Saving bits w/o power

[M2Gu]

I've got a small application where I need to save say about 8-bits of data (8 items either on or off). The kicker is the device is designed to be powered down, but I need to have the same 8-bits of data on or off. All of the EEPROM seems the way to go, but most are like several KBytes and somewhat complicated to use.

Anyone got an easier way?

 

[felixc]

Look at Ramtron. They have ferroelectric devices like an 8-bit latch that keeps its data after a power down.

 

[sreid]

This is kind of ugly but magnetic latching relays don't need power to save their state. I've used them to save Fault information even though the fault powered down the eqipment.

 

[IRstuff]

what about a serial eeprom? they have 1k devices

TTFN

 

[M2Gu]

Yes, I agree that a serial eeprom will be the way to go. Only problem now is I have no idea how to use it. Anyone have a goog tutorial?

 

[melone]

Find a device and read the spec / app notes.