8.2 Random Read within the EEPROM

A random read begins in the same way as a byte write operation, which will load a new EEPROM memory address into the Address Pointer. However, instead of sending the data byte and Stop condition of the byte write, a repeated Start condition is sent to the device. This sequence is referred to as a “dummy write”. After the device address and memory address bytes of the “dummy write” have been sent, the AT21CS01/AT21CS11 will return an ACK response. The host can then initiate a current address read, beginning with a new Start condition, to read data from the EEPROM. Refer to Figure 8-2 for details on how to perform a current address read.