Reading and Writing Serial EEPROMs

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Contributors: Nate, Nick Poole
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Introduction

NOTE: Users with the Qwiic EEPROM, will want to check out the Qwiic EEPROM Hookup Guide.

EEPROM, or Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory, is a type of device that allows you to store small chunks of data and retrieve it later even if the device has been power cycled. A lot of modern microcontrollers – such as the ATmega328 – contain some built-in EEPROM, but that doesn't mean that you can't add more! Serial EEPROM devices like the Microchip 24-series EEPROM allow you to add more memory to any device that can speak I²C. Today we're going to learn how to read and write serial EEPROM devices using Arduino.

Library Now Available: We've created an External EEPROM Library for Arduino that makes reading and writing an EEPROM easy. This tutorial is still very good knowledge and background to have. Please read then consider using the library.

I2C EEPROM - 256k Bit (24LC256)

COM-00525
1 Retired

Required Materials

To follow along with this tutorial, you will need the following materials. You may not need everything though depending on what you have. Add it to your cart, read through the guide, and adjust the cart as necessary.

Resistor Kit - 1/4W (500 total)

Resistor Kit - 1/4W (500 total)

COM-10969
$8.95
187
SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

DEV-13975
$21.50
49
Breadboard - Self-Adhesive (White)

Breadboard - Self-Adhesive (White)

PRT-12002
$5.50
48
Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/M, 20 pack)

Jumper Wires - Connected 6" (M/M, 20 pack)

PRT-12795
$2.10
2
SparkFun USB Mini-B Cable - 6 Foot

SparkFun USB Mini-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-11301
$4.50
3

I2C EEPROM - 256k Bit (24LC256)

COM-00525
1 Retired

Suggested Reading

Before continuing with this guide, we recommend you be somewhat familiar with the concepts in the following tutorials:

How to Use a Breadboard

Welcome to the wonderful world of breadboards. Here we will learn what a breadboard is and how to use one to build your very first circuit.

What is an Arduino?

What is this 'Arduino' thing anyway? This tutorials dives into what an Arduino is and along with Arduino projects and widgets.

Integrated Circuits

An introduction to integrated circuits (ICs). Electronics' ubiquitous black chips. Includes a focus on the variety of IC packages.

I2C

An introduction to I2C, one of the main embedded communications protocols in use today.