Encyclopedia Entry: 93AA46B/WF15K

Product Overview

Category

The 93AA46B/WF15K belongs to the category of electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) chips.

Use

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

Characteristics

• Non-volatile: The 93AA46B/WF15K retains stored data even when power is removed.
• Electrically erasable: Data can be erased and reprogrammed electronically, without requiring physical removal of the chip.
• High storage capacity: The 93AA46B/WF15K has a storage capacity of 4 kilobits (512 bytes).
• Low power consumption: This chip operates on low power, making it suitable for battery-powered devices.
• Small package size: The 93AA46B/WF15K is available in a compact package, enabling integration into space-constrained designs.

Package and Quantity

The 93AA46B/WF15K is typically packaged in a small surface-mount package, such as a SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) or TSSOP (Thin Shrink Small Outline Package). It is commonly supplied in reels or tubes, with quantities ranging from hundreds to thousands per package.

Specifications

• Memory Capacity: 4 kilobits (512 bytes)
• Interface: Serial (SPI - Serial Peripheral Interface)
• Operating Voltage: 2.5V to 5.5V
• Operating Temperature Range: -40°C to +85°C
• Write Endurance: 1 million cycles
• Data Retention: 200 years

Pin Configuration

The 93AA46B/WF15K features an 8-pin configuration:

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 microcontroller.
4. Serial Data Output (SO): Transmits data to the microcontroller.
5. Write Protect (/WP): Allows write protection of the memory.
6. VCC: Power supply voltage.
7. Ground (GND): Common ground reference.
8. Hold (/HOLD): Suspends ongoing operations temporarily.

Functional Features

• Sequential Read and Write: The 93AA46B/WF15K supports sequential read and write operations, allowing efficient access to stored data.
• Software Protection: Write protection can be enabled using the Write Protect (/WP) pin, preventing accidental modification of stored data.
• Self-Timed Programming: The chip automatically manages the timing of erase and write cycles, simplifying the programming process.
• High-Speed SPI Interface: The Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) enables fast data transfer between the chip and the microcontroller.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

• Non-volatile storage ensures data retention even during power loss.
• Electrically erasable and reprogrammable, eliminating the need for physical replacement.
• Compact package size allows integration into space-constrained designs.
• Low power consumption extends battery life in portable devices.

Disadvantages

• Limited storage capacity compared to other memory technologies.
• Relatively slower write speeds compared to some alternative memory solutions.

Working Principles

The 93AA46B/WF15K utilizes EEPROM technology, which employs a floating gate transistor structure to store and retrieve data. When data is written, an electrical charge is trapped in the floating gate, altering the transistor's behavior. This charge can be removed during the erase cycle, allowing the transistor to return to its original state. The stored charge represents the binary information that can be read by the microcontroller.

Application Field Plans

The 93AA46B/WF15K finds applications in various fields, including: - Automotive electronics: Used for storing vehicle configuration data and firmware updates. - Industrial automation: Enables parameter storage and device configuration in control systems. - Consumer electronics: Utilized in devices like smart TVs, set-top boxes, and gaming consoles for data storage and firmware updates. - Medical devices: Stores patient information, calibration data, and device settings in medical equipment.

Alternative Models

Several alternative models with similar functionality to the 93AA46B/WF15K include: - 93LC46B/WF15K - 25AA040A/WF15K - AT24C04/WF15K

These alternatives offer comparable specifications and pin configurations, providing flexibility in design choices.

In conclusion, the 93AA46B/WF15K is a compact EEPROM chip with a storage capacity of 4 kilobits. It offers non-volatile data storage, low power consumption, and software protection features. While it has limitations in terms of storage capacity and write speed, it