Microchip Technology AT93C46A-10TI-1.8

Overview

AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 from Microchip Technology (formerly Atmel) is a 1K-bit (64 × 16) three-wire serial EEPROM optimized for low-voltage embedded systems. It operates from 1.8V to 5.5V, supports up to 2 MHz clock rate at 5V, features self-timed write cycles (≤10 ms), and delivers 1 million write endurance with 100-year data retention. It is used in automotive instrument clusters and industrial sensor calibration modules requiring nonvolatile configuration storage.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 datasheet, AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 pinout, AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 application, or AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 equivalent, key selection criteria include 1.8V minimum supply compatibility, TSSOP-8 packaging, three-wire interface timing constraints, and EWEN/EWDS instruction-based write protection logic.

Technical Context

The AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS/SK/DI/DO) with instruction-set-driven operation including READ, WRITE, ERASE, EWEN, EWDS, ERAL, and WRAL. Its memory array is organized as 64 words × 16 bits, with address decoding and output buffering integrated on-die.

Write enable state is strictly controlled via the EWEN instruction; programming remains enabled until EWDS execution or power removal. Ready/busy status is reported on DO when CS is asserted high during self-timed tWP (≤10 ms), enabling host polling without fixed delay loops.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is supplied in an 8-lead Thin Shrink Small Outline Package (TSSOP), package code 8A2, body width 4.4 mm, lead pitch 0.65 mm, and JEDEC MO-153 compliant footprint.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT93C46A-10TI-1.8, M95128-WMN6TP offers greater density but sacrifices 1.8V operation and uses SPI instead of three-wire; 24AA02E48-I/MS provides I²C compatibility and MAC addressing but halves word width to 8-bit, affecting data structure alignment in firmware.

Availability

AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive instrument clusters, industrial sensor calibration modules, and medical handheld diagnostics requiring stable component supply across extended temperature and low-voltage operating conditions.

Supply support for AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 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 headquarters in Chandler, Arizona.

The AT93C46A product line delivers cost-optimized, low-pin-count serial EEPROMs designed for space-constrained embedded systems requiring reliable, low-power configuration storage in automotive, industrial, and consumer applications.

FAQ

What is the minimum supply voltage required for reliable operation of the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8?

The AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is rated for operation from 1.8V to 5.5V. At 1.8V, it maintains full functionality including read, write, and erase operations, with adjusted AC timing (e.g., max SK frequency reduced to 0.25 MHz). This makes the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 suitable for battery-backed or ultra-low-power systems where supply rails dip below 2.7V.

Does the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 require an external erase cycle before writing new data?

No, the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 does not require a separate erase cycle before write. Each WRITE instruction automatically erases the target location prior to programming, and the entire operation is self-timed within the 10 ms maximum tWP window. The AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 also supports dedicated ERASE and ERAL instructions for selective or bulk erasure when needed.

How is write protection implemented on the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8?

Write protection on the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is enforced through instruction gating: the EWEN instruction must be issued first to enter the erase/write enable state, and EWDS must be executed afterward to disable further programming. The AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 powers up in the EWDS state, preventing accidental writes during power-on reset or brown-out conditions.

What package type is used for the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8, and is it RoHS-compliant?

The AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is supplied in an 8-lead TSSOP package (JEDEC MO-153, code 8A2), with 4.4 mm body width and 0.65 mm lead pitch. It is lead-free and halogen-free, fully compliant with RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU and meets JEDEC J-STD-020 moisture sensitivity level MSL3, making it suitable for lead-free reflow assembly processes.

Can the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 be used in automotive applications, and what temperature range does it support?

Yes, the AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is qualified for automotive-grade use with an operating temperature range of −40°C to +85°C. It meets extended temperature and reliability requirements aligned with AEC-Q100 stress testing standards, and its 100-year data retention and 1 million write endurance make it appropriate for under-hood and dashboard electronics where long-term stability is critical. The AT93C46A-10TI-1.8 is explicitly listed in Atmel's automotive-grade ordering matrix.