CAT93C46VI-G EEPROM 1Kbit Microwire Equivalent & Substitute Parts

Part Overview

The CAT93C46VI-G is a 1Kbit EEPROM memory IC with Microwire serial interface manufactured by onsemi. This device operates at 2 MHz clock frequency with supply voltage range of 1.8V to 5.5V and temperature range of -40°C to 85°C. The part is classified as obsolete, making equivalent and substitute parts necessary for ongoing design support and production continuity. Suitable alternatives maintain the same memory capacity, interface protocol, package form factor, and electrical specifications while offering active product status from alternative manufacturers.

Key Parameters

Parameter	Value
Memory Size	1Kbit
Memory Format	EEPROM
Memory Organization	128 x 8, 64 x 16
Memory Interface	Microwire
Clock Frequency	2 MHz
Voltage Supply Range	1.8V ~ 5.5V
Operating Temperature	-40°C ~ 85°C
Package / Case	8-SOIC (0.154", 3.90mm Width)
Mounting Type	Surface Mount
RoHS Status	ROHS3 Compliant

Substitute Part Grouping Explanation

Substitute parts for the CAT93C46VI-G are grouped based on strict electrical and mechanical compatibility criteria. All substitutes must maintain the following parameters:

Memory capacity: 1Kbit
Memory format: EEPROM technology
Package: 8-SOIC form factor with 0.154" width (3.90mm)
Supply voltage range: 1.8V ~ 5.5V minimum compatibility
Operating temperature range: -40°C ~ 85°C minimum coverage
Mounting type: Surface Mount
Interface protocol: Microwire serial communication

Substitutes are classified into two categories:

Direct Substitutes (Same Clock Frequency): Parts operating at 2 MHz clock frequency with identical memory organization and interface specifications.

Compatible Alternatives (Higher Clock Frequency): Parts operating at 3 MHz or 4 MHz clock frequency. These devices are backward compatible as higher clock speeds do not prevent operation in 2 MHz applications. All maintain identical memory capacity, organization, and electrical specifications.

Parameter Comparison

Part Number	Manufacturer	Memory Size	Interface	Clock Frequency	Voltage Supply	Operating Temperature	Package	Product Status
CAT93C46VI-G	onsemi	1Kbit	Microwire	2 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Obsolete
CAT93C46BVI-GT3	onsemi	1Kbit	Microwire	4 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
93AA46-I/SN	Microchip Technology	1Kbit	Microwire	2 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
93AA46C-I/SN	Microchip Technology	1Kbit	Microwire	3 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
93AA46CT-I/SN	Microchip Technology	1Kbit	Microwire	3 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
93AA46CX-I/SN	Microchip Technology	1Kbit	Microwire	3 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 85°C	8-SOIC	Active
93LC46X/SN	Microchip Technology	1Kbit	Microwire	2 MHz	2.5V ~ 5.5V	0°C ~ 70°C	8-SOIC	Active
M93C46-RMN3TP/K	STMicroelectronics	1Kbit	Microwire	2 MHz	1.8V ~ 5.5V	-40°C ~ 125°C	8-SOIC	Active

Engineering Selection Recommendations

Primary Recommendation: 93AA46-I/SN (Microchip Technology) provides direct functional equivalence with identical 2 MHz clock frequency, matching memory organization, and active product status. This part maintains full compatibility with existing designs without performance modification.

Alternative with Extended Temperature Range: M93C46-RMN3TP/K (STMicroelectronics) offers the same 2 MHz clock frequency and electrical specifications as the original part while providing extended operating temperature range to -40°C to 125°C. This part includes AEC-Q100 automotive qualification, suitable for applications requiring enhanced temperature performance or automotive-grade reliability.

Higher Performance Alternative: CAT93C46BVI-GT3 (onsemi) maintains manufacturer continuity from the original part while offering 4 MHz clock frequency. This device is backward compatible in 2 MHz applications and provides active product status with Tape & Reel packaging for production volumes.

Microchip 3 MHz Options: 93AA46C-I/SN, 93AA46CT-I/SN, and 93AA46CX-I/SN operate at 3 MHz clock frequency and are functionally compatible with the original 2 MHz specification. These parts differ only in packaging format (Tube or Cut Tape) and are suitable for applications where higher clock speed capability is beneficial.

Limited Compatibility: 93LC46X/SN operates with reduced supply voltage range (2.5V minimum) and narrower operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C), making it unsuitable for applications requiring the full -40°C to 85°C temperature specification or 1.8V supply voltage operation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a 3 MHz or 4 MHz part as a direct replacement for the 2 MHz CAT93C46VI-G?

A: Yes. The 93AA46C-I/SN (3 MHz), 93AA46CX-I/SN (3 MHz), and CAT93C46BVI-GT3 (4 MHz) are functionally compatible. Higher clock frequency devices operate correctly in applications designed for lower clock speeds. No circuit modification is required.

Q: What is the key difference between 93AA46-I/SN and 93AA46C-I/SN?

A: Both parts are manufactured by Microchip Technology with identical 1Kbit EEPROM capacity and 8-SOIC package. The primary difference is clock frequency: 93AA46-I/SN operates at 2 MHz while 93AA46C-I/SN operates at 3 MHz. Both maintain the same voltage supply range and operating temperature specifications.

Q: Why is 93LC46X/SN not recommended as a substitute?

A: The 93LC46X/SN has a minimum supply voltage of 2.5V, which does not meet the original part's 1.8V minimum specification. Additionally, its operating temperature range (0°C to 70°C) does not cover the full -40°C to 85°C range of the original part. Use this part only if your application operates within these narrower specifications.

Q: What is the difference between packaging formats (Tube, Cut Tape, Tape & Reel)?

A: Packaging format affects delivery and handling but does not impact electrical or mechanical compatibility. Tube packaging is suitable for small quantities. Cut Tape (CT) & Digi-Reel® provides moderate volume quantities with reel compatibility. Tape & Reel (TR) is optimized for high-volume automated assembly. Select based on production volume requirements.

Q: Is the M93C46-RMN3TP/K suitable for non-automotive applications?

A: Yes. The M93C46-RMN3TP/K meets all electrical and mechanical requirements for the original CAT93C46VI-G application. The AEC-Q100 automotive qualification and extended temperature range (-40°C to 125°C) provide additional performance margin suitable for any application requiring enhanced reliability or temperature performance.

Q: Can I substitute the CAT93C46VI-G with AT93C46DN-SH-B?

A: No. The AT93C46DN-SH-B uses 3-Wire Serial interface protocol, while the CAT93C46VI-G uses Microwire interface. These are incompatible communication protocols and require different circuit implementations. This part is not a suitable substitute.

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