Microchip Technology AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T

Overview

AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 1K-bit three-wire serial EEPROM with user-selectable 128 × 8 or 64 × 16 organization, operating from 2.7V to 5.5V, rated for industrial temperature (−40°C to +85°C), and housed in an 8-lead TSSOP package. It delivers 2 MHz clock rate at 5V, 10 ms max self-timed write cycle, 1 million write endurance, and 100-year data retention - optimized for configuration storage in embedded control systems.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T datasheet, AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T pinout, AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T application, or AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T equivalent, key selection considerations include voltage range compatibility (2.7–5.5V), ORG-pin-configurable memory width, three-wire interface timing constraints, standby current at 2.7V (6.0–10.0 µA), and TSSOP package footprint requirements.

Technical Context

The AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with start-bit–driven instruction decoding and no external clock dependency beyond SK. Its internal logic supports seven instructions - READ, EWEN, ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, WRAL, and EWDS - all initiated by CS assertion and validated via rising-edge sampling on SK.

Memory organization is dynamically selected via the ORG pin: tied to VCC enables 64-word × 16-bit mode; grounded enables 128-word × 8-bit mode. The device enters Erase/Write Enable state only after explicit EWEN execution, and remains enabled until EWDS or power removal - ensuring robust data integrity against spurious writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T uses an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), 3.00 mm × 4.40 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, with gull-wing leads and moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3 per JEDEC J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with M95128-DRMN6TP/K and 25AA010A-I/MS, the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T offers lower pin count and deterministic instruction timing without SPI mode bits, making it optimal for GPIO-limited 8-bit MCUs - though its 2 MHz max clock and lack of hardware write protection require careful firmware-level access control.

Availability

AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial motor control, automotive body electronics, medical device configuration, and sensor calibration applications requiring stable component supply and long-term obsolescence management.

Supply support for AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T 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 is a global semiconductor company specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions, with a focus on reliability, longevity, and embedded system integration.

The AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing simple, robust, and low-power nonvolatile storage - especially where three-wire simplicity outweighs SPI bandwidth demands.

FAQ

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T?

The AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T supports a maximum SK clock frequency of 2 MHz when operated at VCC = 5.0V. At lower supply voltages (2.7V–4.5V), the maximum clock rate drops to 1 MHz per AC Characteristics Table 4. This timing constraint directly impacts serial read/write throughput and must be respected in host firmware timing loops or peripheral configurations.

How does the ORG pin affect memory organization in the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T?

The ORG pin on the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T selects between two memory configurations: logic high (VCC) enables 64-word × 16-bit organization, while logic low (GND) enables 128-word × 8-bit organization. If left unconnected, the internal 1 MΩ pull-up defaults to x16 mode. This hardware-selectable width eliminates software bit manipulation and aligns with host MCU data bus architecture.

Does the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T require a separate erase cycle before writing?

No, the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T does not require a separate erase cycle before writing. Each WRITE instruction automatically erases the target location prior to programming, and the entire write cycle (including erase and program phases) is self-timed with a maximum duration of 10 ms. The DO pin provides Ready/Busy status during this period if CS is asserted after instruction initiation.

What is the standby current specification for the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T at 2.7V?

The AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T draws 6.0–10.0 µA of standby current (ISB2) when VCC = 2.7V and CS = 0V, as specified in DC Characteristics Table 3. This ultra-low quiescent draw supports battery-powered or energy-harvesting applications where extended sleep-mode operation is required between configuration updates.

Is the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T pin-compatible with newer Microchip EEPROMs like the AT93C46A?

No, the AT93C46-10TI-2.7-T is not pin-compatible with the AT93C46A. While both share the same 8-lead TSSOP footprint, the AT93C46A introduces enhanced features including improved ORG pin behavior (no internal pull-up), tighter AC timing, and updated ESD protection - but requires validation of timing margins and firmware logic due to subtle interface differences documented in its separate datasheet.