Microchip's serial EEPROMs support 10 to 100kHz in 3-pin SOT-23

Microchip announced a 10-member family of serial EEPROM devices with a single I/O bus interface based on its UNI/O memory-device protocol. The 11XX010, 11XX020, 11XX040, 11XX080 and 11XX160 are the first single I/O EEPROM devices that support any data rate from 10 kHz to 100 kHz; and the only 1 Kbit, 2 Kbit, 4 Kbit, 8 Kbit and 16 Kbit EEPROMs available in a 3-pin SOT-23 package (in addition to other higher pin count packages). The devices and bus are positioned to help designers reduce system size and cost.

The UNI/O bus and EEPROM devices were developed in response to market trends toward smaller consumer-electronic products with more features and functionality. Only one I/O port is needed for communication between the EEPROM device and the microcontroller (MCU) so a smaller MCU can be used, which reduces overall design size. This also means that smaller connectors can be used—a single I/O reduces the number of signals needed for communication with the EEPROM—which enables the use of a lower pin count connector.

The company stresses that small doesn't mean low tech. Advanced features typically on larger or more expensive devices, include status registers; software write protection for ¼, ½ or full array; noise filtering, and robust ESD protection for the highest reliability.

Applications include portable/handheld and battery-powered devices. The 1 Kbit through 16 Kbit devices are offered in two versions--the 11LCXX0 versions operate from 2.5V to 5.5V, and the 11AAXX0 versions operate from 1.8V to 5.5V. All of the 11XX010, 11XX020, 11XX040, 11XX080 and 11XX160 memory devices are available in 3-pin SOT-23 packages; as well as 8-pin PDIP, MSOP, SOIC and 2 x 3 mm TDFN packages. Pricing by density is $0.22 each for the 11XX010 devices; $0.23 each for the 11XX020 devices; $0.25 each for the 11XX040 devices; $0.28 each for the 11XX080 devices; and $0.31 each for the 11XX160 devices, all in 10,000-unit quantities. Samples of the 11XX160 EEPROM devices are available today at HTUhttp://sample.microchip.comUTH, and volume-production quantities of these devices can be ordered today at HTUwww.microchipdirect.comUTH. Samples of the 11XX010, 11XX020, 11XX040 and 11XX080 devices are expected to be available at HTUhttp://sample.microchip.comUTH in June, and volume-production quantities can be ordered in June at HTUwww.microchipdirect.comUTH.