Microchip Technology AT93C46R-10SI-2.7

Overview

AT93C46R-10SI-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) in 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package with rotated pinout.

For engineers reviewing the AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 datasheet, AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 pinout, AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 application, or AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 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 industrial temperature qualification.

Technical Context

The AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 implements a synchronous three-wire serial interface (CS, SK, DI/DO) with start-bit–driven instruction decoding. It supports seven instructions-READ, EWEN, ERASE, WRITE, ERAL, WRAL, and EWDS-with address-dependent bit-width handling (7-bit for x8, 6-bit for x16 mode) and Ready/Busy status reporting via DO during CS high after write/erase initiation.

Internal organization is selected by the ORG pin: tied to VCC for 64 × 16 mode, grounded for 128 × 8 mode; unconnected defaults to x16 only in 2.7V versions. The device requires EWEN before programming, enforces no separate erase step, and restricts ERAL/WRAL to VCC = 4.5–5.5V. Standby current scales with supply voltage (6.0–10.0 µA at 2.7V).

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 uses an 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package with rotated pinout (as indicated by "R" suffix), differing from standard SOIC orientation to accommodate board layout constraints in space-constrained applications.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT93C46R-10SI-2.7, AT93C46D-10SI-2.7 offers identical electrical behavior but demands PCB redesign for pin alignment, while M95128-WMN6TP provides greater density and speed at the cost of interface compatibility and firmware adaptation.

Availability

AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial sensor calibration, automotive body control modules, and consumer appliance UI settings requiring stable component supply, long-term data retention, and extended temperature operation.

Supply support for AT93C46R-10SI-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 specializing in microcontrollers, analog devices, and memory solutions, with broad industrial and automotive qualification expertise.

The AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 belongs to Microchip's legacy serial EEPROM family designed for cost-sensitive, low-pin-count applications where three-wire simplicity, wide voltage operation, and robust nonvolatile storage are prioritized over high speed or density.

FAQ

What does the "R" suffix in AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 indicate?

The "R" denotes rotated pinout in the 8-lead JEDEC SOIC package. Pin 1 is relocated to the bottom-right corner instead of the top-left, altering the physical orientation relative to standard SOIC footprints. This affects PCB layout but retains identical electrical functionality and pin functions. Always verify land pattern alignment before placement. AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 remains functionally identical to AT93C46-10SI-2.7 except for mechanical orientation.

How is memory organization selected on AT93C46R-10SI-2.7?

Memory organization (128 × 8 or 64 × 16) is selected by the ORG pin: connect ORG to VCC for 64 × 16 mode, ground for 128 × 8 mode. When left unconnected, AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 defaults to x16 mode due to an internal 1 MΩ pull-up - but this behavior is guaranteed only for 2.7V versions. The AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 datasheet explicitly confirms this default for the −2.7 variant.

Does AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 require a separate erase cycle before writing?

No. AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 performs automatic erase-before-write within its self-timed 10 ms write cycle. No explicit ERASE instruction is needed prior to WRITE. However, the device must first be placed in Erase/Write Enable (EWEN) state via the EWEN instruction; subsequent WRITE commands execute full erase-and-program automatically. AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 simplifies firmware by eliminating manual erase management.

What is the maximum clock frequency supported by AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 at 3.3V?

At 3.3V, AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 supports up to 1 MHz clock frequency (SK), as specified in Table 4 for the 2.7V ≤ VCC ≤ 5.5V range. While rated for 2 MHz at 5V, timing margins reduce at lower voltages - the 1 MHz limit ensures reliable setup/hold compliance across temperature and process variation. Exceeding this may cause read/write corruption. Always validate timing with actual AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 waveforms in your system.

Can AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 be used in automotive under-hood applications?

Yes - AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 is qualified for industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C) and offered in lead-free/halogen-free packaging, meeting baseline requirements for many automotive cabin and non-engine-compartment applications. However, it is not AEC-Q100 qualified. For under-hood use above 85°C, consult Microchip's automotive-grade variants or consider AT93C46-10MI-2.7 (−40°C to +125°C), though that part uses standard SOIC. AT93C46R-10SI-2.7 itself is rated only to +85°C.