Integrating Secure and Unique Device Identification with the Microchip 24AA02UID-I/SN

In the rapidly expanding universe of the Internet of Things (IoT) and connected devices, establishing a secure and unique identity for each node is a fundamental requirement. The Microchip 24AA02UID-I/SN addresses this critical need by combining a reliable 2Kbit serial EEPROM memory with a pre-programmed, globally unique EUI-48™ node identity. This integration simplifies design, enhances security, and streamlines network management for a vast array of applications.

This device is built on a robust I2C serial interface, ensuring easy connectivity to a host microcontroller with minimal pin requirements. The 2Kbit memory array, organized as 256 x 8-bit bytes, provides ample non-volatile storage for application data, configuration parameters, or system settings. It features a page write buffer for up to 16 bytes of data and supports both Standard (100 kHz) and Fast (400 kHz) I2C modes, offering design flexibility.

The defining feature of the 24AA02UID is its factory-programmed 64-bit unique identifier. This immutable value consists of a 24-bit company ID assigned by the IEEE® and a 40-bit unique extension identifier. This EUI-48™ Node Identity guarantees that every device on a network can be distinctly recognized, which is paramount for:

Preventing address conflicts in network protocols.

Establishing secure authentication and encryption keys.

Enabling robust asset tracking and management.

Simplifying device provisioning and commissioning in large-scale deployments.

Housed in a space-saving 8-lead SOIC package, the device is characterized for industrial temperature ranges (-40°C to +85°C), making it suitable for demanding environments. Its low power consumption is ideal for battery-powered applications.

ICGOOODFIND: The Microchip 24AA02UID-I/SN is an optimal solution for designers seeking to embed a hardware-based, unclonable identity into their systems. It effectively eliminates the complexity and cost of programming unique IDs during manufacturing, thereby accelerating time-to-market and significantly bolstering network security and manageability.

Keywords: Unique Identifier, I2C EEPROM, EUI-48, Node Identity, Secure Authentication.