Microchip Technology AT93C46-10TU-2.7

Overview

AT93C46-10TU-2.7 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, featuring 2 MHz clock rate at 5V, 10 ms max self-timed write cycle, and automotive-grade temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). It is used for configuration storage in industrial control modules, sensor calibration data retention, and boot parameter storage in embedded microcontrollers.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 datasheet, AT93C46-10TU-2.7 pinout, AT93C46-10TU-2.7 application, or AT93C46-10TU-2.7 equivalent, key selection criteria include voltage compatibility (2.7–5.5V), TSSOP-8 package footprint, ORG-pin configurable memory width, Ready/Busy status reporting via DO, and endurance of 1 million write cycles.

Technical Context

The AT93C46-10TU-2.7 implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with start-bit–driven instruction decoding. Its internal architecture supports dual memory organizations selected by the ORG pin - tied to VCC for 64-word × 16-bit mode or GND for 128-word × 8-bit mode - and includes an Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) state machine that gates all programming operations until explicitly enabled.

Timing behavior is voltage-dependent: maximum SK clock frequency is 2 MHz at VCC = 4.5–5.5V, 1 MHz at 2.7–5.5V, and 0.25 MHz at 1.8–5.5V; write cycle time is 10 ms (max) across full voltage range, with status reporting via DO pin when CS is asserted post-write initiation.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46-10TU-2.7 is housed in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), 3.0 mm × 4.4 mm body, 0.65 mm pitch, lead-free/halogen-free compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT93C46-10TU-2.7, M95128-WMN6TP offers greater density and speed but sacrifices 2.7V operation and memory-width flexibility; AT25128B-SSHL-T provides broader voltage support and SPI standardization but removes ORG-based configuration and requires protocol-level redesign.

Availability

AT93C46-10TU-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded boot configuration, and automotive body control module applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and automotive-grade reliability.

Supply support for AT93C46-10TU-2.7 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 delivering microcontrollers, analog devices, FPGAs, and memory solutions for industrial, automotive, communications, and consumer markets.

The AT93C46 series belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing simple, robust, low-pin-count nonvolatile storage with flexible memory mapping.

FAQ

What is the function of the ORG pin on the AT93C46-10TU-2.7?

The ORG pin on the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 selects internal memory organization: tied to VCC enables 64-word × 16-bit mode, tied to GND enables 128-word × 8-bit mode. When left unconnected, the internal 1 MΩ pull-up selects x16 mode - a feature supported only on the 2.7V version (AT93C46-10TU-2.7), not the 1.8V variant. This pin directly determines address and data width interpretation during READ and WRITE instructions.

Does the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 support write protection at the hardware level?

The AT93C46-10TU-2.7 does not include hardware write-protect pins (e.g., WP or WPEN). Instead, it uses instruction-level protection: programming operations (ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, WRAL) are disabled by default after power-up and require explicit execution of the EWEN (Erase/Write Enable) instruction. The EWDS (Erase/Write Disable) instruction restores protection. This software-controlled mechanism prevents accidental writes but relies on correct host firmware sequencing - no physical pin-based lock exists on the AT93C46-10TU-2.7.

What is the maximum clock frequency for the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 at 3.3V supply?

At VCC = 3.3V, the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 falls within the 2.7V–5.5V operating range, where the maximum SK clock frequency is specified as 1 MHz (per Table 4, "2.7V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V" row). This limit ensures reliable setup/hold timing margins across process and temperature variations. Exceeding 1 MHz at 3.3V may cause read corruption or failed write verification, as tSKH/tSKL minimums increase to 250 ns - corresponding to a 4 MHz period, but the guaranteed functional limit remains 1 MHz.

Can the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 be used in place of the AT93C46-10SI-2.7?

Yes, the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 can replace the AT93C46-10SI-2.7 in most designs, as both share identical electrical specifications, instruction set, and 2.7–5.5V operation. The difference lies solely in package: AT93C46-10TU-2.7 uses 8-lead TSSOP (8A2), while AT93C46-10SI-2.7 uses 8-lead JEDEC SOIC (8S1). PCB layout must accommodate the smaller TSSOP footprint (3.0 × 4.4 mm vs. 3.9 × 4.9 mm) and finer 0.65 mm pitch. No firmware or schematic changes are required for the AT93C46-10TU-2.7.

Is the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 RoHS compliant and halogen-free?

Yes, the AT93C46-10TU-2.7 is explicitly designated as lead-free and halogen-free per its ordering code suffix "-TU-2.7", which maps to the "Lead-free/Halogen-free/Industrial Temperature" category in the official Atmel/Microchip ordering information table. This compliance meets EU RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and JEDEC JS709C standards. The TSSOP package uses matte tin terminations and halogen-free molding compound, verified in the original datasheet revision 0172Y.