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FRAM device handles automotive temperatures

Edited by the Electronicstalk editorial team Sep 4, 2007

The FM25640-GA 5V, 64Kbit FRAM is now Grade 1 AEC-Q100 specified, making it suitable for automotive applications under the hood.

Ramtron International has expanded its line of FRAM Grade 1 automotive parts, qualifying an additional 64Kbit serial FRAM device to operate over the entire automotive temperature range of -40 to +125C.

The FM25640-GA 5V, 64Kbit FRAM is now Grade 1 AEC-Q100 specified, making it suitable for automotive applications under the bonnet, as well as in the passenger cab.

FRAM's fast writes and high endurance are ideal for automotive systems that continuously log data.

These include powertrain, smart airbags, active steering and other systems that require fast and frequent data writes.

Within the powertrain, FRAM constantly records driving style so that the gearbox can adapt itself accordingly.

In a smart airbag, FRAM collects occupant size and position data continuously to ensure that the airbag deploys safely during a crash.

For active steering, FRAM stores steering angle data rapidly and frequently.

"As automobile technology moves from crash worthiness to crash avoidance, the need for data gathering significantly increases".

"FRAM is the ideal memory for this emerging technology", says Duncan Bennett, Ramtron International Strategic Marketing Manager.

"These benchmark qualifications enable designers to take advantage of FRAM in their designs, and represent our commitment to meeting emerging technological trends in the automotive market".

The FM25640-GA is organised as an 8192 x 8bit nonvolatile RAM with a fast SPI to enhance the high-speed write capacity of FRAM technology.

This device reads and writes at bus speed, with virtually unlimited endurance and low power.

It is guaranteed to retain data for 9000 hours at +125C and 17 years at +55C and includes an advanced hardware and software write protection scheme to prevent inadvertent writes and data corruption.

The FM25640-GA operates at 5V over the automotive temperature range and is available in a RoHS-compatible, eight-pin SOIC package.