Fujitsu Semiconductor America has released new FRAM chips
and FRAM based RFID devices. FRAM is used in industrial
systems, factory automation, metering, and many other low-power
applications that require high-performance, non-volatile
memory where high read/write cycle capability is required
compared to flash memory.
The new FRAM chips with SPI interface include 256-Kbit
MB85RS256A, the 128-Kbit MB85RS128A and the 64-Kbit MB85RS64A.
These devices operate from a supply voltage of 3.0V - 3.6V
and provides 10 billion write/read cycles with data retention
of 10 years at 55°C.
These 0.18um (micron) made FRAM chips operate at frequency
up to 25MHz. FRAMs are said to be well suited for low-power
applications. All the MB85RSxxx series devices are offered
in 8-pin, plastic SOP packages with standard memory pin
assignment, which are fully compatible with E2PROM devices.
Fujitsu also has developed standalone FRAM devices with
I²C bus interface and parrllel interface. The MB85RCxxx
series with I2C interface MB85Rxxx series with parallel
interface. These standalone devices are available in density
levels ranging from 16Kbit to 1Mbit.
Fujitsu also is sampling sampling RFIDs that comply with
EPC Global Gen 2, and which provide 4Kbytes of FRAM and
an alternate SPI interface. Fujitsu's near-term roadmap
includes the 64Kbytes EPC Global Gen 2 RFID chip. Fujitsu
says this family of high-density, FRAM-based RFID products
enables robust tracking applications. According to Fujitsu,
these chips offer a traceable audit trail at the item level
that includes not just a basic identification code, but
also detailed historical, tracking or other records that
trace an object through the supply chain and throughout
its lifecycle. Since FRAM has a high tolerance against radiation,
these RFID chips are suggested for medical electronics and
pharmaceutical applications.
Tong Swan Pang, senior manager of marketing at Fujitsu
Semiconductor America, cited the benefits to global markets
of the company's ability to control design, manufacturing
process technology and production schedules. "Fujitsu
recently completed the migration of FRAM products from the
company's older line in the Iwate fabrication facility to
a newer line in Mie, Japan, which has been manufacturing
ICs using the highly-efficient 0.18 micron technology for
several years," he said "Because Fujitsu owns
its fabrication facilities, the company can ensure a more
reliable and stable supply to meet the steadily increasing
market demand for FRAM products. This is a key advantage
that Fujitsu offers its customers compared to fabless suppliers
that out-source their production and thus might be subject
to supply interruptions."
A non-volatile memory with data retention of at least 10
years, FRAM can ideally replace all battery back-up solutions
and enable environmentally friendly products. FRAM standalone
memory devices are widely used in metering and factory automation
applications as well as in various industrial segments where
data logging, high-speed write access and high endurance
is essential. The ferroelectric material in FRAM is highly
resistant to magnetic fields and radiation, making it also
well suited for applications in the medical, aerospace and
food industries.
