Microchip Technology AT93C46-10PC

Overview

AT93C46-10PC from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 1K-bit 3-wire serial EEPROM with user-selectable 128 × 8 or 64 × 16 organization, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, featuring 2 MHz clock compatibility at 5V, self-timed 10 ms max write cycle, and 1 million write endurance. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded controllers, power management units, and industrial sensor modules.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46-10PC datasheet, AT93C46-10PC pinout, AT93C46-10PC application, or AT93C46-10PC equivalent, key selection considerations include voltage range (2.7–5.5V), 8-pin PDIP package, 3-wire interface timing compliance, ORG pin-configurable memory width, and industrial-grade reliability metrics including 100-year data retention.

Technical Context

The AT93C46-10PC implements a synchronous 3-wire serial interface with Chip Select (CS), Serial Clock (SK), and bidirectional Data I/O (DI/DO), where instruction decoding begins on CS rising edge and uses a 1-bit start flag followed by opcode and address. Memory organization is dynamically selected via the ORG pin: tied to VCC for 64 × 16 mode, grounded for 128 × 8 mode, or left floating (internal ~1 MΩ pull-up) for default x16 mode.

Write operations require explicit EWEN enable prior to ERASE or WRITE instructions; all programming cycles are self-timed with READY/BUSY status reported on DO when CS is asserted post-initiation. The device supports full-array ERAL and WRAL commands only at VCC = 4.5–5.5V, and does not support 1.8V operation - confirmed by ordering code suffix "-2.7" and absence of -1.8 variant in its specific row.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46-10PC is supplied in an 8-pin PDIP (package code 8P3), 0.300" wide, with standard JEDEC pinout. Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; pin numbering proceeds counterclockwise.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M93C46-WMN6TP and CAT93C46VI-GT3, the AT93C46-10PC offers guaranteed PDIP-8 compatibility and documented 2.7–5.5V operation without over-specifying 1.8V capability, making it optimal for cost-sensitive industrial designs where through-hole assembly and legacy voltage rails dominate.

Availability

AT93C46-10PC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded controller configuration, and power management unit settings requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges and multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT93C46-10PC 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 acquired Atmel in 2016 and maintains full support for the legacy AT93C serial EEPROM family, delivering high-reliability nonvolatile memory solutions for industrial and automotive applications.

The AT93C46 is part of Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for space-constrained, low-power embedded systems requiring simple 3-wire configuration storage with proven long-term data integrity.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT93C46-10PC support?

The AT93C46-10PC supports a supply voltage range of 2.7V to 5.5V, as indicated by the "-2.7" suffix in its ordering code. It is not rated for 1.8V operation - that variant uses the "-1.8" suffix and has different internal design constraints. This 2.7–5.5V range ensures reliable operation in both 3.3V and 5V systems without level translation.

How is memory organization selected on the AT93C46-10PC?

Memory organization on the AT93C46-10PC is selected via the ORG pin: connecting ORG to VCC configures 64 × 16 (x16) mode, grounding ORG selects 128 × 8 (x8) mode, and leaving ORG unconnected activates the internal ~1 MΩ pull-up to default to x16 mode. This hardware-selectable feature avoids firmware dependency and enables one BOM to serve multiple memory-width requirements.

Does the AT93C46-10PC require a separate erase cycle before writing?

No, the AT93C46-10PC does not require a separate erase cycle before writing. Each WRITE instruction automatically erases and reprograms the target location in a single self-timed operation. However, an EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) instruction must be issued first to exit the default Erase/Write Disable state - this is a safety feature preventing accidental writes.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C46-10PC?

The AT93C46-10PC supports up to 2 MHz clock frequency at VCC = 5.0V. At lower voltages (e.g., 2.7V), the maximum clock rate reduces to 1 MHz per AC characteristics table. This frequency limit directly governs serial data throughput and must be respected in host controller timing design to avoid read/write errors.

Is the AT93C46-10PC available in surface-mount packages?

The AT93C46-10PC specifically denotes the 8-pin PDIP (plastic dual-inline) package (code 8P3). While other variants like AT93C46-10SC use SOIC, the "-10PC" suffix unambiguously identifies the through-hole PDIP version. Surface-mount alternatives require selecting a different ordering code - the AT93C46-10PC itself is PDIP-only.