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:
The 8-bit survival syndrome – Part 2
DSP, Micros & Memory
Just like the 4-bit pre-microcontroller, the 8-bit MCU has been finding ways to stick around. Their features and speeds have been improving, offering competitive reasons to work with them.
Read more...
Enhanced code protection for USB µC portfolio
Future Electronics
DSP, Micros & Memory
To help easily incorporate USB power and communication functionality into embedded systems, Microchip Technology has launched the AVR DU family of microcontrollers.
Read more...
General-purpose MCU with RISC-V architecture
EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
Renesas has released a general-purpose MCU to enhance its existing RISC-V portfolio, and this is its first MCU using a RISC-V core developed internally at the company.
Read more...
8-bit MCU with I3C support
Avnet Silica
DSP, Micros & Memory
The PIC18-Q20 8-bit microcontrollers from Microchip easily interface with devices operating in multiple voltage domains, and the built-in I3C interface supports higher-speed and lower-power data transfers than I2C.
Read more...
An evolutionary step in customisable logic
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Microchip Technology is offering a tailored hardware solution with the launch of its PIC16F13145 family of microcontrollers, which are outfitted with a new Configurable Logic Block module.
Read more...
MCU for battery-powered applications
Altron Arrow
DSP, Micros & Memory
Included in ST’s family of devices is the STM32U031, an ultra-low-power MCU featuring an ARM Cortex-M0+ 32-bit core running at up to 56 MHz.
Read more...
Serial SRAM up to 4 MB
EBV Electrolink
DSP, Micros & Memory
The chips are designed to provide a lower-cost alternative to traditional parallel SRAM products, and include optional battery backup switchover circuitry in the SRAM memory to retain data on power loss.
Read more...
SiP supports LTE/NB-IoT and GNSS
RF Design
DSP, Micros & Memory
The nRF9151 from Nordic Semiconductor is an integrated System-in-Package that supports LTE-M/NB-IoT, DECT NR+ and GNSS services.
Read more...
Qi2 dsPIC33-based reference design
DSP, Micros & Memory
Powered by a single dsPIC33 Digital Signal Controller, the Qi2 reference design offers efficient control for optimised performance.
Read more...
MIKROE’s IDE now includes MPLAB XC compilers
DSP, Micros & Memory
MIKROE has announced that the latest version of its multi-architectural IDE, NECTO Studio 6.1, now includes Microchip’s MPLAB XC compilers for 8-, 16- and 32-bit MCUs.
Read more...
printer friendly version