The FM24C512 is a new 512-Kb nonvolatile FRAM with an industry standard 2-wire serial interface. The FM24C512 is targeted for use in applications that require high capacity data collection such as utility metering and real-time configuration storage.

The device is pin-compatible with industry standard 24C512 EEPROMs for ease of development. The device performs read and writes at bus speeds up to 1 MHz for NoDelay writes, and it operates from a 5-V power supply, drawing 250 µA for reads and writing at 100 kHz. This 0.5-Mb FRAM offers 45 years of data retention and is rated over the industrial temperature range of –40° to 85°C.

The FM24C512 is optimized for data collection applications. It reads and writes continuously at bus speeds of up to 1 MHz with more than 10 billion writes. Similar EEPROM devices require long write delays, polling software, and have endurance limited to less than 1 million write cycles. In addition, this new device features low operating currents.

Samples of the FM24C512—which costs  $7.42 in 10,000-piece quantities—are currently available in an eight-pin EIAJ SOIC package.

Ramtron International Corp.
www.ramtron.com