Microchip Technology AT93C46-10PC-2.5

Overview

AT93C46-10PC-2.5 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 1K-bit 3-wire serial EEPROM with user-selectable 128 × 8 or 64 × 16 organization, operating at V_CC = 2.5V to 5.5V, featuring 10 ms max self-timed write cycle, 1 million write endurance, and 100-year data retention. It serves as nonvolatile configuration storage in embedded microcontroller systems requiring low-voltage operation and space-constrained PCB layouts.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 datasheet, AT93C46-10PC-2.5 pinout, AT93C46-10PC-2.5 application, or AT93C46-10PC-2.5 equivalent, key selection criteria include its 2.5V minimum supply, 8-pin PDIP package, 3-wire interface timing compatibility, ORG-pin configurable memory width, and industrial-grade reliability metrics including ESD >4000V and -40°C to +85°C operation.

Technical Context

The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 implements a synchronous 3-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with instruction-based command set including READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, and EWDS. Memory organization is dynamically selected via the ORG pin: tied to V_CC enables 64 × 16 mode; grounded enables 128 × 8 mode.

Write operations require prior EWEN instruction and are self-timed up to 10 ms; status is monitored via DO pin during CS high pulse after command initiation. The device supports 250 ns minimum CS low time and 0.25 MHz maximum clock rate at 2.5V, with input thresholds scaled per V_CC range (e.g., V_IL = V_CC × 0.3 at 1.8–2.7V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46-10PC-2.5 uses an 8-pin PDIP (package code 8P3), 0.300" wide, with standard JEDEC pinout and through-hole mounting. Pin 1 is marked by notch or dot; pin 1 function is Chip Select (CS).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95128-WMN6TP and 25AA010A-I/P, the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 offers lowest pin count (3-wire), deterministic 10 ms write latency, and hardware-configurable data width - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained 8-bit MCU systems where SPI overhead is prohibitive.

Availability

AT93C46-10PC-2.5 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, consumer appliance configuration, automotive body control modules, and networking equipment identity storage requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for AT93C46-10PC-2.5 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 product support, documentation, and manufacturing continuity for the AT93C series. The company specializes in microcontrollers, analog, and memory solutions for embedded markets.

The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for low-pin-count, low-power, and cost-sensitive embedded systems requiring simple, reliable nonvolatile storage without complex bus protocols.

FAQ

What voltage range does the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 support, and how does it affect interface compatibility?

The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 operates from 2.5V to 5.5V, with input thresholds scaling proportionally (e.g., V_IL = V_CC × 0.3). This allows direct connection to 2.5V, 3.3V, or 5V MCUs without level shifters. Its 2.5V minimum makes it compatible with modern ultra-low-power controllers, while 5.5V absolute max ensures robustness against supply transients. The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 maintains full AC/DC specifications across this entire range.

How is memory organization selected on the AT93C46-10PC-2.5, and what happens if the ORG pin is left unconnected?

Memory organization (128 × 8 or 64 × 16) is selected by the ORG pin: tie to GND for 128 × 8 mode, to V_CC for 64 × 16 mode. If left unconnected, an internal ~1 MΩ pull-up selects the 64 × 16 mode. This hardware-selectable flexibility allows one AT93C46-10PC-2.5 design to serve multiple firmware variants without board revision. The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 does not support dynamic software reconfiguration of organization.

Does the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 require a separate erase cycle before writing, and how is write completion verified?

No, the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 performs automatic erase-before-write within its self-timed 10 ms cycle - no explicit ERASE instruction is needed before WRITE. Completion is verified by sampling the DO pin: after initiating a WRITE and holding CS low for ≥250 ns, bring CS high; a logic '1' on DO indicates completion and readiness for next command, while '0' means BUSY. This READY/BUSY polling is mandatory and supported at all V_CC levels.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 at 2.5V, and how does it impact host MCU timing?

At V_CC = 2.5V, the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 supports a maximum SK clock frequency of 0.25 MHz (4000 ns period), with minimum SK high/low times of 1000 ns each. This constrains host MCU bit-banging routines to ≤250 kHz effective throughput. The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 requires strict adherence to t_DIS, t_DIH, and t_CSH setup/hold times - violating these risks command misinterpretation or data corruption.

Is the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 qualified for automotive applications, and what temperature grades are available?

The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 is rated for commercial temperature range (0°C to +70°C) per its ordering code suffix 'C'. Industrial-grade variants (e.g., AT93C46-10PI-2.5) support -40°C to +85°C and are used in automotive body electronics, though not AEC-Q100 qualified. For under-hood applications, Microchip recommends the AT93C46-10PI-2.5 or automotive-specific EEPROMs. The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 itself is not automotive-qualified.