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FRAM wins slot in N American meters

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Nov 21, 2003

Distribution Control Systems has selected Ramtron's ferroelectric random access memory for use in its residential and commercial meter transponders for end customers in North America.

Distribution Control Systems has selected Ramtron's ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) for use in its residential and commercial meter transponders for end customers in North America.

DCSI has chosen Ramtron's FM24C04, FM24C16 and FM24CL16 for their fast-write capability, small footprint and cost-effectiveness.

In the application, FRAM stores transaction logs and other nonvolatile data, writing virtually non-stop and preserving its data state even through power loss - a feature inherent in all FRAM products.

DCSI has manufactured and marketed its highly successful and field-proven two-way automatic communication system (TWACS) powerline communication technology since 1978.

"The fast-write and high reliability of FRAM directly support DCSI's mission of providing unfailing communication and control solutions to multiple utilities", said Lee Williams, Senior Engineering Manager for DCSI.

"FRAM offers us an excellent combination of high-performance features that enable us to provide quick remote retrieval of all necessary electrical measurements".

"This marks our first announced metering win in North America, following wins in Europe and Asia", said Mike Alwais, Ramtron Vice President of FRAM Products.

"Our design win with DCSI illustrates the growing trend of FRAM's unique ability to serve the electronic metering industry worldwide".

The FM24C04 is currently designed into the Altimus and Centron DCSI residential control systems.

The FM24CL16 is designed into a wireless addon board and a FM24C16 in the CMT/SY, a commercial meter.

The FM24C04 is a fully compatible partner to meter feature sets such as: automatic meter reading (AMR), load control, demand response, interval data, TOU/real-time pricing, line-voltage monitoring, outage management/restoration monitoring, remote service connect/disconnect, and tamper/theft detection using open architecture interfaces.

All FRAM products are designed for applications requiring frequent or rapid writes and data protection in the event of power loss.

Other end applications for FRAM include computing, automotive, consumer products, communications, industrial, scientific and medical.