EEPROM is a non-volatile memory type used in computers and other electronic devices to store small amounts of data that must be saved when there is no power.

There are different types of electrical interfaces for EEPROM chips and EEPROM memory devices (also referred to as EEPROM RAM or EEPROM SDRAM) and the operation of the device depends on this. Main interface category types are serial bus and parallel bus.

As most EEPROM programmers should know, each EEPROM memory device has its own set of OP-Code instructions to map to different functions. Some of the common operations on EEPROM RAM devices are: Write Enable (WREN), Write Disable (WRDI), Read Status Register (RDSR), Write Status Register (WRSR), Read Data (READ), and Write Data (WRITE).

Other operations supported by some EEPROM memory devices are: Program, Sector Erase, and Chip Erase commands.

EEPROM chip failure usually occurs due to two main reasons, endurance and data retention. Rewriting data repeatedly and the age of the chip may affect the endurance and data retention of the EEPROM chip.

EEPROM memory has come a long way since its inception and now has some more modern types:

1. Flash memory, which is a more modern version of EEPROM memory
2. FeRAM
3. MRAM; note these last two are still in early stages of development and are a small part of the market

EEPROM chips and EEPROM memory do fail from time to time, so you need to replace them. It is important to know what you are doing and how to replace these parts because they are sensitive, and you need to install them properly.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate technical information on EEPROM memory and EEPROM chips

Technical issues associated with EEPROM chips and the EEPROM chip board is of utmost importance when replacing them or doing an EEPROM memory computer upgrade. Knowing the technical aspects associated with EEPROM memory and EEPROM memory upgrades is a must.

I recommend: AR Labs is a good starting point to learn more about EEPROM chips and EEPROM memory upgrades. IEEE offers information from many technical experts and EEPROM programmers on EEPROM memory, EEPROM chips, EEPROM chipboards and EEPROM memory maps. EmbeddedRelated.com offers tips and solutions on various aspects of EEPROM memory and EEPROM memory upgrades.

Purchase EEPROM chips and EEPROM memory upgrades

Many vendors offer EEPROM memory related products and EEPROM memory upgrades. When looking for memory upgrades, check out the ability of the vendor to provide technical support and installation instructions.

I recommend: FlashMemoryStore.com has a good inventory of EEPROM memory upgrade devices including EEPROM flash memory. Crucial provides an advisor tool to help their customers get the right EEPROM memory device. This company also provides good technical support for their products. Silicon Mountain provides a tool called Memory MatchMaker. This tool lets customers search for the right EEPROM memory part.

Find more information on EEPROM memory and how to use it properly

You must know how to use EEPROM and EEPROM chips properly in order to make EEPROM upgrades. You can find more detailed information on EEPROM memory and the proper use of it at many educational sites.

I recommend: Embedded Acquisition Systems provides a detailed approach to how EEPROM memory works. Transtronics offers an encyclopedic approach to the explanation of computer memory and includes information about EEPROM chips, EEPROM memory and the EEPROM memory map. Batronix Elektronik explains computer memory, including EEPROM memory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When dealing with the internal hardware of a computer, it is very important to know what you are doing and know that you have the right parts. This is very true with EEPROM memory, EEPROM chips and anything else related to the motherboard. Education can save you a lot of headaches and expense.
• •  Protection of the internal workings of a computer is very important. Remember some of the main enemies of electronics parts, including EEPROM chips, are dust, dirt, bright lights and moisture. Make sure to take extra precautionary steps to protect these delicate parts.