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

- Shipping:

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Product details
Overview
93LC46CX-I/SN 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, supporting Industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), and housed in an 8-lead SOIC package (SN). It provides nonvolatile memory storage for configuration data, calibration parameters, and system settings in embedded microcontroller systems.
For engineers reviewing the 93LC46CX-I/SN datasheet, 93LC46CX-I/SN pinout, 93LC46CX-I/SN application, or 93LC46CX-I/SN equivalent, key selection considerations include its 8-bit organization (no ORG pin), self-timed erase/write cycles (6 ms typical), Ready/Busy status signaling via DO, and RoHS-compliant Pb-free Matte Tin finish.
Technical Context
The 93LC46CX-I/SN implements a synchronous serial Microwire interface with CS, CLK, and DI/DO pins - no ORG pin present, confirming fixed 8-bit word size. Its internal architecture includes auto-erase-before-write, automatic ERAL before WRAL, and power-on/off data protection circuitry that inhibits operation below 1.5 V.
It supports sequential read, EWEN/EWDS write-protection commands, and Ready/Busy polling via DO during erase/write operations. All programming cycles are self-timed and require no external timing control beyond minimum CS low time (250 ns) and clock setup/hold constraints.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Size | 1 Kbit (128 × 8-bit) - fixed x8 organization; no ORG pin; suitable for byte-oriented configuration storage. |
| VCC Range | 2.5 V to 5.5 V - compatible with 3.3 V and 5 V logic systems; POR threshold at 1.5 V ensures data integrity during brown-out. |
| Interface | Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial (CS, CLK, DI/DO) - requires no additional address lines or parallel bus routing. |
| Erase/Write Cycle Time | 6 ms typical - self-timed; eliminates need for external delay timers or software wait states. |
| Endurance | 1,000,000 erase/write cycles - supports frequent field updates of calibration or runtime parameters. |
| Data Retention | 200 years at 25°C - ensures long-term reliability in unpowered storage without refresh. |
| Temperature Range | Industrial: −40°C to +85°C - validated for use in industrial controllers, metering, and automotive body electronics. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead SOIC (SN), 150 mil width, Pb-free Matte Tin finish, RoHS compliant.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CS | Chip Select | Active-high enable; device enters Standby mode when low; must remain low ≥250 ns between instructions. |
| CLK | Serial Clock | Synchronizes all data transfers; rising edge clocks in opcodes, addresses, and data; stoppable at any point. |
| DI | Data Input | Receives Start bit, instruction opcodes, addresses, and write data; shares net with DO only with current-limiting resistor. |
| DO | Data Output / Status | Outputs read data or Ready/Busy status (low = busy); high-Z when CS low or during non-read operations. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference for all I/O and internal logic; must be connected directly to system ground plane. |
| NC | No Internal Connection | Pin 7 on SN package - left unconnected; not bonded internally; no electrical function. |
| VCC | Power Supply | Supplies core and I/O circuitry; bypass capacitor (0.1 µF) recommended near pin for noise immunity. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Self-timed Erase/Write | Eliminates external timing components and software delays; 6 ms typical cycle completes autonomously after CS fall. |
| Ready/Busy Status on DO | Enables real-time polling without dedicated status register access; reduces host CPU overhead during writes. |
| Power-On/Off Data Protection | Hardware lockout below 1.5 V prevents corruption during power ramp-up/down or brown-out events. |
| EWEN/EWDS Write Protection | Prevents accidental overwrites; device powers up in EWDS state, requiring explicit EWEN before first write. |
| Sequential Read Mode | Allows continuous reading across memory addresses with single CS assertion - simplifies firmware for block reads. |
Applications
| Smart Energy Meters | Industrial PLCs |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing tariff tables, meter calibration coefficients, and tamper-event logs across power cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Nonvolatile configuration memory interfaced to MCU via Microwire; retains data for >200 years without backup battery. Use Value: Eliminates need for external battery-backed SRAM; reduces BOM cost and board space while meeting IEC 62056 compliance for data integrity. | Use Scenario: Saving ladder logic runtime variables, I/O mapping configurations, and firmware update staging data. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Serial EEPROM used as persistent parameter store; accessed during boot and runtime by ARM Cortex-M controller. Use Value: Enables field-upgradable logic behavior without reprogramming main flash; withstands 1M cycles for daily logging. |
| Automotive Body Control Modules | Medical Diagnostic Devices |
Use Scenario: Storing seat position presets, mirror angle offsets, and lighting profiles tied to user IDs. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: 8-bit Microwire EEPROM integrated into CAN/LIN gateway MCU subsystem; operates across −40°C to +85°C. Use Value: Provides deterministic 6 ms write latency and hardware brown-out protection - critical for ASIL-B–aligned functional safety. | Use Scenario: Holding sensor calibration constants, patient history metadata, and regulatory audit trails between power cycles. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Trusted nonvolatile memory for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data retention; accessed via isolated SPI-to-Microwire bridge. Use Value: Meets 200-year data retention requirement for medical records; RoHS and Pb-free construction satisfies IEC 60601-1 material restrictions. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial EEPROM applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 93LC46A-I/SN | Identical 128 × 8-bit organization, same VCC range (2.5–5.5 V), identical SOIC-8 package and pinout. | No functional difference; both are A-version devices with fixed x8 configuration and no ORG pin. | Select 93LC46A-I/SN if standard part numbering is required; 93LC46CX-I/SN is a valid marking variant per Microchip's packaging spec. |
| AT25010B-MAHL-T | 1 Kbit SPI interface (4-wire), 1.8–5.5 V supply, 5 ms max write cycle, SOIC-8 package. | Requires SPI master instead of Microwire; lacks Ready/Busy pin - relies on software timeout or WIP polling. | Choose only if migrating to SPI-based architecture; not drop-in compatible due to protocol and timing differences. |
Compared with 93LC46A-I/SN, the 93LC46CX-I/SN is functionally identical and interchangeable; versus AT25010B-MAHL-T, it offers native Microwire compatibility and hardware Ready/Busy signaling - reducing firmware complexity in legacy 3-wire designs.
Availability
93LC46CX-I/SN is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart energy meters, industrial PLCs, and automotive body control modules requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.
Supply support for 93LC46CX-I/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 devices, 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, cost-sensitive embedded systems requiring reliable nonvolatile storage with minimal pin count and simple firmware integration.
FAQ
What is the memory organization of the 93LC46CX-I/SN?
The 93LC46CX-I/SN is a fixed 128 × 8-bit (1 Kbit) device with no ORG pin - confirming x8-only organization. Unlike C-versions (e.g., 93LC46C), it does not support dynamic word-size selection. This simplifies hardware design by eliminating external ORG pull-up/pull-down requirements and guarantees consistent byte-oriented addressing in firmware.
Does the 93LC46CX-I/SN support Ready/Busy polling?
Yes, the 93LC46CX-I/SN provides Ready/Busy status on the DO pin: DO = low indicates active erase/write, DO = high signals completion. This requires bringing CS high for ≥250 ns after initiating the command. The feature enables efficient host polling without fixed software delays, improving system responsiveness during nonvolatile writes.
What is the minimum VCC required for reliable operation of the 93LC46CX-I/SN?
The 93LC46CX-I/SN incorporates power-on reset (POR) circuitry that inhibits all operations until VCC rises above 1.5 V (typical). Below this threshold, the device remains in a high-impedance, write-protected state - preventing data corruption during power ramp-up or brown-out conditions. This ensures robustness in systems with unregulated or noisy supplies.
Can the 93LC46CX-I/SN be used in place of the 93LC46A-I/SN?
Yes, the 93LC46CX-I/SN is functionally and pinout-identical to the 93LC46A-I/SN: both are A-version 128 × 8-bit EEPROMs in SOIC-8 packages with identical electrical specs, timing, and marking conventions per Microchip DS20001749K. The "X" suffix reflects a valid alternate marking code, not a functional variant.
What write protection mechanisms does the 93LC46CX-I/SN implement?
The 93LC46CX-I/SN implements dual-layer write protection: (1) hardware POR lockout below 1.5 V, and (2) firmware-controlled EWEN/EWDS commands. It powers up in EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) mode - requiring an explicit EWEN instruction before any erase or write. After each write, issuing EWDS restores protection, preventing accidental overwrites during noise or reset events.
93LC46CX-I/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 ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-SOIC
93LC46CX-I/SN FAQ
1.How can I place an order for 93LC46CX-I/SN through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for 93LC46CX-I/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-I/SN reliable?
The price and inventory of 93LC46CX-I/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-I/SN is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for 93LC46CX-I/SN?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for 93LC46CX-I/SN transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for 93LC46CX-I/SN?
93LC46CX-I/SN orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your 93LC46CX-I/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-I/SN?
For technical support, including 93LC46CX-I/SN datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your 93LC46CX-I/SN requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that 93LC46CX-I/SN is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All 93LC46CX-I/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-I/SN meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of 93LC46CX-I/SN?
All 93LC46CX-I/SN units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with 93LC46CX-I/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-I/SN part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for 93LC46CX-I/SN:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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