The DS2404 EconoRAM Time Chip offers a simple solution for storing and retrieving vital data and time information with minimal hardware. The DS2404 contains a unique lasered ROM, real-time clock/calendar, interval timer, cycle counter, programmable interrupts, and 4096-bits of SRAM. Two separate ports are provided for communication: 1-Wire and 3-wire. Using the 1-Wire port, only one pin is required for communication, and the lasered-ROM can be read even when the DS2404 is without power. The 3-wire port provides high-speed communication using the traditional Dallas Semiconductor 3-wire interface. With either interface, a strict protocol for accessing the DS2404 ensures data integrity. Utilizing backup energy sources, the data is nonvolatile (NV) and allows for stand-alone operation.