Using EEPROM with Arduino - Internal & External

Today we will learn how to use EEPROM with an Arduino to add nonvolatile memory to our projects.

Nonvolatile memory refers to memory that retains its data even after being powered down. While there are many ways to accomplish this one of the simplest is by using EEPROM - Electrically Erasable Read-Only Memory.

The Arduino already has some EEPROM built-in, not too much, but for many applications it will be more than enough. You can use it to retain settings in your project. If you need more nonvolatile memory you can add an external EEPROM chip.

Today I will show you how to do both.

The Arduino's internal EEPROM is very easy to work with, thanks to the EEPROM library included within the Arduino IDE. The library comes with several small example sketches, and we’ll see how to use those sketches in our first demo.

We will also work with the AT24LC256, also called just the 24LC256 or 24C256. It’s an EEPROM chip that can store 256 Kilobits (or 32 KB) of data, and it uses the I2C bus for easy interfacing.

We will use the external EEPROM to record servo motor movements and then play them back. This would be perfect for an automated display. Of course, you can build upon the sample code to add EEPROM to almost any project.

Here is what we will cover today:

00:00 - Introduction
02:46 - Understanding EEPROMs
07:16 - Using Internal EEPROM
16:02 - Using External EEPROM

I’ll also cover some of the limitations of using EEPROMs, they are not entirely perfect. The biggest limitation is that they have a limited number of write operations, I’ll show you how you can reduce writes to the internal EEPROM by using the ”update” method.
I hope you enjoy the video!

[jacquesmertens]

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Keep up the good work.

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[brigosx]

Welcome back Bill. It's nice to see you again in Workshop. You inspire us man. Thank you !!!

[ReneStover]

Thank you for the great instruction, I taught electronics for 13 years, worked in the field altogether for 49 years, never had the opportunity to work on my own projects, and never worked with memory, other than using it in computers. I purchased a couple of Arduino Unos and parts kits, and have been meaning to get into learning how to use them in some projects. You have given me the drive to go ahead with my dreams, thank you!

[stevetobias]

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[WatchesTrainsAmdRockets]

If you are using the Tiny RTC module, there is an eeprom module available there also. According to the source that I found when researching why the address scan showed two for the Tiny RTC: "The clock doesn't use the EEPROM at all, it's just there as a convenient place to log data if you so desire".

[musaadejoshuaibuopaluwa]

I missed your videos. Welcome back and I hope your videos will keep coming in. Thank you and welcome back

[Dalamain]

fantastic video - you explain everything in full detail, thanks dronebot!

[janetmccusker]

Welcome back Bill, was waiting for your new video.

On one of your earlier vids you mentioned using multiple I2C Masters.

That would be very useful and I hope you make the video soon.

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[raymondmichael]

this is perfect but more importantly, it is you sir, the video description gives the big picture about the video not some "sit & dig in to find out" kind of videos, thanks; especially the last part of the description, thanks again.


Greetings from Tanzania

[bluescream]

So great to have you back and again a super kristal-clear video. It would be so nice if could give 2 thumbs up! Thanks for sharing your knowledge !

[kellyklaasksu]

Great video! I'm just learning so all this stuff you show is new to me. Thanks for taking the time to do these videos!