Electronic – Do eeprom page writes always cost the same time as byte writes

eeprom

Some EEPROMs provide the possibility of a multi-byte write.

For example, the AT24C provides an 8-byte page write besides the classical single-byte write.

The datasheet specifies 5 ms as "Write Cycle Time". However, nowhere is it said that this is true for both types of write instructions. I would infer that it's the same, although it is never explicitly stated.

Can one safely assume that it takes the same time? (excluding, of course, communications overhead in case of external chips)

Can this be answered generally for EEPROM (which is strictly EEPROM, not something emulated in flash), instead of only for the product mentioned above?

Best Answer

Yes, or "maybe".

The datasheet guarantees a maximum tWR of 5 ms, no matter what you write. That is, it specifically guarantees this for both byte and page writes:

The write cycle time tWR is the time from a valid Stop condition of a write sequence to the end of the internal clear/write cycle

The actual time it takes can depend on quite a lot of things, and the only way you can find out if it is ready to accept another command is to perform the Acknowledge Polling procedure.