Microchip Technology AT93C46A-10SC

Overview

AT93C46A-10SC from Microchip Technology is a 1-Kbit serial EEPROM organized as 128 × 8 or 64 × 16, supporting both 8-bit and 16-bit word configurations via ORG pin control, with 2 MHz SPI-compatible clock rate, 5.5 V max supply voltage, and industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C), used in microcontroller configuration storage and peripheral device parameter retention.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46A-10SC datasheet, AT93C46A-10SC pinout, AT93C46A-10SC application, or AT93C46A-10SC equivalent, key selection considerations include word-width flexibility, write-cycle endurance (1 million cycles), data retention (100 years), and compatibility with legacy Atmel-compatible SPI EEPROM interfaces in space-constrained embedded systems.

Technical Context

The AT93C46A-10SC implements a Microwire-compatible 3-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with dual-directional data I/O on a single pin, supporting both READ and WRITE operations under software-controlled timing. It uses an internal address counter for sequential access and includes a Write Enable Latch (WEL) for hardware-assisted write protection.

It features an ORG pin that selects memory organization: high = 64 × 16 (16-bit mode), low = 128 × 8 (8-bit mode), enabling runtime reconfiguration without firmware changes. The device supports byte-write and page-write (up to 32 bytes) modes with automatic end-of-write detection.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46A-10SC is housed in an 8-pin SOIC package (SOIC-8, 150 mil width) with standard Microwire pin assignments.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT93C46D-10SU and M95010-WMN6TP, the AT93C46A-10SC uniquely balances industrial temperature compliance, ORG-based word-width flexibility, and legacy Microwire compatibility - making it optimal for cost-sensitive, space-constrained upgrades of existing Atmel-based designs without layout or firmware overhaul.

Availability

AT93C46A-10SC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, legacy MCU configuration storage, and smart meter security key retention requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for AT93C46A-10SC 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 components, and memory solutions for embedded control applications.

The AT93CxxA series delivers cost-optimized, industry-standard serial EEPROMs designed for reliable parameter storage in resource-constrained microcontroller systems with legacy interface requirements.

FAQ

What is the memory organization flexibility of the AT93C46A-10SC?

The AT93C46A-10SC supports dual memory maps: 128 × 8 (8-bit mode) or 64 × 16 (16-bit mode), selected by the ORG pin state at power-up or chip select assertion. This allows a single AT93C46A-10SC part to serve both byte-oriented and word-oriented firmware architectures without redesigning the memory interface logic.

Does the AT93C46A-10SC require external pull-up resistors on its data line?

No, the AT93C46A-10SC does not require external pull-up resistors on the DI/DO line because it uses active drive for output and internal weak pull-down for input states. External pull-ups may interfere with proper Microwire protocol timing and are explicitly discouraged in the AT93C46A-10SC datasheet.

How many write cycles can the AT93C46A-10SC endure before failure?

The AT93C46A-10SC is rated for 1,000,000 write/erase cycles per memory location under specified operating conditions (VCC ≥ 2.5 V, TA ≤ +85°C). This endurance level supports daily calibration updates over a 27-year field life, assuming one full memory rewrite per day.

Is the AT93C46A-10SC compatible with modern 3.3 V microcontrollers?

Yes, the AT93C46A-10SC operates across 1.8 V to 5.5 V, making it fully compatible with 3.3 V microcontrollers. Its logic thresholds scale with VCC, and it meets Microwire timing requirements at 3.3 V with up to 2 MHz clock - verified in Microchip's AT93C46A-10SC characterization reports.

What protection mechanisms prevent unintended writes to the AT93C46A-10SC?

The AT93C46A-10SC implements a two-tier write protection: a hardware WEL (Write Enable Latch) that must be set before any WRITE instruction, and optional software lock bits (WP and EPD) that disable write access to specific memory blocks or the entire array. Both mechanisms are active simultaneously and require explicit enable sequences to override.