Atmel EEPROM needs just two pins, one wire

Atmel has designed a self-powered EEPROM, the AT21CS01, which requires only two-pins—a data pin and ground pin – for operation.

As the devices are self-powered, there is no need for a power source or Vcc pin, with a parasitic power scheme over the data pin.

These single-wire EEPROMs have a specified power standby of 700nA, 200µA for write current, and 80µA for read current at 25 deg C.

The AT21CS01/11 products include a product identification with a plug-and-play 64-bit unique serial number in every device. According to the supplier this means the memory chip can be used with wearable and internet-connected healthcare devices.

The chips have an electrostatic discharge (ESD) rating (IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD Compliant).

Padam Singh, director of marketing, memory products, Atmel, writes:

“Our new Single-Wire EEPROM family makes it convenient to add serial EEPROM using just one-pin from the MCU/MPU without the need to route the Vcc to the device. In addition, the plug-and-play 64-bit serial number is the easiest way to add identification to various accessories and consumables.”

The AT21CS01 devices offer a security register with a 64-bit factory programmed serial number and an extra 16-bytes of user programmable and permanently lockable storage.

The devices use the I2C protocol and up to eight devices can be connected on the same bus.

There are two variants of the device available to support different voltage requirements. Atmel’s AT21CS01 is targeted for low-voltage applications operating at 1.7V- 3.6V.

For applications that require higher voltage ranges such as Li-Ion/polymer batteries, the AT21CS11 will support 2.7V- 4.5V operating range and is the ideal product to meet IEEE1725 specifications for electronic identification of battery packs.

The Atmel AT21CS01 devices are available now in production quantities in 3-lead SOT23, 8-lead SOIC and 4-ball WLCSP. The AT21CS11 will be available in Q4, 2015.