Ramtron Introduces FRAM with Integrated Real-Time Clock and Nonvolatile Logic; The first in a new family of Problem Solver Memories that provide unique data collection solutions.Business Editors/High-Tech Writers COLORADO SPRINGS Colorado Springs, city (1990 pop. 281,140), seat of El Paso co., central Colo., on Monument and Fountain creeks, at the foot of Pikes Peak; inc. 1886. It is a year-round resort and a booming military, technological, and commercial city. , Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 7, 2001 Ramtron International Ramtron International is the main vendor of FRAM chips. creator of ESDRAM: Ramtron Ships World's Fastest Synchronous DRAM
(2) (Ferromagnetic RAM) A non-volatile memory that records microscopic bits on a magnetic surface. See MRAM. FRAM - Ferroelectric Random Access Memory ) products, today announced the availability of the FM3808, the first in a new line of Problem Solver Memories. The FM3808 combines a 256-kilobit (Kb) nonvolatile FRAM memory with a real-time clock A real-time clock (RTC) is a computer clock (most often in the form of an integrated circuit) that keeps track of the current time. Although the term often refers to the devices in personal computers, servers and embedded systems, RTCs are present in almost any electronic and system-supervisor functions. The unique nonvolatile advantage of FRAM secures all memory and real-time clock configuration settings in nonvolatile registers without a power source of any kind. The FM3808 enables low profile, surface mount timer solutions to be built without battery back up, ensuring the high-reliability storage of critical nonvolatile data. "Problem Solver Memories combine FRAM with other system functions to reduce board area and cost," said David Bondurant, Ramtron's vice president of marketing. "The FM3808 is ideal for data collection and logging applications that acquire and timestamp data." The 256-Kb FM3808 includes a system-level real-time clock, power monitor, programmable watchdog timer A clock circuit that keeps counting from a set number down to zero. If the event it is monitoring occurs before it reaches zero, it resets to the starting number and starts counting down again. , and programmable time/date alarm functions. All configuration information is stored in nonvolatile registers and retained in the absence of power. Equivalent SRAM-based real-time clocks require a battery to back-up stored data, reducing the long-term life of the product, whereas FRAM-based products use integrated ferroelectric capacitor A capacitor made of crystals that can retain a polarized state, making it useful for storing binary data (0 and 1). It differs from a regular capacitor, which will polarize when electricity is applied, but does not retain the state when the voltage is reduced to zero. storage cells to store nonvolatile data without a battery. The no-battery advantage of FRAM makes the FM3808 an ideal single-chip solution for applications that demand highly reliable data collection such, as electronic power meters, printers and copiers, and automotive instruments. Problem Solver Memories The FM3808 is the first Problem Solver Memory product introduced by Ramtron. Problem Solver Memories reduce system complexity and cost by integrating FRAM memory with nonvolatile logic and mixed-signal functions. In the future, Ramtron plans to offer industry-specific Problem Solver Memory products that eliminate components and add application value to the system. Contact the company if you would like to recommend a specific feature set. Product Features: The FM3808 is a 70ns 32Kx8 FRAM memory with real-time clock, power monitor and watchdog timer. It operates from a 2.7 to 5.5V power supply with 15-milliamp active and less than 1-microamp timekeeping back-up current. The FM3808 offers programmable power monitor interrupt and programmable watchdog timer. It has over 10 years of data retention and is rated over the industrial temperature range of -40C to 85C. Development Kit The FM3808DK development kit includes the FM3808 chip, all necessary discrete devices and a 0.1F capacitor that backs up the clock for 48 hours. The FM3808DK is delivered in a DIP package to eliminate any analog or fine-pitch surface mount layout issues during prototyping. Pricing and Availability Samples of the FM3808 are available immediately in 32-pin TSOP (Thin Small Outline Package) A very thin, plastic, rectangular surface mount chip package with gull-wing pins on its two short sides. TSOPs are about a third as thick as SOJ chips. See gull-wing lead, SOP, SOJ and chip package. with pricing starting at $5.80 in 10K quantities. About Ramtron Ramtron's patented FRAM memories are a new generation of semiconductor memory that combine high-performance and low-power operation with the ability to store data in the absence of power. Due to the product's unique advantages, FRAM memories are expected to revolutionize a variety of electronic consumer and industrial products. The company also develops and markets ultra-high-performance memory products through its subsidiary, Enhanced Memory Systems, Inc. Except for historical information, the statements preceding contain forward-looking statements forward-looking statement A projected financial statement based on management expectations. A forward-looking statement involves risks with regard to the accuracy of assumptions underlying the projections. that involve risks and uncertainties. Investors are cautioned that such statements are only predictions and the actual events or results may differ materially. These forward-looking statements speak only as of this date. The company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the results of any revisions to the forward-looking statements made today to reflect events or circumstances after today, or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. For more information about Ramtron and its products, contact: Ramtron International Corporation, 1850 Ramtron Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado The City of Colorado Springs is the second most populous city (after Denver) in the state of Colorado and the 48th most populous city in the United States.[4] The city is the county seat of El Paso County. , USA, 80921. Telephone is 719-481-7000 or 800-545-FRAM (800-545-3726); FAX is 719-481-7058; E-mail address See Internet address. e-mail address - electronic mail address is info@ramtron.com. Homepage is www.ramtron.com. NOTE: For Product Photo go to: http://www.ramtron.com/press/photoarchive.htm |
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