Everything You Need To Know About FIFO IC

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First-in, first-out (FIFO) ICs are classified as memory chips. This is because they are mainly used for data storage and other memory-related applications.

FIFO chips are used in applications that involve the flow and movement of data from one endpoint to another.

Usually, the data in such applications move at different speeds and arrive at different intervals.

 In most cases, the data is temporarily stored awaiting to be channeled to the next production stage.

 There is a need for the flow of data in the pipelines to be controlled and managed properly.

This is where FIFO chips come in. They provide the buffering that is needed to control the flow of data.

There are many reasons why buffering is important in such applications.

One of the reasons is to expand the bandwidth of the data pipeline. This way the pipeline will be able to support large volumes of data.

 An expanded data pipeline also helps to prevent data loss.

 Are you building an application whose features will involve data storage and management, you will have to consider incorporating FIFO chips.

In this article, we are going to discuss everything you should know about FIFO ICs. You will learn what they are, where they are used, and how to buy the best FIFO chips for your application.

 What is FIFO IC?

 As the name suggests, this is a specialized semiconductor chip that is mainly used for managing the flow of data in electronic devices and applications.

 It is a type of semiconductor chip that you should expect to find in every data pipeline, especially if it is optimized for performance, speed, and efficiency.

 FIFO  ICs allow two main operations, input and output. To make this possible, two ports facilitate the flow of data in and out of the chip.

 FIFO ICs come in different sizes, specs, and even configurations.  Such differences eventually mean that you should expect variation in their performance.

As a potential buyer, you should have all this information at your fingertips before making that crucial purchasing decision.

 Keep reading as we explore all the essential elements of FIFO.

Types of FIFO ICs

 While the general operation principle of FIFO IC is first-in, first-out, these chips come in different types and configurations.

 Let’s look at the main types of FIFO ICs that you should know:

Shift register

 Even though shift registers are rarely considered as FIFO chips, they still operate on the principle of first-in, first-out.

 A shift register is designed to allow extra inputs and outputs to be added to a microcontroller. It can do this by converting data into different formats.

 In most cases, the registers convert data from serial-parallel formats and vice versa.

 The registers also execute frequency division, an operation that facilitates the smooth flow of data in a device.  The process entails the allocation of frequency bands to different entities in a data pipeline.

Shift registers come in different configurations and are designed depending on the specific roles that they play in an application.

These configurations include serial-in/serial-out, parallel-in/parallel-out, parallel-in/serial-out, and ring counter.

 Exclusive read/write FIFO

 This type of FIFO comes with a defined number of stored data words.

It is referred to as exclusive because the writing of data into the chip is not independent of how data is read.

 The chip has timing relationships between the read clock and the write clock. This helps to eliminate cases of overlapping between the read and write operations.

 Usually, an external circuit is used for synchronizing the flow of data in an application The only issue with the introduction of an external circuit is it decreases the data rate. This may end up hurting the speed of data flow.

Concurrent Read/Write FIFO

 In this type of FIFO IC, there is no dependence between the reading and writing operations on data.

The design makes it possible for simultaneous reading and writing operations.

 These operations can take place without overlapping each other to disrupt the flow of data. This is possible even though the input and output data may be of different frequencies.

With concurrent FIFO, designers don’t have to worry about embedding synchronizing circuits into the chip.

Synchronous vs non-synchronous FIFO ICs: what is the difference?

 We can classify FFO ICs based on frequency synchronization. Using this classification, we have synchronous and asynchronous FIFO.

 What is the difference between these two types of FIFO ICs?

Synchronous FIFO chip is named so because it uses synchronized clocks to control the read and write data operations.

 All the updates on the data operations are made in tandem with the clocks. Other than the read and write, transfer operations are also in symphony with the clocks.

Synchronous FIFO ICs are made of two major components: the read port and the write port. Each port is designated to perform its operation- reading and writing data into FIFO.

 In summary, the read and write operations in synchronous FIFO are executed at the same rate.

  Regarding the application area, synchronous FIFO IC is used for managing data caches hereby it solves the mismatch problem of read and write speeds. This helps to improve the speed of data transfer.

Asynchronous  FIFO IC

In asynchronous FIFO, the read and write operations are executed at different frequencies. This means that both operations are not synchronized.

 This type of FIFO IC is mainly used in applications where there is a need to transmit data from one clock domain to another. This process is known as clock domain crossing.

FIFO  IC ensures that all these operations can still be executed regardless of the differences in frequencies.

 The chip uses the domain crossing to calculate full and empty conditions.

 The main advantage of asynchronous FIFO is signal isolation. This type of chip ensures that input and output signals are isolated from each other. The result is smooth data flow.

 The FIFO also guarantees a high data transfer rate. Additionally, it smoothens out variations in the data latency.

Structures of FIFO IC

 Other than types, it is important to know that FIFO IC chips come in different structures. Each structure is designed to perform specific functions in a defined  pattern.

 The two main structures are single-clock FIFO and dual-clock FIFO.

 Let’s look at what these structures are and the differences between them.

Single clock FIFO

It is the most common type of IC structure that is used by on-chip data  FIFO. A perfect example is in the FPGA control where data is read from one sensor to another, and all these sensors are connected in series.

 This data is stored in the FIFO IC. The chip facilitates the transfer of data through the sensors.

 Single-clock FIFO   works together with the synchronized chip.

Dual clock FIFO

Dual-clock FIFO IC is usually used in asynchronous data transmission. This means that the frequencies for the input and output data transmissions are different.

The dual-clock FIFO IC is designed to separate the read and write data clocks. It can also synchronize data from different clock domains. This way it can achieve a smooth transmission of data.

The working principle of FIFO IC

 Regardless of the type, the working principle of FIFO IC is always the same.

 The implementation will vary depending on the memory structure and the used shift register.

The oldest data that gets into the chip is always the first one to be processed.

 The chip has an operating system scheduling algorithm that determines the order of data operation and execution.

  In its raw form, the FIFO comprises a set of read and write pointers. It also has storage and control logic elements.

 Different types of storage options are used with the FIFO ICs.  They include SRAM, flip-flops, and latches.

Synchronicity of FIFO.

Synchronicity is a key factor or element that defines the operation of FIFO IC.

 We have already concluded that a FIFO IC can either be synchronous or asynchronous.

 There are two pointers are used during the synchronization process. These are the read pointer and the write pointer.

 In both pointers, the synchronization is implemented as a circular queue.

Status flag

The status flag is another major property that defines the operation of a FIFO IC. It defines how an IC can execute an instruction based on the results of a previous instruction.

 Status flags for FIFO ICs include full, almost full, empty, and almost empty status flags.

A FIFO IC is empty when the read address register is finally at the write address register. On the other hand, it is full when the write address register reaches the read address register.

The FIFO chip is empty when the read address register is equal to the write address register.

How to select FIFO IC- what you should know

 If you are a product designer or manufacturer and you are planning to buy FIFO IC, you must take your time before you make any major decision.

 Your ultimate goal should be to choose the right IC for your product.

 You should start by looking at the specifications of the FIFO chips.

Some of the specs that you should know include the following:

· Type of FIFO:  We have already covered different types of FIFO chips. Synchronous are the most common types.

· Memory density: This refers to the memory capacity of the chip. What volume of data can the chip support?

· Data rate: This refers to the transfer speed of the  FIFO IC. It is the number of bits per second that can be moved in the chip.

· Data hold time: This is the time interval for the logic level to remain on the inputs, especially after triggering the clock pulse.

· Logic family: The logic families of FIFO ICs are used for determining the performance and functionality of the chips. These families include LV CMOS which is used for low voltage applications, CMOS 4000, Transistor-Transistor Logic (TTL), emitter-coupled Logic (ECL), and LCX logic.

· Power characteristics:  Each FIFO IC comes with a set of power features. They are defined in terms of voltage and your choice will depend on the power requirements of your product.

Operating current is the minimum current  that is needed by an IC chip to operate

Standby current: This is the minimum current that is required to keep the chip in operation while it is in an inactive state

Power dissipation refers to the total power consumption of the device.

· Packaging: Different packaging options are used on FIFO IC chips. They include CSP (small-scale package), BGA (Ball-grid array), QFP, TQFP, SOP, SOIC, SOJ, DIP, LCCC, and PLCC. Choose a packaging option that is compatible with your host device.

· Application area: You should consider the application area of the FIFO IC that you want to choose. Some chips are designed for specific application areas such as commercial use, military, small projects, and industrial use.

· Operating temperature: Check out the ambient operating temperature of the FIFO IC. The temperature should be suitable for your application area or host device.

· Pin count; Find out the number of pins that are on the chip 

Conclusion

I hope that from this article, now you have a deeper understanding of FIFO IC. It works on the principle of first-in, first-out operation.

 By having a proper understanding of these chips, you are now in a perfect position to make smart decisions on all the issues relating to buying and using these chips.

You will know where to install and use the chip in your application.

 When it comes to buying FIFO ICs, you should prioritize choosing the best manufacturer and suppliers.

This is important especially if you intend to buy FIFO ICs in bulk.

This is where Rantle East Electronic comes in.

We are a reputable distributor of FIFO chips in China.

We source our chips from the best brands and manufacturers around the world. This means that you are guaranteed to get high-quality chips for your products.

With over 20 years of experience in the electronic distribution industry, you can be sure of getting the best products and services from us.

All you need is to contact us and we will be glad to work together.