About UsNew I²C EERAM Memory with Safe Data Storage at Power Loss
Microchip’s New EERAM retains the contents of the SRAM Memory when power is lost
A new low-cost, low-risk memory solution offering unlimited endurance and safe data storage at power loss is now available from Microchip. This new I²C EERAM memory is an easy-to-implement, non-volatile SRAM memory that is ideal for applications that need to constantly or instantaneously record, update or monitor data including metering, automotive and industrial applications.
EERAM is a standalone SRAM memory with shadow EEPROM back-up on a single chip that helps automatically retain contents of the SRAM memory when system power is lost. The EERAM offers instant random writes to the array with no write cycle delay. The I²C EERAM family is available in 4 Kb and 16 Kb densities and comes in standard 8-pin SOIC, TSSOP and PDIP packages. EERAM is available in 3.0V and 5.0V options and in industrial and automotive temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C and -40°C to 125°C) and is also available in automotive grade.
Comprised of two familiar and reliable memory technologies on a single chip, EEPROM and SRAM, EERAM offers a robust and dependable data solution that is also the lowest cost non-volatile SRAM solution. EERAM does not require an external battery to safely store data during a power loss event. Instead, a small, external capacitor is needed to provide the energy needed to store the contents of the SRAM on to the EEPROM when system power is lost.
“We want to provide customers with easy, inexpensive, and reliable memory solutions with unlimited endurance,” said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip’s Memory Products Division. “EERAM is an excellent solution for customers looking to constantly record or monitor data, and now Microchip provides this solution at a cost that is unmatched for metering, automotive and industrial applications.”
Features of the I²C EERAM Memory
- 4Kbit and 16Kbit SRAM Types available with EEPROM Back Up
- Automatic Store to EEPROM upon power-down (using optional external capacitor)
- Automatic Recall to SRAM Array upon power-up
- Hardware Store Pin for manual Store Operations
- Software commands for initiating Store and Recall Operations
- Store Time 40ms (max)
- 2.7V -3.6V Operation
- High-Speed I²C Interface (Up to 1MHz)
- Non-Volatile External Event Detect Flag
- High Reliability:
- Infinite Read and Write Cycles to SRAM Array
- More than 1 Million Store Cycles to EEPROM
- Data Retention: >200 Years
- ESD Protection: >2,000V
- Reliable Data Storage during Power Loss
- Low Power CMOS Technology:
- 1mA active current (typ)
- 40µA Standby Current (max)
- Write Protection: Software Write Protection from 1/64 of SRAM array to whole array
- Zero Cycle delay reads and writes
- Cascadable up to four devices
More information on the Microchip I²C EERAM Memory can be found on the Microchip website at Microchip Serial EERAM main page.
Note: The Microchip name and the Microchip logo are registered trademarks of Microchip Technology Incorporated in the U.S.A and other countries. All other trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective companies.
The Microchip website address is www.microchip.com
[Reprinted with kind permission from Microchip Corporation - Release Date, 18th October, 2016]
