Let's Workshop: LC Technology AT24C64 EEPROM Memory Module

Here is a quick introduction to using the LC Tech AT24C64 EEPROM memory module. This will provide you with an entry point to using a memory module that will save data and store it when power is removed.

This example will demonstrate the use of an Arduino UNO in selecting the module from the i2c bus and storing a string of characters at a defined memory location. Once stored, it will read back the message. This will use the AT24CX library created by Christan Paul to interface with the chipset and provide memory functions.

Components

• 1pcs Arduino UNO or Compatible - LCAA100005
• 1pcs LC Tech AT24C64 EEPROM Memory Module - BFAA100004
• 4pcs Male to Female Jumper Cables - GBAA100002

Wiring

Wire the two boards together as can be seen in the image below, taking care to match the pin numbers.

Coding

The code consists of an include, definitions, initialisation, setup and loop. First the Wire.h standard library and the AT24CX library is linked to the code. This is followed by the definition of the i2c address and pagesize which are then used to initialise a memory object. Launching the serial monitor provides a method to debug our output. In the loop we first define the address, message and message size that is required to write it to the memory module. With all the entered variables the message is written to the memory using the writeChars function. With the message stored, we now define the read variables before reading the message stored at the address. This is done with the readChars function the result of which is stored in the read_msg array and then printed to the serial monitor. A final while catch is put in to restrict the loop to a single run.

Load the code below into the Arduino IDE and upload it to your board.

/*
  A simple program designed to setup and demonstrate the AT24CX library and 
  LC Tech AT24C64 Memory Module - BFAA100004

  The program uses the AT24CX library to initialise the AT24C64 chipset and
  writes a message to it before reading it back.
  
  modified 28 March 2019
  by Sebastian Karam - Flux Workshop
  
  The AT24CX library created by Christian Paul
  https://github.com/cyberp/AT24Cx
*/ 

#include  // include the Wire library
#include  // include the AT24CX library

// edit the i2c address you have set your eeprom headers to (usually 0 - 8)
byte i2caddress = 0; // 0 is the default

//Model     Pagesize
//AT24C32   32
//AT24C64   32
//AT24C128  64
//AT24C256  64
//AT24C512  128

// edit the pagesize based on the chipset you are using
byte pagesize = 32;

// initialise an eeprom object with our settings
AT24CX mem(i2caddress, pagesize);

void setup() {
  // serial init
  Serial.begin(9600); // initialise the serial connection
}

void loop() {
  int write_mem_address = 0; // define the location in the memory to begin writing
  char write_msg[] = "Flux Workshop"; // define a series of characters
  int write_msg_size = sizeof(write_msg); // calculate the size of the message
  
  mem.writeChars(write_mem_address, write_msg, write_msg_size); // store the message in the module

  int read_mem_address = 0; // define the location in the memory to begin reading
  char read_msg[20]; // define an array to store the read message
  int read_msg_size = sizeof(read_msg); // calculate the size of the read_msg array
  
  mem.readChars(read_mem_address , read_msg, read_msg_size); // read the characters beginning at the address
  
  Serial.print(read_msg);
  
  while (1==1) {} // set the loop to only run once
}

Running

With the board loaded with the program and all the connections made the serial monitor will very simply display the message that we stored on the module.

What to try next?

• Store a variable that will be accessed after you restart the Arduino
• Store a large amount of data and map it for later access
• Use multiple EEPROM modules on different i2c addresses