Date: 01/04/2009

Serial FRAM in 512 Kb and 1 Mb capacities; alternative choice for flash

Does your NOR flash memory chips on your embedded system board store data which need to be written faster and should not falter even after millions of read /writes? If that's the case, Ferro Random Access Memory (FRAM) can be a better choice. FRAM is a flash like non-volatile read/write memory, which can access the data faster and consumer less power and offer far higher read/write cycles than flash memory (virtually unlimited).

Ramtron International, a FRAM specialist has launched a new V-Family of F-RAM products 512-Kilobit (Kb) FM24V05, and the 1-Megabit (Mb) FM24V10. Both the memory chips operate from a supply voltage of 2.0 to 3.6-V and can be serially interfaced to microcontroller through I2C interface.

The devices are drop-in replacement for 512Kb and 1Mb serial Flash and serial EEPROM memories in industrial controls, metering, medical, military, gaming, and computing applications, among others.

"We now offer 512-Kilobit and 1-Megabit device options in our V-Family lineup with the I2C interface that operate at a lower and wider voltage range for greater power efficiency," remarks Mike Peters, Ramtron marketing manager. "The FM24V05 and FM24V10 provide a significant upgrade over EEPROM devices due to their lower power consumption, orders of magnitude more endurance, and improved read and write performance."

Ramtron says, The FM24V05 is ideal for nonvolatile memory applications that require frequent or rapid writes, such as data collection, where the number of write cycles may be critical. Demanding industrial controls can benefit from the FM24V05 where the long write time of EEPROM can cause data loss. All serial F-RAM V-Family products can be equipped with optional device features including unique serial numbering and a customizable system reset.

Both the chips are packaged in 8-pin SOIC and are compliant wit RoHS. The unit pricing for the FM24V05 begins at $4.18, and $5.05 for the FM24V10, in quantities of 10K

The drawbacks of FRAM are, FRAM is no match to NOR flash memory in cost and capacities.

However FRAM is creating a unique market mostly in industrial and automotive embedded system applications with its unique advantages.