Reading And Writing Serial EEPROMs - Sparkfun Learn

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

This is an I2C, 256Kbit, Serial Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM), capable of operation across a 2.5V to 5.5V range.

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)

COM-10969

Nothing stops a project dead in its tracks faster than not having the right resistor. These components are arguably the most …

$10.50

Breadboard - Self-Adhesive (White)

PRT-12002

This is your tried and true white solderless breadboard. It has 2 power buses, 10 columns, and 30 rows - a total of 400 tie i…

$6.25

SparkFun RedBoard - Programmed with Arduino

DEV-13975

The SparkFun RedBoard combines the simplicity of the UNO's Optiboot bootloader, the stability of the FTDI, and the shield com…

$22.50

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

PRT-12795

These are 6" long jumper wires with male connectors on both ends. Use these to jumper from any female header on any board, to…

$2.95

SparkFun USB Mini-B Cable - 6 Foot

CAB-11301

This is a USB 2.0 type A to Mini-B 5-pin cable. You know, the mini-B connector that usually comes with USB Hubs, Cameras, MP3…

$5.50

I2C EEPROM - 256k Bit (24LC256)

COM-00525

This is an I2C, 256Kbit, Serial Electrically Erasable PROM (EEPROM), capable of operation across a 2.5V to 5.5V range.

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.