Date: 08/12/2010

128 KB automotive grade FRAM chips from RAMTRON drop-in replace EEPROMs

Ramtron has added two new serial F-RAM devices to its V-Family product line that meet stringent AEC-Q100 Grade 3 automotive qualification standards. The FM24V01-G and FM25V01-G are 128-kilobit (Kb) high-performance nonvolatile F-RAM memories that operate over a wide operating voltage range of 2.0 to 3.6-volts and operates in the automotive temperature range of -40°C to +85°C.

The FM24V01, with a serial I2C interface, has an active current of 90µA (typical at 100KHz). The FM25V01 performs at full bus speed of 40MHz with an active current of 2.5mA over a standard Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). F-RAM memory features NoDelay writes, virtually unlimited read/write cycles (10E14), and low power consumption. The devices are hardware drop-in replacements for 128Kb serial EEPROM memories in automotive, industrial controls, metering, medical, military, gaming, and computing applications, among others. The FM24V01-G and FM25V01-G are offered in an industry standard 8-pin SOIC package.

The V-Family product line offers a device ID feature that reads out manufacturer and part number identification. The devices also offer an optional unique, read-only serial number that helps thwart counterfeiting by identifying a board or system. "The 128-kilobit F-RAM V-Family devices demonstrate stringent automotive-grade compliance and offer unique integrated security features," comments Ramtron marketing manager, Mike Peters.

Samples of the FM24V01-G and FM25V01-G are available now in a RoHS-compliant, 8-pin SOIC package. Unit pricing begins at $1.88 for the FM24V01-G and the FM25V01-G in quantities of 10K. The optional unique serial number devices (FM24VN01-G and FM25VN01-G) are available for $1.99 in quantities of 10K.

Editorial Product Rating: ** (Average Plus)