**Unveiling the DS1995L-F5+: A Comprehensive Analysis of Maxim Integrated's 16-kbit Add-Only iButton Memory**

In the realm of secure and durable data logging, Maxim Integrated's (now part of Analog Devices) iButton devices have established a formidable reputation. The **DS1995L-F5+** stands as a specialized and robust solution within this family, designed for applications where data integrity, physical security, and environmental resilience are paramount. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of this unique memory device.

The DS1995L-F5+ is a **16-kbit (2048-byte) add-only memory** device housed in a rugged stainless steel "button" enclosure. This distinctive form factor, known as an iButton, is engineered to withstand harsh environments, including moisture, dust, and physical shock. The device communicates via a **1-Wire® protocol**, which requires only a single data line plus a ground return, significantly simplifying interconnection and hardware design. This makes it ideal for attaching to assets, key fobs, or containers where minimal wiring is a critical advantage.

The core functionality that defines the DS1995L-F5+ is its **add-only memory architecture**. Unlike standard read/write memory, this device allows data to be written to empty memory locations but never erased or overwritten. This creates a permanent, sequential, and tamper-evident audit trail. Any attempt to alter existing data is impossible by design, ensuring the historical record remains pristine and trustworthy. This feature is indispensable for applications like **maintenance logging, calibration records, or event tracking**, where proving the sequence and authenticity of data is crucial.

Communication and power are elegantly managed through the 1-Wire interface. The device incorporates a small capacitor that harvests and stores energy from the data line itself during communication, a process known as **parasite power**. This eliminates the need for an external power source within the iButton, contributing to its self-contained and robust nature. Each DS1995L-F5+ is factory-lasered with a unique, unalterable 64-bit registration number, ensuring absolute traceability and preventing duplication.

The operational range of the DS1995L-F5+ is tailored for real-world conditions, supporting data transfers at standard 16.3 kbps and flexible 142 kbps speeds. Its extended temperature range ensures reliability in demanding industrial and logistical settings.

**ICGOOODFIND**: The DS1995L-F5+ iButton is a masterclass in targeted design, offering an immutable data log in an incredibly durable package. Its **add-only memory, 1-Wire interface, and rugged iButton form factor** make it an unparalleled solution for creating secure, tamper-proof audit trails in asset management, industrial maintenance, and data collection tasks where environmental extremes are a constant challenge.

**Keywords**: Add-Only Memory, 1-Wire Protocol, iButton, Tamper-Evident Logging, Parasite Power.