Re: [avr-gcc-list] Macro to read /write long to eeprom

[Eivind Sivertsen]

> > Another trick is not to clear the byte in eeprom before the write when
> > it is sufficient to only clear bits on order to store the value into
> > eeprom (you save half of the write). There is some datasheet on atmel
> > site about this.
>
>
> Which datasheet, please? Which AVR?


For example, the mega48/88/168 has this. It is controlled using bits in 
the EECR register.
It is possible to program EE data in one atomic operation (erase 
location AND program location),
or to split it into two operations. The write operation can only do 
1->0, the erase takes care of 0->1 for the flash cells in EE.
So, you can use this in a manner like Peter B. checks every byte to 
avoid overwriting identical values: if a cell is 0xff; there's no need 
to erase it before writing; which saves time. If you want a byte -> 
0xff, do only erase etc... If you know positively that the only change 
you need to do is clear a few bits in the existing value; that can be 
done too...save the erase. This kind of book-keeping takes a few cycles, 
though probably not in the ms range...

Eivind