EERAM memory solutions retain data at power loss
29 January 2020
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology announced a new family of Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EERAM memory products that offers system designers up to 25% cost savings over the current serial non-volatile ram (NVRAM) alternatives. The family introduces four reliable SPI densities to Microchip’s EERAM portfolio, ranging from 64 Kb up to 1 Mb.
Applications from smart meters to manufacturing lines, that require repetitive task data-logging, must be able to automatically restore content if power is disrupted during processing. Current low-density (64 Kb to 1 Mb) NVRAM solutions used for these data logs are typically the highest price-per-bit memory in the resulting end products.
EERAM is a standalone non-volatile RAM memory that uses the same SPI and I2C protocols as serial SRAM, enabling devices to retain SRAM content during power loss without using an external battery. All non-volatile aspects of the part are essentially invisible to the user. When the device detects power going away, it automatically transfers the SRAM data to non-volatile storage and moves it back to the SRAM once power returns to the part. In manufacturing lines, for example, stations handle up to millions of tasks over their lifetimes and lost data during a task can require overhauling or discarding items. EERAMs automatically store SRAM content in these settings, allowing the manufacturing line to resume where the task was disrupted.
The primary reason EERAM is available at a lower price point is the use of standard CMOS and Flash processes. Because these are the highest volume and most widely used processes, they offer the best reliability and lowest cost in the industry.
Alternative solutions such as Ferroelectric RAM (FRAM) use a specialty process, resulting in much higher costs and unstable long-term supply. The new EERAM family comes with Microchip’s customer-driven obsolescence practice, which helps ensure availability to customers for as long as needed.
The following devices are available in 8-pin SOIC, SOIJ and DFN packages in volume production:
• 48L640: 64 Kb SPI.
• 48L256: 256 Kb SPI.
• 48L512: 512 Kb SPI.
• 48LM01: 1 Mb SPI.
Further reading:
MCU for noisy environments
EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
The MCX?E24X is a high-performance microcontroller family from NXP, engineered for industrial, automotive-like, and energy-focused environments.
Read more...
SmartRAID 4300 Series
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip’s disaggregated architecture leverages host CPU and PCIe infrastructure to overcome traditional storage bottlenecks in scalable, secure NVMe RAID storage solutions.
Read more...
High-performance SDR range
RFiber Solutions
DSP, Micros & Memory
Epiq Solutions offers high-performance RF tuners and software-defined radios with various specifications for diverse applications in congested environments.
Read more...
High performance SDR design considerations
RFiber Solutions
Editor's Choice DSP, Micros & Memory
As the spectrum gets increasingly crowded, and adversaries more capable, the task of examining wide bands and making sense of it all, while not missing anything, gets harder.
Read more...
Direct RF converters and FPGAs boost EW applications
RFiber Solutions
DSP, Micros & Memory
The latest boost to electronic warfare designs comes from emerging FPGA architectures that combine advanced RF converters and high-performance processing engines in a single package.
Read more...
1-Wire EEPROM with secure authenticator
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
The DS28E54 secure authenticator combines FIPS 202-compliant secure hash algorithm (SHA-3) challenge and response authentication with secured electrically erasable programmable read-only memory.
Read more...
Microchip enhances digital signal controller lineup
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology has added the dsPIC33AK512MPS512 and dsPIC33AK512MC510 Digital Signal Controller families to its dsPIC33A DSC product line.
Read more...
MCX C Series development board
Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
The FRDM-MCXC444 is a compact and scalable development board for rapid prototyping of MCX C444 MCU from NXP Semiconductors.
Read more...
Redefining entry-level MCUs
NuVision Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
The company positions the GD32C231 series as a ‘high-performance entry-level’ solution designed to offer more competitive options for multiple applications.
Read more...
Microchip enhances TrustMANAGER platform
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Firmware over-the-air updates and remote cryptographic key management provide scalable solutions for addressing IoT security challenges.
Read more...