The DS2401 enhanced silicon serial number is a low-cost, electronic registration number that provides an absolutely unique identity which can be determined with a minimal electronic interface (typically, a single port pin of a microcontroller). The DS2401 consists of a 64-bit ROM that includes a unique 48-bit serial number, an 8-bit CRC, and an 8-bit Family Code (01h).
Data is transferred serially via the 1-Wire protocol that requires only a single data lead and a ground return. Power for reading and writing the device is derived from the data line itself with no need for an external power source. The DS2401 is an upgrade to the DS2400. The DS2401 is fully reverse-compatible with the DS2400 but provides the additional multi-drop capability that enables many devices to reside on a single data line.
