DS1973 4 Kbit EEPROM iButton
4 Kbit rewritable EEPROM with 142 kbit/s Overdrive — no battery.
512 bytes of rewritable EEPROM in sixteen 256-bit pages, with a 256-bit scratchpad and a strict copy protocol for data integrity. Overdrive mode reaches 142 kbit/s for fast bulk read and write. Battery-free and powered from the bus; shares its die with the DS2433 chip. Suited to carrying manufacturing "electronic traveler" records and calibration constants.
Ordering information
| MOQ | Confirmed by model and order when quoting |
|---|---|
| Preparation time | Availability and lead time are confirmed by model and order when quoting |
| Packing | Confirm pack quantity, protection and labelling for the selected model. |
| Samples | Sample quantity, fees and shipping are confirmed for the selected model. |
| Payment | Agree payment terms and the payee in the quotation and invoice. |
| Shipping | Confirm the shipping method, cost and timing for your destination and order. |
| Customization | State ROM, colour, marking and packing needs; feasibility and cost require confirmation. |
Rewritable memory with no battery
512 bytes of rewritable EEPROM is sixteen times a DS1971 and four times a DS1972 — and unlike the NV RAM parts it needs no lithium cell, so there is no cell to go flat in storage. Overdrive mode is designed to read or fill the whole array quickly, which matters on a production line reading many tokens an hour. It suits manufacturing "electronic traveller" records, calibration constants and per-unit configuration that must ship with the part and stay readable later (retention per the original manufacturer's datasheet; confirm for the supplied version).
Key features
- Original DS1973 reference: 4,096-bit EEPROM, equivalent to 512 bytes.
- Original memory is arranged in 256-bit pages with a 256-bit scratchpad; Overdrive is available with a supporting host.
- For replacement, verify the full memory map and write/readback behaviour; matching the can or ROM ID is insufficient.
Specifications
| Chip / compatibility | DS1973 · family code 23h · chip-form DS2433 |
|---|---|
| Memory | 4 Kbit EEPROM (16 pages × 256 bits) + 256-bit scratchpad |
| Protocol | 1-Wire, 16.3 kbit/s standard, 142 kbit/s Overdrive |
| Package | Stainless MicroCan, F3 / F5 size — designed for demanding application environments (confirm for the supplied version) |
| Operating temperature | −40 to +85 °C; 2.8–6.0 V — per the original manufacturer's datasheet; confirm for the supplied version |
| Options | Colour, marking and other customization options: feasibility, MOQ and cost are confirmed in the quote. |
Product dimensions
Inside the stainless can
Typical construction of this can format: a stainless-steel shell, an insulating grommet separating lid from base, and the chip bonded inside. Lid = data contact, base = ground return. Wall thickness, grommet material and other construction details: confirm for the supplied version.
Which memory iButton do you need?
The whole memory range side by side, grouped by storage technology — capacities and family codes per the Analog Devices datasheets.
| Model | Family code | Capacity | Memory technology | Pick it for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DS1971 | 14h | 256 bit + 64-bit OTP | EEPROM — battery-free | Asset tag: a locked ID beside rewritable data |
| DS1972 | 2Dh | 1 Kbit (128 B) | EEPROM — battery-free | Per-page write-protect or EPROM-emulation modes |
| DS1973 | 23h | 4 Kbit (512 B) | EEPROM — battery-free | Battery-free rewritable memory (4 Kbit); production travellers |
| DS1982 | 09h | 1 Kbit (128 B) | EPROM — add-only; written data is not erasable (per datasheet) | Add-only records such as checkpoints and certificates |
| DS1985 | 0Bh | 16 Kbit (2 KB) | EPROM — add-only; written data is not erasable (per datasheet) | Append-only service history (16 Kbit) |
| DS1992 / DS1993 | 08h / 06h | 1 Kbit / 4 Kbit | NV RAM — battery-backed, high write endurance (per datasheet) | Data that changes constantly on the key |
| DS1996 | 0Ch | 64 Kbit (8 KB) | NV RAM — battery-backed, high write endurance (per datasheet) | Portable database — 64 Kbit NV RAM |
| DS1994 | 04h | 4 Kbit + RTC | NV RAM + clock, timer, counter, alarms | Time- or usage-limited access with the expiry held in the key |
| DS1904L | 24h | No user memory | Real-time clock only | Give a microcontroller a real-time timebase |
| DS1991 | 02h | 1152 bit = 3 × 384 bit | Secure NV RAM — three password zones | Legacy multi-tenant systems (not for new secure designs) |
| DS1961S | 33h | 1 Kbit + 64-bit secret | EEPROM + SHA-1 challenge–response | Authentication: proves it knows a secret (assess cloning risk for your own system) |
Typical applications
Frequently asked questions
How much battery-free memory does the DS1973 offer?
Per the original manufacturer's datasheet, 512 bytes of rewritable EEPROM in sixteen 256-bit pages: sixteen times a DS1971 and four times a DS1972, with no lithium cell to go flat on a shelf. Confirm for the supplied version.
How fast can a production line read or fill it?
Per the original manufacturer's datasheet, Overdrive mode runs at up to 142 kbit/s; the actual time to read or write the 4 Kbit array depends on your host hardware and software, so time a sample on your own line. A 256-bit scratchpad and a copy protocol are intended to protect data integrity; confirm for the supplied version.
What is it typically used to carry?
Typical uses are manufacturing "electronic traveller" records, calibration constants and per-unit configuration that ship with the product and need to stay readable for years; confirm the retention figure for the supplied version.
Related products
DS1991 MultiKey iButton
Three password-protected 384-bit subkeys in one button.
DS1992 / DS1993 Memory iButton
1 Kb and 4 Kb NV RAM tokens for carrying data on the key.
DS1996 64 Kb Memory iButton
The large-memory token — 64 Kb of rewritable NV RAM.
DS1961S SHA-1 Authentication iButton
1 Kb EEPROM with on-chip SHA-1 challenge–response.