New EERAM memory solutions that reduce memory costs and provide data protection in the event of power outages

     From smart meters to production lines, applications that require data logging for repetitive tasks must be able to automatically restore content in the event of a power interruption during processing. The low density (64 Kb to 1Mb) non-volatile serial RAM (NVRAM) solutions currently used for these data records are typically the most costly end products in terms of unit price per bit of storage. Microchip Technology has introduced a new line of Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EERAM memory products that offer system designers cost savings of up to 25% compared to current serial NVRAM products. The new series adds four reliable SPI densities ranging from 64 Kb to 1 Mb to Microchip's EERAM product lineup.

     EERAM is a standalone non-volatile RAM memory that uses the same SPI and I2C protocols as serial SRAM, enabling devices to retain SRAM contents during power outages without the use of an external battery. Virtually all non-volatile parts of the device are invisible to the user. When the device detects a power depletion, it automatically transfers SRAM data to non-volatile memory and moves the data back to SRAM when power is restored. In the case of a production line, a workstation processes up to millions of tasks over its lifetime, and loss of data during a task can result in a line overhaul or item obsolescence. EERAM automatically stores the SRAM contents in these scenarios so that the production line can resume running from the task break.

     The lower price of EERAM is due to the use of standard complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) and flash memory processes. Because these devices use the highest volume and most widely used processes, they offer the industry's best reliability and lowest cost. Alternative solutions, such as ferroelectric RAM (FRAM), use special processes that are costly and unreliable in the long run. The new EERAM series features Microchip's customer-driven "phase-out mode," which helps ensure that customers are supplied when they need it.

     Randy Drwinga, Microchip's vice president of Memory Products, said: "EERAM provides system designers with the reliable and cost-effective non-volatile RAM solution their systems require. A few years ago, we first introduced 4 Kb and 16 Kb density products, which were well received by the market. Our new family offers SPI interfaces for the first time and extends the density to 1 megabit, providing more options to meet our customers' system design needs."