Microchip 93LC46X/SN EEPROM Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The Microchip 93LC46X/SN is a 1Kbit non-volatile EEPROM memory IC utilizing Microwire serial interface protocol. This component operates at 2 MHz clock frequency with a 10ms write cycle time and supports supply voltages from 2.5V to 5.5V across the industrial temperature range of 0°C to 70°C. The device is housed in an 8-SOIC surface mount package and maintains active product status with ROHS3 compliance.

Equivalent and substitute parts are necessary when the original part number becomes unavailable, when extended temperature range operation is required, when faster clock frequencies are needed, or when automotive-grade qualification is mandated for specific applications.

Substiute Parts

93LC46X/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 212893LC46X/SN Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

93AA46-I/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 97893AA46-I/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

93AA46C-I/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 737593AA46C-I/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

93LC46-I/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 662793LC46-I/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

93LC46/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 358493LC46/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

93LC46C-I/SN

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 459093LC46C-I/SN Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

M93C46-RMN3TP/K

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 9539M93C46-RMN3TP/K Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

M93C46-WMN6P

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 3499M93C46-WMN6P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

M93C46-WMN6TP

STMicroelectronicsIn Stock: 61219M93C46-WMN6TP Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution validity for the 93LC46X/SN is determined by the following critical parameters:

Mandatory Compatibility Parameters:

• Memory Size: 1Kbit (fixed across all substitutes)
• Memory Organization: 128 x 8, 64 x 16 (fixed across all substitutes)
• Memory Interface: Microwire (fixed across all substitutes)
• Package / Case: 8-SOIC (fixed across all substitutes)
• Mounting Type: Surface Mount (fixed across all substitutes)

Variable Parameters Affecting Substitution Scope:

• Clock Frequency: 2 MHz (original) or 3 MHz (enhanced variants)
• Write Cycle Time: 10ms (original) or 5ms (faster variants)
• Voltage Supply Range: 2.5V ~ 5.5V (original) or 1.8V ~ 5.5V (extended low voltage)
• Operating Temperature: 0°C ~ 70°C (original) or -40°C ~ 85°C (extended range) or -40°C ~ 125°C (automotive)
• Manufacturer: Microchip Technology or STMicroelectronics

Substitutes are grouped into three categories: direct equivalents (identical electrical specifications), enhanced variants (faster clock or write cycle), and extended-range variants (broader temperature or voltage specifications).

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Direct Equivalent (Industrial Temperature Range): The 93LC46/SN is a direct functional equivalent with identical electrical specifications and industrial temperature range. Selection is appropriate for applications with no extended temperature requirements.

Extended Temperature Range (Commercial Grade): The 93LC46-I/SN and 93AA46-I/SN provide extended operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C) while maintaining the same memory interface and package. The 93AA46-I/SN additionally supports lower supply voltage (1.8V minimum). These are suitable for applications requiring broader temperature operation within commercial specifications.

Enhanced Performance (Faster Clock and Write Cycle): The 93LC46C-I/SN and 93AA46C-I/SN operate at 3 MHz clock frequency with 6ms write cycle time, providing performance improvement over the 2 MHz original specification. The 93AA46C-I/SN additionally supports 1.8V minimum supply voltage. These variants are appropriate when faster memory access is required.

Automotive-Grade with Extended Temperature: The M93C46-RMN3TP/K is qualified to AEC-Q100 automotive standards with operating temperature range of -40°C to 125°C and supports 1.8V minimum supply voltage. This part is mandatory for automotive applications requiring automotive-grade qualification.

STMicroelectronics Alternatives: The M93C46-WMN6TP and M93C46-WMN6P provide 5ms write cycle time (faster than the 10ms original) with -40°C to 85°C temperature range. The M93C46-WMN6TP is available in higher inventory (61,180 Pcs) and is verified for DiGi-Electronics programmability. These are suitable for applications requiring faster write performance without automotive qualification.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use 93AA46-I/SN as a direct replacement for 93LC46X/SN?

A: The 93AA46-I/SN is functionally compatible at the memory interface level (1Kbit, Microwire, 8-SOIC package). However, it differs in voltage supply range (1.8V minimum vs. 2.5V minimum) and operating temperature range (-40°C to 85°C vs. 0°C to 70°C). It is suitable for applications that can operate within the 93AA46-I/SN specifications.

Q: What is the difference between 93LC46C-I/SN and 93LC46-I/SN?

A: The 93LC46C-I/SN operates at 3 MHz clock frequency with 6ms write cycle time, while the 93LC46-I/SN operates at 2 MHz with 10ms write cycle time. Both share the same voltage supply range (2.5V to 5.5V) and extended temperature range (-40°C to 85°C). The 93LC46C-I/SN is appropriate when faster memory access is required.

Q: When should I use M93C46-RMN3TP/K instead of Microchip alternatives?

A: The M93C46-RMN3TP/K is the appropriate choice for automotive applications requiring AEC-Q100 qualification and extended temperature operation to 125°C. It also provides faster write cycle time (5ms vs. 10ms). For non-automotive applications, Microchip variants are typically preferred.

Q: Are all substitute parts available in the same packaging options?

A: No. The 93LC46X/SN is supplied in standard packaging, while substitutes vary: 93AA46-I/SN and 93LC46-I/SN are supplied in Tube; 93LC46C-I/SN and 93AA46C-I/SN are supplied in Tube; M93C46-RMN3TP/K and M93C46-WMN6TP are supplied in Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel; M93C46-WMN6P is supplied in Tube. Packaging selection may affect procurement and assembly processes.

Q: Can I substitute a 3 MHz variant (93LC46C-I/SN) in a design specified for 2 MHz (93LC46X/SN)?

A: Yes. The 3 MHz variant is backward compatible with 2 MHz designs because it operates at the same Microwire interface protocol and memory organization. The higher clock frequency capability does not create incompatibility with 2 MHz system designs.

Q: What is the minimum voltage supply requirement across all substitutes?

A: The 93AA46-I/SN and 93AA46C-I/SN support 1.8V minimum supply voltage, while the M93C46-RMN3TP/K also supports 1.8V. All other variants require 2.5V minimum. For low-voltage applications, these three parts are appropriate.