Everything You Need To Know About FRAM IC

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FRAM (ferroelectric random access memory) is one of the newest memory technologies. This type of memory utilizes the best features of RAM and DRAM to provide the best memory management features.

Also known as F-RAM, this type of memory technology has what it takes to compete with flash memory technology, especially in applications where both can be used.

 While it allows the fast data reading capability of flash storage, F-RAM has the reliability and endurance of the SRAM.

 While most memory devices utilize transistors for data storage and amplification, FRAM uses a ferroelectric capacitor to facilitate data storage and flow.

This means that data in the chip is stored in the form of electric charges and not voltage.

FRAM IC is a non-volatile memory module. This means that it can still hold data even after it is powered off, or the host device is turned off.

Even though it is known as a “ferroelectric” memory chip, the data operations of this chip are not affected by the magnetic field. This is mainly because it does not contain any ferrous materials within the chip.

 Take note that ferroelectric materials tend to switch polarity whenever they are connected to an electric field. Electrons will flow from one end of the chip to another.

However, the polarity of these chips will still not be affected by the magnetic field.

Are you in the business of building electronic products that will need  FRAM IC? This is a perfect guide for you.

 I am going to discuss in detail everything you should know about FRAM IC.  You will learn what these ICs are, how they work, where they are used, and even how you can buy the best FRAM IC.

 How does FRAM IC work?

Being a non-volatile memory module, FRAM IC is designed to retain its data even after it has been disconnected from the power.

The working mechanism of this chip is similar to that of other memory chips such as DRAM IC. The only difference is unlike DRAM which relies on both transistors and capacitors, FRAM  uses capacitors to store data in bits. It also has transistors for controlling the switching process of the chip.

FRAM cells require ferroelectric material that stores data in their respective polar states. This chip does not require a constant refresh process to retain the state of data.

The ferroelectric material is also able to preserve the state of data even in the absence of the power source.

 Once the power is on, the FRAM capacitor will be charged. The capacitors which are connected to the  FRAM cells are designed to hold a specific range of voltage.

 The chip has a bit line and a capacitor that is directly connected to a plate.

 The data bits are in binary forms of 0 and 1.  The storage of these values will always depend on the orientation of the poles on the capacitor

 A power supply or voltage source is used to determine the poles' orientation.

Whenever the switch is open, there will be no charges that will flow to the capacitor. This means that the capacitor will have 0 value.

When the switch is closed, the capacitor will get charged and will acquire some voltage. 

Testing the FRAM IC quality

 In case you want to buy FRAM IC,  your wish will be to get the best quality of this chip.

 But, how can you tell that the chip meets the minimum quality standards for electronics?

 The only way that you can be sure of this is through testing the product.

 Different types of tests are conducted on FRAM ICs to ensure that their quality meets the required standards.

 These tests include the following:

· Preconditioning test: This type of test is done to test the performance and operability of ICs when subjected to different ambient conditions.  For instance, the chip is exposed to different temperature conditions.

· Burst test: How will the FRAM IC behave or react when exposed to high current and voltage? This is where the importance of burst testing comes in. It entails connecting the FRAM IC to high current and voltage.

· Data cycling test:  This test is conducted by subjecting the FRAM IC to a defined number of write cycles. From the cycles, you will know the endurance of the chip about the write cycles.

·  Inspection for defects:  Since this is a hardware product,  it can have physical and electrical effects. Necessary tests are conducted to find such defects and rectify them before the product reaches the market.

· Total test: This is a general testing procedure that covers all the aspects of the FRAM IC. It ensures that the chip meets the required standards for the market.

Who conducts all these tests? Usually, FRAM IC manufacturers are responsible for carrying out the tests.  They do so before packaging the chips in readiness for the shipping process.

Reputable distributors such as Rantle East  Electronic take the initiative of working closely with the manufacturers to ensure that all the chips that they are sourcing have been tested. This way, customers can be sure of getting high-quality products.

 What are the applications of FRAM IC?

 Even though FRAM ICs are not as popular as other memory modules such as flash memory and FRAM, they are used in different application areas.

 FRAM ICs are usually embedded into CMOS-based chips where they operate with a device’s memory unit. In such application areas, FRAM ICs reduce the number of stages that are required for incorporating more memory into the MCU. Not only does this move save the price but also the space.

 Some of these application areas include medical equipment, instrumentation, and some industrial machinery. The chip is mostly etched into the microcontrollers of these equipment.

Comparing FRAM IC with other memory chips

To give you a better perspective of FRAM, let's compare it with other types of memory chips that are used for the same purpose.

FRAM vs EEPROM IC

 EEPROM  stands for electrically erasable programable read-only memory. This is also a non-volatile memory chip that can be written to and erased electronically.

 EEPROM is quite similar to FPRAM in many different areas such as performance, consistency, and reliability.

 In terms of speed, FRAM is a better option. It has a faster write time.  To be precise, FRAM is 1000 times faster than both flash and EEPROM chips especially when it comes to writing data onto the chips.

 The structure of FRAM is one of the key reasons that makes it faster than EEPROM.   The write operation in FRAM is executed in a single step while in EEPROM it is executed in two steps.

Additionally, FRAM has a lower power consumption rate than EEPROM. This makes it an ideal option for energy-consuming devices and applications.

FRAM vs Flash memory

 Compared to flash storage, FRAM has a lower power consumption. It is a better option if you are building a device that is optimized for energy conservation.

 FRAM also has an upper hand over flash memory when it comes to the performance of the chip. Its write operation is faster than that of the flash memory

 However, flash memory has a higher data storage capacity than the FRAM.

FRAM IC vs SRAM IC

SRAM stands for static random access memory. Unlike FRAM which relies on electric charges to store data, SRAM uses a bistable latching circuit.

 Both SRAM and FRAM have high endurance levels. This means that both can take many write cycles.  In terms of performance, SRAM has higher read/write speeds than the FRAM. This is because data erasion on SRAM is instantaneous.

FRAM IC vs DRAM IC

 The primary difference between these two memory chips is volatility. FRAM is a non-volatile memory type while DRAM is a volatile memory.

This means that DRAM can only retail data as long as there is a constant supply of power. Once the supply is cut off, the data will be erased.

 In terms of speed and performance, FRAM  IC is faster than DRAM. 

FAQs about FRAM IC

 Here are some of the frequently asked questions about ferroelectric random access memory.  As industry experts, we have strived to provide answers to these questions.

How do I use FRAM IC?

 Beyond the working mechanism, it is important to know how to use FRAM IC.

  Operation of FRAM  IC entails reading and writing data to the chip. For these two actions to be executed, you must connect the chip to the right voltage or power source.

 Since FRAM IC is a non-volatile memory chip, disconnecting power does not lead to the loss of data.  Instead, the charges in the chip will remain dormant. Reconnecting power will reactivate the state of the charges whereby you will be able to read and even write data onto the chip.

 In case you are building an electronic device or appliance, ensure that the power that is connected to the FRAM is the one that has been specified by the manufacturer.

 When should I use FRAM IC?

 First, you should know that FRAM IC is a non-volatile memory device. You should use it in case you want to perform quick read and write operations on your electronic device.

 A perfect example is when you intend to embed sensors into an application or device. Speed will always be a key factor when it comes to reading and writing data into sensors. FRAM IC will be a perfect memory device for such an application.

 Does FRAM IC lose data after a read operation?

 Being a nonvolatile memory module, FRAM retains its data both after the read and write operation.  The data will remain even after turning the power off.

 However,  FRAM  needs to be refreshed after each read operation. The restoration process entails making the memory cells more accessible so that the data can be rewritten.

 Technically, it is impossible to exhaust the read cycles of the FRAM IC.

IS FRAM IC secure?

 Security will always be a top priority when it comes to assessing the effectiveness of a data chip.

FRAM IC is generally a secure data chip. This explains why it is used in data-sensitive applications such as banks.

Applications such as set-top boxes and financial smartcards are embedded with FRSM ICs.

The security of FRAM IC is stemmed from the fact that it is made of ferroelectric material. This cushions it from data corruption due to electromagnetic radiation.

The fast write feature of the FRAM IC   makes it difficult for attackers to intercept the write operation on the IC.

 Additionally, the low power consumption feature of the IC makes it difficult for attackers with different power requirements to gain access to the data in the chip.

Is F-RAM the same as FRAM?

Yes, F-RAM, FeRAM, and FRAM  all refer to the same thing- ferroelectric RAM.

How does temperature affect FRAM IC?

One of the reasons why FRAM IC is popular is because its performance cannot be affected by temperature. The ferroelectric material makes the chip heat-proof.

 FRAM is built to retain its data for more than 10 years if the temperature is over 85 degrees. No matter how intensive the conditions may be, it is very rare for a device or application to exceed such temperatures.

In short, FRAM IC guarantees stable performance even in harsh temperature conditions.

Conclusion

I hope that with this guide, you have gained valuable information about ferroelectric random access memory chips.

You know what these memory chips are and where to use them. Furthermore, you know what to look for when buying these chips.

With this information, you are in a perfect position to buy and choose the right FRAM IC for your products. This is important especially when you are planning to buy FRAM ICs in bulk.

One key factor that you should consider when in the process of making such big purchases is where to buy FRAM ICs in bulk.

 Ensure that you buy from reliable and reputable FRAM IC suppliers and distributors.

Rantle East Electronic is one such distributor.  For the past 20 years, we have committed ourselves to distributing the best FRAM ICs for different applications.

As an established electronic component sourcing agent in China, we source FRAM ICs from top manufacturers around the world.

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