Encyclopedia Entry: 93LC46B-E/SN

Product Overview

Category

The 93LC46B-E/SN belongs to the category of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips.

Use

This chip is commonly used for non-volatile data storage in various electronic devices, such as microcontrollers, computers, and consumer electronics.

Characteristics

• Electrically erasable: The 93LC46B-E/SN allows for easy erasure and rewriting of data without requiring physical removal.
• Programmable: Users can write and modify data stored in the chip.
• Non-volatile: The data remains intact even when power is disconnected.
• Small form factor: The chip is compact and suitable for integration into space-constrained devices.

Package and Quantity

The 93LC46B-E/SN is available in a small outline integrated circuit (SOIC) package. It is typically sold in reels or tubes containing multiple units.

Specifications

• Memory capacity: 1 kilobit (128 bytes)
• Operating voltage: 2.5V to 5.5V
• Data retention: Up to 200 years
• Write endurance: 1 million write cycles
• Communication interface: Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI)

Pin Configuration

The chip has a total of 8 pins, each serving a specific function: 1. Chip Select (/CS): Enables communication with the chip. 2. Serial Clock (SCK): Provides the clock signal for data transfer. 3. Serial Data Input (SI): Receives data from the external device. 4. Serial Data Output (SO): Transmits data to the external device. 5. Write Enable (/W): Controls the write operation. 6. VCC: Power supply input. 7. Ground (GND): Common ground connection. 8. Not Used (NC): No connection.

Functional Features

• High-speed data transfer: The chip supports fast serial communication, allowing for efficient data transfer.
• Hardware write protection: The /W pin can be used to prevent accidental or unauthorized writes to the memory.
• Low power consumption: The 93LC46B-E/SN is designed to operate with minimal power requirements, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.
• Self-timed programming cycle: The chip automatically manages the timing of write and erase operations, simplifying the programming process.

Advantages

• Compact size enables integration into small electronic devices.
• Easy and convenient data modification without physical removal.
• Long data retention period ensures reliable storage.
• High endurance allows for frequent write operations.
• Compatibility with the widely-used SPI interface simplifies integration.

Disadvantages

• Limited memory capacity may not be sufficient for certain applications.
• Relatively slower data transfer compared to some other memory technologies.
• Vulnerable to electrical noise and interference during data transfer.

Working Principles

The 93LC46B-E/SN utilizes a floating gate transistor structure to store data. When writing data, an electric charge is applied to the floating gate, altering its electrical characteristics. This change in charge determines the stored data value. During read operations, the charge on the floating gate is measured to retrieve the stored data.

Application Field Plans

The 93LC46B-E/SN finds application in various fields, including: 1. Microcontroller-based systems requiring non-volatile memory storage. 2. Computer motherboards for storing system configuration data. 3. Consumer electronics like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles for firmware storage. 4. Automotive electronics for storing critical data such as calibration settings.

Alternative Models

For those seeking alternatives to the 93LC46B-E/SN, the following models provide similar functionality: 1. AT24C01A by Atmel 2. CAT24C01 by ON Semiconductor 3. M93C46 by STMicroelectronics

In conclusion, the 93LC46B-E/SN is a compact and versatile EEPROM chip that offers electrically erasable and programmable non-volatile memory storage. Its high endurance, low power consumption, and compatibility with the SPI interface make it suitable for various applications in the electronics industry.

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