EXCELON™ F-RAM - Infineon Technologies (2024)

EXCELON™ F-RAM operates with the same host processor interfaces and timing as other memories such as SRAM, EEPROM, and serial flash, but takes advantage of its fast write speed to eliminate write delays due to “soak time” or page/sector buffering required of other technologies. Instant writes eliminate “data at risk” resulting from unexpected power loss. EXCELON™ F-RAM memories combine reliable non-volatile data storage with the fast speed of RAM.

EXCELON™ F-RAM has three distinct advantages over traditional non-volatile memories:

• Fast write speeds with instant non-volatility for reliable data-capture
• Virtually unlimited endurance of 100 trillion read/write cycles for continuous and real-time data-logging
• Energy-efficient non-volatile RAM with ultra-low 0.1 µA hibernate and 2.3 µA standby currents

Industrial systems require memories to continuously log and instantly capture system state information and sensor data in the event of power loss. Next-generation factory automation and control systems will add to compute and storage demands, especially on the edge of the network. Harsh operating environments and demanding requirements for cycling endurance and data retention require the most-robust performance possible, while supporting efficient low-pin-count, high-speed interfaces. EXCELON™ Ultra F-RAM mission-critical memories support a 108 MHz low-pin-count QSPI interface with 100 trillion cycle write endurance, fast writes, and instant non-volatility.

Key features of EXCELON™ Ultra F-RAM:

• Low-pin-count 108 MHz QSPI interface that is as fast as a parallel interface with 35 ns burst access time.
• Read/write endurance of 100 trillion cycles to log data continuously for 15-20 years at 85°C.
• Single chip to replace a multi-component solution (SRAM + battery + power management controller).

Target applications: Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), industrial robot, RAID storage, smart meter, point-of-sale devices

Energy-efficient non-volatile memories are essential in the latest generation of portable medical, wearable, and IoT devices as they continuously log increasing amounts of user and sensor data consuming lowest power to maximize the battery life.

Infineon's EXCELON™ LP F-RAM enables this with instant write capabilities, unlimited endurance, and ultra-low-power modes. These devices also need memories with the smallest package footprint provided by the industry's smallest UFLGA package.

Key features of EXCELON™ LP F-RAM:

• Multiple power-saving modes – hibernate, deep power down, and standby
• 200x less energy than EEPROMs and 3,000x less energy than NOR Flash
• Inrush current control to minimize surge current on power up
• Read/write endurance of 1,000 trillion cycles to log data every ms for more than 3,000 years
• Tiny footprint (~10 mm2) 8-pin UFLGA package for small form factors

Target applications: Neuromodulators, pacemakers, defibrillators, hearing aids, activity trackers, and wearables

Automotive systems require memories to continuously log and instantly capture system data in the event of power loss, often in harsh operating environments. The automotive industry is extensively demanding ISO 26262 Functional Safety compliance for system and peripheral devices. Automotive applications need functional safety because of the increasing dependence on electronic components and driver safety. Infineon's EXCELON™ Auto F-RAM, an AEC-Q100-qualified memory can support up to 108 MHz QSPI interface with over 10 trillion write cycles of endurance, fast writes, instant non-volatility, and operating temperature support up to +125 ºC, thus making it ideally suited for data-logging in mission-critical automotive systems.

Key Features of EXCELON™ Auto F-RAM:

• AEC-Q100-qualified and Functional Safety (ISO 26262) compliant memory
• Read/write endurance of 10 trillion cycles to log data every 10 µs for 20 years
• Robust performance at higher automotive operating temperatures from -40°C to +125°C

Target applications: Airbag Event Data Recorders, cameras in ADAS systems, battery management systems, xEV inverters, and engine management control