Memory Xplorer Terminology

Last modified by Microchip on 2024/03/26 16:21

Terminology

Here is a list of helpful terms with brief explanations associated with Microchip Memory Xplorer and Microchip’s serial EEPROM devices. Refer to your product datasheet for specifics about your device.

Evaluation Kit

This is the combined USB Base Board and socket board that interfaces to the serial EEPROM device and Memory Xplorer application.
Memory Xplorer Evaluation Kit

USB Base Board

A USB Base Board is a universal adapter board that connects to the socket board using a 5 x 2 header and to the PC via USB.

USB Socket Board for Memory Xplorer

Socket Board

An adapter board that connects the serial EEPROM device to the USB Base Board. These boards are unique per device package and protocol. There are currently two:

I2C evaluation kit: DM160237
SPI evaluation kit: EV20F92A
SWI evaluation kit: CM160232

SOIC Socket Board Top for Memory Xplorer SOIC Socket Board Bottom for Memory Xplorer

Editor Panel

This is Memory Xplorer’s Editor Panel (Home Screen) that includes all the other panels that comprise the tool.

Memory Xplorer Editor Panel (Home Page)

Array Tools Panel

The Array Tools panel shows either the Write Panel or the Read Panel, depending on which operation has been selected using the selector at the top of the panel. It also includes the Write or Read button to initiate the desired operation. See the "Array Tools Panel" section on the "Memory Xplorer Editor Panel" page for details.

Write Panel

This panel provides an interface to perform various write operations to the serial EEPROM device. It is accessed by clicking the Write Selector on top of the Array Tools Panel section. See the "Write Operation" section of the "Memory Xplorer Write, Read and Erase Operations" page for information on how to perform a write operation.

Memory Xplorer Write Panel

Read Panel

This panel provides an interface to perform various read operations from the serial EEPROM device. It is accessed by clicking on Read Selector on top of the Array Tools Panel section. See the "Read Operation" section of the "Memory Xplorer Write, Read and Erase Operations" page for information on how to perform a read operation.

Memory Xplorer Read Panel

Erase Panel

This panel provides an interface to perform various erase operations from the serial EEPROM device. It is accessed by clicking on Erase Selector on top of the Array Tools Panel section. See the "Erase Operation" section of the "Memory Xplorer Write, Read and Erase Operations" page for information on how to perform a erase operation.

Memory Xplorer Erase Panel

Hex Editor

The Hex Editor shows the contents of the various device memories and provides a way to change the contents prior to a write operation. It is updated automatically after read and write operations.

Memory Xplorer HEX Editor

Device Properties Panel

Located in the top right corner of the Editor Panel, it provides information about the selected device as well as links to the product page and to order samples.

Memory Xplorer Device Properties Panel

Extra Features Panels

Extra Features Panels can be individually selected using the icons in the left column of the Editor Panel. These icons provide access to the various device features included in the selected device, e.g. Security Register, Configuration Register, etc. Refer to the product datasheet for available features and definitions. The default is the Array Tools Panel.

Memory Xplorer Extra Features Panel

Event Log

The Event Log is located on the bottom center of the Editor Panel. It displays the various parameter changes, operations and errors Memory Xplorer encounters. It provides a complete history of the current session.

Memory Xplorer Event Log

(Manufacturer) Identification Register

This register is unique to CS device families. It is a 24-bit value that contains the manufacturer, density and revision information. This register contains device identification data in compliance with JEDEC standard for Manufacturer and Device ID Read Methodology.

Memory Xplorer Manufacturer Identification Register

Security Register

The Security Register contains a serial number and user-programmed lockable ID page. The Serial Number and lock status are available by clicking the Security Register icon.

Memory Xplorer Security Register

The entire contents (Serial Number and User Programmable Identification Number) can be viewed by selecting the Security Register tab in the HEX Editor.

Memory Xplorer Serial Number and User Programmable ID Number

Important: The Security Register cannot be unlocked once locked.

Serial Number

The Serial Number is a factory-programmed, read-only serial number. This serial number is unique across all Microchip CS series EEPROM devices. It can read by clicking the Security Register icon in the left column.

Memory Xplorer Serial Number

User Programmable Identification Number

This is a user-programmable, lockable ID page. Devices that support it have dedicated instructions to permanently lock this memory region. It is accessed by clicking the Security Register tab in the HEX Editor. It is all memory locations below the line in the HEX Editor memory view.

Memory Xplorer User Programmable Identification Number

EUI-48, EUI-64

EUI-48™ and EUI-64™ are serial EEPROM devices pre-programmed with a globally unique node address. They are standardized and provided by the IEEE Registration Authority. These identification numbers are located in the last row of memory (0xF8 – 0XFF). They can be viewed by selecting the Main Array tab in the HEX Editor and scrolling to the end of the memory view.

Memory Xplorer EUI

Status Register

Unique to SPI serial EEPROMs, the Status Register provides flags to manage write protection, errors, write operations, etc. Once selected, hovering the mouse over the bit names will highlight the bit value and position in the Status Register.

Memory Xplorer Status Register

Memory Partition Registers

This register can be programmed with an ending address for partitions and configure their behavior.

Memory Xplorer Memory Partition Registers

Configuration Register

Can consist of multiple registers, including Write Protection Register and Hardware Address Register (HAR), etc. It is accessed by clicking the Config Register icon in the left column. Once selected, hovering the mouse over the bit names will highlight the bit value and position in the Configuration Register.

Memory Xplorer Configuration Register

Hardware Address Register (HAR)

The Hardware Address Register (HAR) allows for modification of the hardware client I2C address bits in the device address byte that the device will acknowledge.

Memory Xplorer Hardware Address Register (HAR)

Write Protection Register (WPR)

Some serial EEPROM devices utilize a software sequence that allows a portion or the entire EEPROM to be inhibited from being written to by modifying the contents of the WPR. If desired, the WPR can be set so that it may no longer be modified, thereby making the current protection configuration permanent.

Memory Xplorer Write Protection Register (WPR)

Progress Indicator

After clicking the Write or Read button, Memory Xplorer will display read status by highlighting read rows in the HEX Editor’s memory view. Once the operation is complete, highlights are removed.

Memory Xplorer Progress Indicator