Microchip Technology AT93C46E-TH-T

Overview

AT93C46E-TH-T from Microchip Technology is a 1-Kbit three-wire serial EEPROM with fixed 64 × 16 internal organization, operating from 1.8V to 5.5V over -40°C to +85°C, supporting up to 2 MHz clock rate at 5V and featuring 1,000,000 write cycles and 100-year data retention - used for parameter storage in industrial sensor modules and embedded control firmware.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46E-TH-T datasheet, AT93C46E-TH-T pinout, AT93C46E-TH-T application, or AT93C46E-TH-T equivalent, key selection considerations include its non-selectable x16 memory map, absence of ORG pin, SOIC-8 packaging, guaranteed industrial temperature operation, and self-timed 5 ms max write cycle.

Technical Context

The AT93C46E-TH-T implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS/SK/DI/DO) with no ORG pin - unlike the AT93C46D - locking memory organization exclusively to 64 words × 16 bits. It uses on-chip high-voltage generation for EEPROM programming and includes Power-on Reset (POR) with 100 µs tPUP delay before command acceptance.

All operations are initiated by rising-edge CS activation followed by instruction opcode and address. The DO pin serves dual roles: serial data output during READ and Ready/Busy status reporting after write/erase initiation when CS is reasserted - with timing validated down to 1.8V supply.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46E-TH-T is supplied in an 8-lead SOIC package (3.9 mm × 4.9 mm body, 1.27 mm pitch). Pin 6 (ORG) is No Connect - confirming fixed 64×16 organization and distinguishing it from AT93C46D.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT93C46D-TH-T, AT93C46E-TH-T removes ORG pin dependency for deterministic x16 operation; compared with M95128-DFMN6TP, it trades density and speed for ultra-low gate count and proven legacy compatibility in cost-sensitive industrial designs.

Availability

AT93C46E-TH-T is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, embedded firmware configuration, and automotive body control applications requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.

Supply support for AT93C46E-TH-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 U.S.-based semiconductor manufacturer specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and nonvolatile memory solutions with ISO 9001-certified global manufacturing.

The AT93C46E-TH-T belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM product line, designed specifically for reliable, low-pin-count parameter storage in space-constrained industrial and automotive control systems.

FAQ

What is the memory organization of the AT93C46E-TH-T?

The AT93C46E-TH-T has a fixed internal organization of 64 words × 16 bits (1,024 bits total). Unlike the AT93C46D, it lacks an ORG pin and does not support 128 × 8 configuration. This fixed x16 map simplifies system design by eliminating external ORG pin routing and firmware configuration logic for memory width selection - ensuring consistent addressing behavior across all AT93C46E-TH-T units.

Does the AT93C46E-TH-T require an external pull-up resistor on the ORG pin?

No - the AT93C46E-TH-T has no functional ORG pin; pin 6 is designated NC (No Connect) per the official Microchip datasheet DS20006224B. It must be left unconnected or tied to GND/VCC with no electrical impact. This distinguishes AT93C46E-TH-T from AT93C46D-TH-T, which requires ORG pin biasing to select x8 or x16 mode. Incorrect assumption of ORG functionality could lead to layout errors.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the AT93C46E-TH-T at 3.3V?

At VCC = 3.3V, the AT93C46E-TH-T supports a maximum clock frequency of 1 MHz, as specified in Table 4-3 of the datasheet. This is lower than its 2 MHz rating at 4.5–5.5V but sufficient for most configuration and calibration use cases. Timing margins remain robust due to guaranteed tSKH/tSKL minima of 1000 ns at 1.8–5.5V, ensuring reliable operation across the full voltage range without dynamic clock scaling.

How does the AT93C46E-TH-T indicate write completion during a WRITE command?

After initiating a WRITE command, the AT93C46E-TH-T enters a self-timed write cycle (tWP ≤ 5 ms). To check status, the host must hold CS low for ≥tCS (min 1000 ns at 1.8V), then bring CS high - the DO pin will output logic '0' while busy and transition to logic '1' when complete. This Ready/Busy mechanism avoids blind delays and enables efficient firmware polling without fixed timeouts - a critical feature for deterministic real-time systems using AT93C46E-TH-T.

Is the AT93C46E-TH-T compatible with standard SPI interfaces?

The AT93C46E-TH-T uses a proprietary three-wire serial interface (CS/SK/DI/DO) that is electrically and logically distinct from SPI: it lacks MOSI/MISO separation, requires specific instruction opcodes (e.g., 01b for WRITE), and uses DO for both data output and status reporting. While it shares clock and chip-select concepts, it is not SPI-compatible without bit-banging firmware emulation. Direct connection to hardware SPI peripherals will not function - AT93C46E-TH-T requires dedicated GPIO-driven software-controlled timing per DS20006224B.