New from Atmel is a self-powered EEPROM which has just two active pins; one for data (SI/O) and the other for earth return(GND), no connection to a supply voltage is necessary. The SI/O signal acts as both data and power line, the EEPROM harvesting power from the data signal during the high time of the protocol sequence. The memory also has a factory-assigned 64-bit unique serial number for each device and with ESD tolerance to IEC 61000-4-2, the SI/O line can be directly accessed from outside the application.

The memory consumes around 700 nA in standby mode with a 200 microamps write cycle and 80 microamp read cycle at 25 ºC. Operational speed is quoted at 125 kbps. The devices use the I2C protocol, allowing up to eight devices on the same bus. The new memory should find a home in the Internet of Things (IoT), wearables, consumable, battery and cable identification applications. The novel power arrangement means that there is also no requirement for external capacitors and rectifiers.

Key Features of the AT21CS01:

• 1Kb Serial EEPROM (128 bytes)
• 64-bit Unique Serial Number
• Single-Wire Interface requiring only two pins to interface the device
• IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4 ESD Rated
• 1,000,000 cycle Write Endurance
• Industrial Grade
• 1.7V to 3.6V Vcc Range
• SOIC, SOT23, and WLCSP Packages

The Atmel AT21CS01 devices are available now in production quantities in 3-lead SOT23, 8-lead SOIC and 4-ball WLCSP. Pricing starts at USD $0.32 in 5,000-piece quantities. The AT21CS11 will be available in Q4, 2015.