Random Read

A random read begins in the same way as a byte write operation does to load in a new data word address. This is known as a “dummy write” sequence; however, the data byte and the Stop condition of the byte write must be omitted to prevent the part from entering an internal write cycle. Once the device address and word address are clocked in and acknowledged by the EEPROM, the bus master must generate another Start condition. The bus master now initiates a current address read by sending a Start condition, followed by a valid device address byte with the R/W bit set to logic ‘1’. The EEPROM will ACK the device address and serially clock out the data word on the SDA line. All types of read operations will be terminated if the bus master does not respond with an ACK (it NACKs) during the ninth clock cycle. After the NACK response, the master may send a Stop condition to complete the protocol, or it can send a Start condition to begin the next sequence.

Figure 1. Random Read