Suitable for lithium-ion battery-using devices such as disposable medical devices and electronic cigarettes

Microchip Technology Inc. today announced the availability of a single-wire, 2-pin Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM) device with an operating voltage range of 2.7V to 4.5V.

The AT21CS11 is ideal for identifying and authenticating remote targets in products such as cartridges or cables where electronic component space is limited.

The AT21CS11 has a pre-programmed unique serial number and five EEPROM memory sections. Some or all of the memory sections can be permanently locked by the end equipment manufacturer, allowing product tracking and attachment identification to prevent counterfeiting. This EEPROM is ideal for customers who require product warranty or anti-counterfeiting features and need to ensure that their products continue to operate properly with authorized replacements.

The AT21CS11 is the second single-wire EEPROM released by Microchip. The new device has an operating voltage of up to 4.5 V, making it suitable for use in devices that use lithium-ion batteries, such as disposable medical devices and e-cigarettes.

The AT21CS11 connects to the system via a single input/output (SI/O) wire that provides both communication and power to the component. This allows fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) cable end manufacturers to add key cable characteristic parameters to multiple cable types with just one wire and ground. SI/O wires also enable the implementation of simple two-contact mechanical snap-in or twist-on connectors for disposable devices where 3-, 5-, or 8-wire solutions are not feasible.

EEPROM can be mounted on a detachable cable or cartridge to create an attachment that can be easily identified or authenticated. The device has 1 Kbit of EEPROM memory (four sectors of 256 bits each), a 64-bit serial number, and 128 bits of separate user-programmable tracking memory. This separate memory allows unique identification and operating parameters, such as consumption and usage information, to be added away from the main electronics.

“Microchip continues to lead the EEPROM market across all serial and parallel interfaces,” said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip’s memory products business unit. “Our new single-wire option enables designers to add EEPROM intelligence to remote devices with a truly simple connection.”