One-wire EEPROM Needs No Power

SEATTLE — Atmel Corp. has released its first new memory chip in more than a decade, a serial EEPROM that needs only a data line and ground. It derives all the power it needs from its interface with the MCU host. The device targets applications such as electronic cable identification, wearable IoT devices, and consumable products needing electronic identification.

The AT21CS01/11 series devices provide 1024 bits of storage organized as four, 32-byte zones, each of which can be individually write protected to make them tamper-proof. In addition, the devices offer a 64-bit security register factory-programmed with a unique serial number, and a 16-byte user-programmable register that can both also be write-protected. The device's power requirements typically call for 700 nA standby current, 80 µA read current, and 200 µA write current at 25°C,. As many as eight devices can be accessed on a single bus.

"There is a need for small memory devices to store key information," said Atmel's strategic marketing manager, Bryce Morgan, in an interview with EE Times. "They are used in market segments like consumables and wearables, where space is a premium as is power. These devices address that need with more features and one-third less power than competitive devices." He also points out that these devices have greater write tolerance, up to one million write cycles even at 85°C.
Two versions of the EEPROM will be available. The AT21CS01 targets low-voltage operation with voltage sources between 1.7V and 3.6V. The AT21CS11 targets operation with Li-Ion or polymer battery sources, operating between 2.7V and 4.5V. Both devices offer ESD protection to IEC 61000-4-2 Level 4: 8kV contact and 15kV air discharge. The AT21CS01 devices are in production now in 3-lead SOT23, 8-lead SOIC and 4-ball WLCSP packages with pricing starting at USD $0.32 in 5,000-piece quantities. Wafer-scale packaging can also be arranged. The AT21CS11 will be available in Q4, 2015.

http://www.eetimes.com/document.asp?doc_id=1327383