FRAM drops in to replace serial EEPROMs

The FM25L256 is a 256Kbit 3V nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) with a serial peripheral interface (SPI).

The FM25L256 is a 256Kbit 3V nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) with a serial peripheral interface (SPI).

Ramtron's newest 256Kbiy serial FRAM is the highest-performance SPI memory available with 25MHz NoDelay writes and offers an unlimited number of read/write cycles.

The product operates from 2.7 to 3.6V and offers drop-in compatibility with industry-standard serial EEPROMs.

The FM25L256 rivals existing parallel nonvolatile RAM solutions, and uses only 16% board space, which allows OEMs to cut cost and fit more functionality into an increasingly limited space.

"Customers who design applications as diverse as multifunction printers and industrial motor controllers are showing strong interest in this new product", said Mike Alwais, VP FRAM Products.

"The FM25L256 offers a solution to the challenge of packing faster access to data into a smaller space".

"The product is also attracting the attention of consumer product and industrial manufacturers".

The FM25L256 reads and writes at bus speeds similar to a high-speed RAM, but provides nonvolatile storage like a conventional nonvolatile memory.

However, unlike EEPROM or Flash, no write delays are incurred.

Like high-speed RAM, the FM25L256 also supports an unlimited number of read or write cycles, whereas EEPROM wears out after less than one million cycles.

These benefits allow the FM25L256 to perform the functions of RAM and also of older-generation, nonvolatile memory technologies in a single chip.

The FM25L256 is a 256Kbit nonvolatile RAM with an industry-standard SPI interface and is pin compatible with comparable EEPROM.

Reads and writes are performed at bus speeds up to 25MHz throughout the entire memory.

There are no write delays or maximum write buffer sizes.

The product operates from 2.7 to 3.6V, using lower operating power.

The FM25L256 is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40 to +85C.

Samples of the FM25L256 are available immediately in 8-pin SOIC, with pricing starting at $3.84 in quantities of 10,000.

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