between instructions; initiates self-timed write on falling edge |
| CLK (Pin 2) | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcode/address/data; stoppable mid-sequence |
| DI (Pin 3) | Data Input | Receives Start bit, opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares bidirectional bus with DO when externally wired |
| DO (Pin 4) | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); enters High-Z when CS low or after status read |
| VSS (Pin 5) | Ground | Reference return path for all signals and power; must be low-impedance connection |
| NC (Pin 6) | No Internal Connection | Unused terminal; electrically isolated - no PCB trace required |
| VCC (Pin 8) | Power Supply | 2.5–5.5 V input; internal POR circuit triggers at ~1.5 V; powers EEPROM array and interface logic |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed Erase/Write | Eliminates need for external timing control - internal state machine manages auto-erase and programming duration (6 ms) |
| Automatic ERAL before WRAL | Ensures full memory initialization before bulk write - prevents partial writes and data corruption in safety-critical updates |
| Power-On/Off Data Protection | Hardware lockout below 1.5 V VCC prevents inadvertent writes during brown-out or startup transients |
| Ready/Busy Status via DO | Enables non-blocking polling - host MCU can execute other tasks while waiting for write completion |
| Industry Standard 3-Wire I/O | Reduces pin count vs. SPI; compatible with legacy 8-bit microcontrollers lacking dedicated SPI peripherals |
| RoHS Compliant Pb-Free Finish | Meets automotive ELV directive requirements; Matte Tin plating ensures solderability and wire-bond reliability |
Applications
| Instrument Cluster Calibration Storage | Engine Control Unit Parameter Tables |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing odometer values, display brightness offsets, and gear ratio corrections across vehicle lifecycle. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration register accessed infrequently but requiring guaranteed retention and high endurance. Use Value: 200-year data retention and 1M cycle endurance ensure calibration survives 15+ year vehicle service life with repeated updates. | Use Scenario: Holding fuel trim maps, knock sensor thresholds, and idle air control parameters subject to dealer reprogramming. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial configuration memory interfaced directly to ECU's main MCU via Microwire GPIO bit-banging. Use Value: 2.5–5.5 V operation matches unregulated battery-supplied ECU rails; −40°C to +125°C rating covers under-hood thermal extremes. |
| Body Control Module Door Lock Settings | ADAS Camera Module Lens Calibration |
Use Scenario: Persisting user preferences like auto-lock delay, window express-up/down enable, and mirror fold/unfold positions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Low-power serial EEPROM accessed only during ignition-on or door actuation events. Use Value: 1 µA standby current (ICCS) minimizes parasitic drain on vehicle battery during extended parking periods. | Use Scenario: Storing factory-performed lens focus and distortion correction coefficients for forward-facing ADAS cameras. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure, tamper-resistant memory storing calibration data written once at end-of-line test. Use Value: Hardware write protection (EWDS default on power-up) prevents accidental overwrite of critical optical calibration data. |
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 organization (64 × 16), same VCC/temp range, no ORG pin - fixed x16 mode | Requires host software adaptation for 16-bit word access; incompatible with existing 8-bit firmware interfaces | Select only if system design mandates 16-bit data alignment and clock efficiency outweighs firmware porting effort |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | SPI interface (4-wire), 1 Kbit (128 × 8), 1.8–5.5 V, −40°C to +125°C, 1M cycles | Requires CS, SCK, SI, SO pins - incompatible pinout and protocol; needs SPI peripheral or bit-banged driver | Choose when migrating to SPI-based platforms or when higher clock rates (up to 20 MHz) are required for bulk configuration loads |
Compared with 93LC46B-I/SN, the 93LC46CX-E/SN provides native 8-bit compatibility without firmware changes; versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it retains Microwire simplicity and lower pin count but trades off maximum speed - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, legacy-compatible automotive subsystems.
Availability
93LC46CX-E/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive body control, engine management, and ADAS calibration storage requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and AEC-Q200-aligned reliability.
Supply support for 93LC46CX-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 microcontroller, analog, and Flash-IP solutions, headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, with global design and manufacturing operations.
The 93LC46 series belongs to Microchip's legacy Microwire-compatible EEPROM product line, designed specifically for automotive and industrial systems requiring robust, low-pin-count nonvolatile memory with guaranteed data integrity across extreme temperature and voltage conditions.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46CX-E/SN?
The 93LC46CX-E/SN is a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) device with no ORG pin functionality - it operates exclusively in x8 mode. Unlike 'C' variants, the 'X' suffix in this part number confirms it is an A-version derivative, eliminating configuration dependency on external logic levels and simplifying host interface design.
Does the 93LC46CX-E/SN support both industrial and automotive temperature ranges?
Yes, the 93LC46CX-E/SN is rated for −40°C to +125°C (Automotive E-temp grade), fully qualifying it for under-hood and chassis-mounted applications. It does not support the narrower industrial (−40°C to +85°C) range as a separate variant - the 'E' in the part number explicitly denotes automotive qualification.
How is write protection implemented on the 93LC46CX-E/SN?
The 93LC46CX-E/SN powers up in Erase/Write Disable (EWDS) mode, blocking all programming until an explicit EWEN command is issued. After each write, best practice is to issue EWDS again. Additionally, hardware POR locks writes below ~1.5 V VCC, preventing corruption during power ramp-up or brown-out events.
What package type does the 93LC46CX-E/SN use, and is it RoHS compliant?
The 93LC46CX-E/SN uses an 8-lead SOIC package (suffix 'SN') with Pb-free Matte Tin finish, fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU. The package drawing conforms to JEDEC MS-012, and the exposed pad variant is not used - this is a standard gull-wing SOIC with 1.27 mm pitch.
Can the 93LC46CX-E/SN be used with a microcontroller that lacks a hardware Microwire peripheral?
Yes, the 93LC46CX-E/SN supports bit-banged GPIO implementation of the Microwire protocol. Its timing tolerances (e.g., TCKH ≥ 200 ns, TCSS ≥ 50 ns at 2.5 V) allow reliable software-driven communication on general-purpose I/O pins - widely adopted in cost-sensitive automotive MCUs without dedicated serial peripherals.
93LC46CX-E/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:
- 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 ~ 125°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93LC46CX-E/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46CX-E/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46CX-E/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 93LC46CX-E/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46CX-E/SN are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for 93LC46CX-E/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46CX-E/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46CX-E/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46CX-E/SN?
93LC46CX-E/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46CX-E/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 93LC46CX-E/SN?
For technical support, including 93LC46CX-E/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46CX-E/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46CX-E/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46CX-E/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 93LC46CX-E/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46CX-E/SN?
All 93LC46CX-E/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46CX-E/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 93LC46CX-E/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46CX-E/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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