STMicroelectronics has introduced a new memory with a fast recording feature for storing important data during unexpected events. Its uses will include recovering system data when a sudden power failure occurs, and 'black-box' recorders that help identify the causes of equipment failures or accidents. ST claims that compared to alternative non-volatile memories, the M35B32 is about forty-times faster than a standard 32-Kbit EEPROM and matches the write speed of Flash but consumes approximately one-tenth the energy of Flash.
ST reports that a system using the M35B32 EEPROM is able to store a significant amount of vital information (2 Kbits) in less than one millisecond, and hence can react when the onset of a system failure or an accident is detected. In cases such as a power failure, this fast data storage can save the information needed to recover the system before the power supply voltage falls to an unusable level.
ST's new memory allows designers to specify a voltage supply backup capacitor of one-tenth the size needed to operate the memory long enough to finish writing if system power is lost unexpectedly.
ST reports that a system using the M35B32 EEPROM is able to store a significant amount of vital information (2 Kbits) in less than one millisecond, and hence can react when the onset of a system failure or an accident is detected. In cases such as a power failure, this fast data storage can save the information needed to recover the system before the power supply voltage falls to an unusable level.
ST's new memory allows designers to specify a voltage supply backup capacitor of one-tenth the size needed to operate the memory long enough to finish writing if system power is lost unexpectedly.
The M35B32 has a 32-Kbit capacity, which is divided into two sectors for event recording and regular system EEPROM. The sector sizes are user adjustable to suit various application requirements. Its page size of 256 bytes allows a large amount of data to be written in a single page-write cycle and, when addressing the event recording sector, this information can be programmed in less than 1ms.
The M35B32 is accessed via a standard SPI serial connection, and so can be used as a direct replacement for standard SPI serial memories. The M35B32 is in production now, in SO8N, TSSOP8 and FPN 2 x 3mm compact surface-mount packages, priced at $0.65 for 1000 pieces.
Automotive-qualified devices will be released at the beginning of 2012, according to ST.