New memory from Microchip offers unlimited endurance and safe data storage at power loss

The I²C EERAM memory is a low-cost NVSRAM that eliminates the need for an external battery to retain data

New low-cost, low-risk memory solution offering unlimited endurance and safe data storage at power loss is now available from Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, mixed-signal, analog and Flash-IP solutions. This new I²C EERAM memory is an easy to implement non-volatile SRAM memory that is ideal for applications that need to constantly or instantaneously record, update or monitor data including metering, automotive and industrial applications.

EERAM is a standalone SRAM memory with shadow EEPROM back-up on a single chip that helps automatically retain contents of the SRAM memory when system power is lost. The EERAM offers instant random writes to the array with no write cycle delay. The I²C EERAM family is available in 4 Kb and 16 Kb densities and comes in standard 8-pin SOIC, TSSOP and PDIP packages. EERAM is available in 3.0V and 5.0V options and in industrial and automotive temperature ranges (-40°C to 85°C and -40°C to 125°C) and is available in automotive grade.

Comprised of two familiar and reliable memory technologies on a single chip, EEPROM and SRAM, EERAM offers a robust and dependable data solution that is also the lowest cost non-volatile SRAM solution. EERAM does not require an external battery to safely store data during a power loss event. Instead, a small, external capacitor is needed to provide the energy needed to store the contents of the SRAM on to the EEPROM when system power is lost.

“We want to provide customers with easy, inexpensive, and reliable memory solutions with unlimited endurance,” said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip’s Memory Products Division. “EERAM is an excellent solution for customers looking to constantly record or monitor data and now Microchip provides this solution at a cost that is unmatched for metering, automotive and industrial applications.”

For more information about Microchip’s new family of EERAM I²C memory, visit: www.microchip.com/EERAM

Development support

The EERAM I²C PICtail™ Kit (AC500100) will be available in January 2017 from Microchip.

Availability

The following devices are available in 8-pin SOIC, TSSOP and PDIP packages in volume production in 10,000 unit quantities:

• 47L04
• 47C04
• 47L16
• 47C16

For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorised worldwide distributor. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT (http://www.microchipdirect.com/ProductSearch.aspx?Keywords=47L16) or contact one of Microchip’s authorised distribution partners.