The Microchip Technology Inc. 24LC21 is a 1K-bit (128 x 8) dual mode serial EEPROM that was developed primarily for use in computer monitors. This part was developed with inputs from several computer monitor manufacturers, in accordance with the VESA Ò (Video Electronics Standards Association) monitor committee. This committee has developed a serial communication protocol called Data Display Channel (DDCä) which was created to eliminate the need to change dip switches when configuring a new system or adding a new monitor or video card. The 24LC21 device is used in the monitor to store and transmit the EDID (extended display ID) table which contains all set-up parameters needed by the video card to operate with a particular monitor. With this system, the user can now plug any compatible monitor into any compatible graphics board and the graphics board will automatically know what type of monitor is being used and configure itself accordingly. This automatic configuration is the cornerstone for Microsoft Ò ?s ?Plug and Play? capability being built into the new ?Windows 95ä? release.