Ricoh Chooses Ramtron FRAM Memory for Multi-Function Printers and Laser Printers.COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- U.S. semiconductor maker Ramtron International Corporation (Nasdaq:RMTR RMTR Redesigned Missile Tracking Radar ), the leading supplier of nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (storage) Ferroelectric Random Access Memory - (FRAM) A type of non-volatile read/write random access semiconductor memory. FRAM combines the advantages of SRAM - writing is roughly as fast as reading, and EPROM - non-volatility and in-circuit programmability. (FRAM (1) (Ferroelectric RAM) See FeRAM. (2) (Ferromagnetic RAM) A non-volatile memory that records microscopic bits on a magnetic surface. See MRAM. FRAM - Ferroelectric Random Access Memory ) products, announced today that Japan-based Ricoh Company Ltd. has selected Ramtron's nonvolatile FRAM memory for use in its multi-function printers and laser printers for 2005. Ricoh, one of the world's leading suppliers of office equipment, has chosen FRAM memory for its high-reliability features, including high write endurance, fast read/write speed and low power operation. Since 2003, Ramtron has shipped more than 11 million FRAM devices into printer designs worldwide. Ramtron's FM25L256 will be used in Ricoh's color and monochrome multi-function printers and laser printers for paper and copy count functions, as well as start-up configuration data storage, which requires high endurance and fast read/write speed. In addition, FRAM provides a cost advantage, accelerates system design and is environmentally friendly because it does not require a battery to store data. Ricoh has been a Ramtron customer for several years and currently uses an array of FRAM devices in its printer and copier product lines. "These design wins highlight FRAM's growing reputation among the industry's most respected consumer OEMs, as a fast and reliable alternative to EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) A rewritable memory chip that holds its content without power. Although EEPROMs spawned flash memory, EEPROMs are byte addressable at the write level, whereas flash chips must erase a block of bytes before rewriting. and battery-backed SRAM See static RAM. SRAM - static random-access memory ," said Michael Hollabaugh, Ramtron vice president of Worldwide Sales. "For several years, Ramtron has been winning in printers, which is only one of the many growing consumer markets in Japan that can leverage the benefits of our FRAM products." About FM25L256 The FM25L256 is a 256-Kilobit nonvolatile RAM with an industry-standard SPI (1) (Stateful Packet Inspection) See stateful inspection. (2) (Service Provider Interface) The programming interface for developing Windows drivers under WOSA. interface and is pin-compatible with comparable EEPROM. Reads and writes are performed at bus speeds of up to 25MHz (MegaHertZ) One million cycles per second. It is used to measure the transmission speed of electronic devices, including channels, buses and the computer's internal clock. A one-megahertz clock (1 MHz) means some number of bits (16, 32, 64, etc. throughout the entire memory. There are no write delays or maximum write buffer sizes. The product operates from 2.7 to 3.6 volts, using lower operating power. The FM25L256 is rated for the industrial temperature range of -40(degree)C to +85(degree)C. For more information, please visit Ramtron's product homepage at http://www.ramtron.com. About Ricoh Ricoh is a leading global manufacturer of office automation equipment. Ricoh's lineup includes copiers, printers, fax machines, and related supplies and services. Ricoh is also a prominent supplier of digital cameras and advanced electronic devices. About Ramtron Ramtron International Corporation (Nasdaq:RMTR) is the leading supplier of nonvolatile ferroelectric Refers to a material that functions similarly to a ferromagnetic material in that it can be polarized into two states. Ferroelectric devices generally do not have any "ferrous" (iron) in them. See FeRAM and ferroelectric capacitor. semiconductors, including serial and parallel FRAM devices and Processor Companion devices that integrate a variety of commonly needed discrete analog and mixed-signal functions for processor-based systems. Ramtron's patented FRAM technology enables devices to perform the functions of both RAM and nonvolatile memory in a single chip. Its unique benefits are revolutionizing memory-based designs in a variety of automotive, communications, computing, consumer, industrial control, medical, and metering applications. Additionally, Ramtron works with various leading-edge licensees and manufacturers to bring its technology to market. For more information, visit www.ramtron.com. "Safe Harbor Safe Harbor 1. A legal provision to reduce or eliminate liability as long as good faith is demonstrated. 2. A form of shark repellent implemented by a target company acquiring a business that is so poorly regulated that the target itself is less attractive. " Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (PSLRA) implemented several significant substantive changes affecting certain cases brought under the federal securities laws, including changes related to pleading, discovery, liability, class representation and awards fees and of 1995: Statements herein that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" involving risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to: the effect of global economic conditions, shifts in supply and demand, market acceptance, the impact of competitive products and pricing, product development, commercialization and technological difficulties, and capacity and supply constraints. Please refer to Ramtron's Securities and Exchange Commission filings for a discussion of such risks. |
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