DS2401 Description
The DS2401 is a low-cost silicon serial number IC designed to provide an absolutely unique electronic identity for products, systems, and embedded equipment. It integrates a factory-programmed 64-bit ROM, consisting of a unique 48-bit serial number, an 8-bit Family Code (01h), and an 8-bit CRC for data integrity verification.
One of the key advantages of the DS2401 is its implementation of the 1-Wire communication protocol, which requires only a single data line and a ground connection for operation. The device is powered directly from the data line through parasitic power technology. As an enhanced successor to the DS2400, the DS2401 maintains full backward compatibility while adding multi-drop support, allowing multiple devices to share the same 1-Wire bus.
DS2401 Operation
The DS2401’s internal ROM is accessed via a single data line. The 48-bit serial number, 8-bit family code and 8-bit CRC are retrieved using the 1-Wire protocol. This protocol defines bus transactions in terms of the bus state during specified time slots that are initiated on the falling edge of sync pulses from the bus controller. All data is read and written least significant bit first.
DS2401 1-Wire Bus System
The 1-Wire bus is a system which has a single bus controller system and one or more peripherals. In all instances, the DS2401 is a peripheral device. The bus controller is typically a microcontroller. The discussion of this bus system is broken down into three topics: hardware configuration, transaction sequence, and 1-Wire signaling (signal type and timing).
DS2401 Bus Controller Circuit
OPEN DRAIN
STANDARD TTL
DS2401 Key Specifications
Below is the main technical specs about DS2401+.
Parameter | Value |
Part Number | DS2401+ |
Description | IC SILICON SERIAL NUMBER TO92-3 |
Lead Free Status / RoHS Status | Lead free / RoHS Compliant |
Type | Silicon Serial Number |
Part Status | Active |
Manufacturer | Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated |
Communication Interface | 1-Wire® |
Power Supply Voltage | 2.8V – 6.0V |
Operating Temperature | -40°C ~ +85°C |
Mounting Type | Through Hole |
Package | TO-92-3 |
Base Product Number | DS2401 |
DS2401 Pin Configurations
Pin 1: GND — Ground
Pin 2: Data / DQ — Bidirectional 1-Wire data input/output pin, also used for parasite power supply.
Pin 3: NC (No Connection) — Internally not connected; typically left floating during PCB layout.
DS2401 Features and Benefits
l Guaranteed Unique 64-Bit ROM ID Chip for Absolute Traceability
- Unique, 64-Bit Registration Number (8-Bit Family Code + 48-Bit Serial Number + 8-Bit CRC Tester)
- 8-Bit Family Code Specifies DS2401 Communications Requirements to Reader
l Minimalist 1-Wire® Interface Lowers Cost and Interface Complexity
- Multiple DS2401 Devices Can Reside on a Common 1-Wire Net
- Built-In Multidrop Controller Ensures Compatibility with Other 1-Wire Net Products
- Reduces Control, Address, Data, and Power to a Single Pin and Communicates at up to 16.3kbps
- Presence Pulse Acknowledges When the Reader First Applies Voltage
- Low-Cost TO-92, SOT-223, and TSOC Surface-Mount Packages
- TO-92 Tape-and-Reel Version with Leads Bent to 100-mil Spacing (Default) or with Straight Leads (DS2401-SL)
l Wide Voltage and Temperature Operating Ranges Enables Robust System Performance
- Extended 2.8V to 6.0V Range (DS2401)
- Zero Standby Power Required
- -40°C to +85°C Industrial Temperature Range
DS2401 Applications
DS2401 provides a low-cost, non-replicable, and configuration-free hardware-level unique ID system. Therefore, it is widely used as a fundamental identification solution in PCB management, device tracking, network node identification, product authentication, and embedded system management.
1. PCB Identification
DS2401 is commonly soldered onto PCBs to serve as a unique hardware identity (Hardware ID) for each circuit board.
l Unique board-level identification at production stage
l SMT manufacturing traceability management
l Binding of test data to specific boards
l Repair and return tracking for lifecycle management
2. Network Node ID
In distributed systems and industrial networks, DS2401 is used as a unique identity source for network nodes, enabling differentiation between devices or communication nodes.
l IoT device network identity assignment
l Distributed sensor network node numbering
l Edge computing device identity management
3. Equipment Registration
DS2401 is widely used in equipment registration and asset management systems as a hardware-based “digital identity card” for devices.
l Asset onboarding and warehouse registration
l Equipment lifecycle tracking and management
l Maintenance and service record binding
l Prevention of duplicate or counterfeit registration
4. Product Authentication
DS2401 serves as a hardware-based anti-counterfeiting chip used to verify whether a product is genuine and factory-original.
l Original spare parts verification
l Anti-counterfeit identification systems
l Hardware-based software licensing binding
l Authentication of high-value products
5. Embedded System Identification (System-Level ID)
In embedded systems, DS2401 functions as a system-level unique hardware identifier used to distinguish individual device instances.
l Industrial control boards (MCU / PLC systems)
l IoT terminal device identity binding
l Firmware authorization and device locking
l Cloud-based device provisioning and registration
Reading Serial from DS-2401 Using Arduino Uno
FAQs
What is DS2401+?
The DS2401 is a silicon serial number device designed to provide a permanently programmed and globally unique 64-bit identification code. The “+” suffix does not indicate any functional difference; it simply identifies the newer RoHS-compliant, lead-free version of the device. The DS2401+ meets current environmental and regulatory requirements for lead-free electronic components.
What is DS2401 used for?
DS2401 is mainly used as a unique electronic identification chip for devices and systems. It provides a factory-programmed 64-bit ID, making it ideal for PCB identification, asset tracking, network node ID, and product authentication.
Can multiple DS2401 devices share the same bus?
Yes. DS2401 supports multi-drop 1-Wire communication, allowing multiple devices to operate on a single data line without address conflicts.
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