AT93C46-10PC-2.5 Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 is a 1Kbit EEPROM memory IC manufactured by Microchip Technology, featuring a 3-Wire Serial interface operating at 2 MHz. This device is designed for non-volatile data storage applications requiring low-capacity memory with serial communication protocols. The part is currently classified as obsolete, making identification of functionally equivalent alternatives essential for ongoing system support, design updates, and production continuity.

Substiute Parts

AT93C46-10PC-2.5

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 696AT93C46-10PC-2.5 Datasheet

Current PartRFQ

25LC080A-I/P

Microchip TechnologyIn Stock: 78425LC080A-I/P Datasheet

MFR RecommendedRFQ

Key Parameters

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitution of the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 is determined by the following critical parameters:

Memory Capacity & Organization: The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 provides 1Kbit storage. Substitute parts must maintain or exceed this capacity to ensure data storage requirements are met.

Package & Mounting: Both the main part and substitute must use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging to ensure PCB compatibility without redesign.

Supply Voltage Range: The 2.5V ~ 5.5V operating range must be maintained or exceeded in substitute parts to ensure compatibility with existing power supply designs.

Serial Interface Protocol: The 3-Wire Serial interface is a critical functional parameter. Substitute parts utilizing SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) are functionally compatible, as SPI represents an industry-standard evolution of 3-Wire Serial protocols and maintains pin-level compatibility in 8-DIP packages.

Non-Volatile Memory Type: EEPROM technology must be preserved to maintain data retention characteristics.

The 25LC080A-I/P qualifies as a direct substitute based on these parameters: it provides 8Kbit capacity (exceeding the 1Kbit requirement), uses SPI interface (compatible with 3-Wire Serial), maintains the 2.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range, and is packaged in 8-DIP format.

Parameter Comparison

Engineering Selection Recommendations

The 25LC080A-I/P is the recommended substitute for the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 based on the following engineering criteria:

Product Status: The AT93C46-10PC-2.5 is obsolete, whereas the 25LC080A-I/P maintains active product status with verified availability. This ensures long-term supply chain reliability and continued manufacturer support.

Regulatory Compliance: The 25LC080A-I/P is ROHS3 compliant, meeting current environmental and regulatory standards. The original part is RoHS non-compliant, making the substitute preferable for new designs and systems subject to RoHS requirements.

Functional Superiority: The substitute provides 8x greater memory capacity (8Kbit vs. 1Kbit), faster clock frequency (10 MHz vs. 2 MHz), and reduced write cycle time (5ms vs. 10ms). These enhancements provide performance headroom without compromising compatibility.

Electrical Compatibility: Both parts operate within the identical 2.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range, ensuring direct integration into existing power distribution networks.

Thermal Range: The 25LC080A-I/P supports an extended operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C) compared to the original part (0°C ~ 70°C), providing greater flexibility for diverse environmental applications.

Package Compatibility: Both devices use 8-DIP through-hole packaging with identical footprint dimensions, eliminating PCB redesign requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can the 25LC080A-I/P directly replace the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 without firmware modifications?

A: The 25LC080A-I/P uses SPI interface while the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 uses 3-Wire Serial. Both protocols are compatible at the pin level in 8-DIP packages, but firmware must be updated to implement SPI communication sequences. The substitute is electrically compatible but requires software adaptation.

Q: What is the difference between 3-Wire Serial and SPI interfaces?

A: 3-Wire Serial is a legacy serial protocol using three signal lines. SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is the industry-standard evolution of this protocol, using the same three-line configuration in basic mode. SPI provides higher clock frequencies and is universally supported by modern microcontrollers.

Q: Does the increased memory capacity of the 25LC080A-I/P affect compatibility?

A: No. The 8Kbit capacity of the substitute exceeds the 1Kbit requirement of the original part. Existing firmware can address the full 1Kbit address space of the original device within the larger address space of the substitute without modification to address mapping logic.

Q: Are there any thermal or voltage considerations when substituting?

A: Both parts operate within the identical 2.5V ~ 5.5V supply voltage range. The substitute supports a wider operating temperature range (-40°C ~ 85°C vs. 0°C ~ 70°C), making it suitable for applications with more demanding thermal requirements.

Q: What is the significance of the RoHS compliance difference?

A: The original AT93C46-10PC-2.5 is RoHS non-compliant, while the 25LC080A-I/P is ROHS3 compliant. For new designs or systems subject to RoHS regulations, the substitute is the appropriate choice. Existing legacy systems using the original part are not affected by this distinction.

Q: Is the 25LC080A-I/P available in the same packaging?

A: Yes. Both the AT93C46-10PC-2.5 and 25LC080A-I/P use 8-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm) through-hole packaging with identical footprint dimensions, enabling direct PCB compatibility.