Microchip 93LC46C-I/SN: A Comprehensive Datasheet Overview

The Microchip 93LC46C-I/SN is a 1K Microwire Serial Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM) that provides reliable non-volatile data storage for a wide array of microcontroller-based applications. This device is engineered for low-power operation and offers a simple serial interface, making it an ideal choice for space-constrained and cost-sensitive designs.

Housed in a compact 8-lead SOIC (SN) package, this EEPROM is organized as 128 x 8-bit or 64 x 16-bit, providing design flexibility. Its Microwire-compatible serial interface requires only a few I/O pins from a host microcontroller for communication, significantly simplifying board layout and reducing system cost. The interface consists of just three essential signals: Chip Select (CS), Serial Clock (SK), and Data Input/Output (DI/DO).

A key feature of the 93LC46C is its low power consumption, supporting both a 2.5V to 5.5V wide operating voltage range and a standby current of just 1 µA (typical). This makes it exceptionally well-suited for battery-powered and portable devices where power efficiency is paramount. The memory array offers a substantial endurance of 1,000,000 erase/write cycles and boasts data retention of over 200 years, ensuring long-term data integrity.

The device supports a robust instruction set for various operations, including Read, Write, Erase, Write Enable, and Write Disable. It also features built-in software and hardware write protection mechanisms to prevent accidental data corruption. The entire memory can be written in a single cycle using the ERAL (Erase All) and WRAL (Write All) commands, streamlining the initialization process.

ICGOOODFIND: The Microchip 93LC46C-I/SN stands out as a highly reliable, low-power, and cost-effective serial EEPROM solution. Its simple 3-wire interface, excellent endurance, and robust packaging make it a superior choice for applications demanding compact, non-volatile memory, from consumer electronics to industrial systems.

Keywords: EEPROM, Microwire Interface, Non-volatile Memory, Low Power, SOIC Package.