Cypress Semiconductor introduces 1Mb of non-volatile static random access memory

     Cypress Semiconductor Corporation has introduced a 1Mb non-volatile static random access memory (nvSRAM) with four serial peripheral interfaces (SPIs). The new nvSRAM's four SPI interfaces allow the device to surpass the data throughput of larger parallel interface devices at a smaller size. The nvSRAM can preserve high-throughput data without battery in the event of a power failure for RAID storage devices, industrial automation, computing and networking applications.

     The quad SPI interface CY14V101QS 1Mb nvSRAM has a maximum clock rate of 108MHz, and its performance exceeds that of parallel interface (x8 IO width, 45-ns access time) devices. The nvSRAM offers random read/write access speeds of 24MBps, unlimited write times, and a 20-year data retention period. Because of its smaller I/O width, its 16-pin SOIC package and 24-ball BGA package have fewer chip pins, so they take up less board space. The device also includes an optional integrated real-time clock (RTC) with an uncalibrated accuracy of +/- 50ppm. This nvSRAM has lower power consumption compared to competing devices, operating at 5.8mA and sleeping mode at 10uA.

     Cypress nvSRAM is RoHS compliant and provides a direct replacement for SRAM, battery-equipped SRAM, EPROM and EEPROM devices, providing reliable, non-volatile data storage without the need for batteries. In the event of a power failure, data is automatically transferred from the SRAM to the non-volatile unit of the device. After power is restored, data can be recovered from the non-volatile unit to the SRAM. Both operations can also be controlled by software.

     Sonal Chandrasekhar, Director of the Non-Volatile Products Business Unit at Cypress, said: "Mission-critical systems require high-performance memory that can instantly and reliably preserve data in the event of a power failure. Cypress's new 1Mb Quad SPI nvSRAM has the ability to protect data in the event of a power failure, has comparable data throughput to parallel devices, and is smaller and uses less power."

     Cypress's nvSRAM family is manufactured with its SONOS(Silicon nitride oxide) embedded non-volatile memory technology, enabling higher capacity, faster access and better performance. nvSRAM is ideal for applications such as RAID systems, PLCS, industrial data logs, computing and networking systems, motor drives, routers and switches, aerospace, defense systems, and gaming systems that require high performance and absolutely non-volatile data security.

     Cypress is a leader in SONOS process technology, which is used in its flagship PSoC® mixed-signal array, programmable clocks and other products. SONOS is compatible with standard CMOS technology and offers many benefits, such as high durability, low power consumption and radiation resistance. SONOS technology has been adopted in compliance in Cypress's own factories and in a number of foundry companies. Compared to other magnetically based non-volatile storage technologies, this technology offers a superior solution in terms of scale and manufacturability.