F-RAM products combine the nonvolatile data storage capability of
ROM with the benefits of
RAM, which include a high number of read and write cycles, high speed read and write cycles, and low power consumption.
Ramtron's F-RAM product line features various interfaces and densities, which include industry-standard serial and parallel interfaces; industry standard package types; and 4-kilobit, 16-kilobit, 64-kilobit, 256-kilobit, 1-megabit, 2-megabit, and 4-megabit densities.
All Ramtron F-RAM products have three distinct properties that differentiate them from other nonvolatile memory technologies:
Fast write speed - F-RAM performs read and write operations at the same speed. Because F-RAM writes data at bus speed, there are no delays before the written data becomes nonvolatile. Floating gate memories have long write delays of 5 milliseconds. F-RAM writes in nanoseconds, essential in applications like auto safety systems.
High endurance - F-RAM offers virtually unlimited write endurance, which means it doesn’t wear out like other nonvolatile memory devices. Floating gate devices experience a hard failure and stop writing in as little as 1E5 cycles, making them unsuitable for high-endurance applications.
Low power consumption - F-RAM operates without a charge pump, enabling low power consumption. Floating gate devices demand high voltage during write operations. F-RAM writes at the native voltage of the manufacturing process: 5V, 3V, or even less on more advanced processes.