Everything You Need To Know About NVRAM IC

 Image of NVRAM source Rantle East Electronics

NVRAM stands for the Non-volatile Random Access Memory. This a type of random access memory (RAM) chip that is designed and manufactured not to lose data even when the main power supply to the chip is cut off.

 Volatility in the field of electronics is determined by whether the data that is stored in the chip requires constant refreshing even when the power supply is disconnected.

Older versions of RAM required a constant supply of power to retain data that was stored in their memory cells.

 Before the NVRAM technology was widely accepted into the electronics market, the original CMOS battery was designed to store the BIOS settings of a device in the volatile memory of the CMOS IC. This volatile was used by the computer to boot even after power had been discontinued.

  Widespread technological advancement has paved the way for the development of NVRAM, which has proven to be a better alternative when it comes to the storage of data.

NVRAM  features a small  DIP (Dual Inline Package) integrated chip and gets its power from the CMOS which is positioned on the motherboard of the device.

 NVRAM in electronic devices is used for monitoring several parameters. They include date of manufacture, MAC address, HOSTID, and serial number of a device, among others.

Are you in the business of manufacturing electronic products and devices? Chances are you would like to buy NVRAM for your products.

 Keep reading as we discuss everything that you should know about NVRAM.

 By the end of the guide, you will be in a perfect position to choose the right NVRAM IC for your application.

History of NVRAM

At this point, we know that NVRAM chips are designed to retain data even when there is no power supply.

These chips are the complete opposite of the dynamic random-access memory (DRAM).

 So, what is the origin of NVRAM?

 To get the history of NVRAM, we must understand the evolution of computer memory technology.

 Early computers relied on magnetic drums as their non-volatile memory devices. The technology then shifted to the magnetic core which allowed the storage of data on the polarities of small magnets.

Magnet core memory was considered a non-volatile memory because it retained its state even after the power supply had been cut off. Most memory solutions that were used during the same period required a constant power supply to retain data.

 It wasn't until in 1970s when semiconductor technology started making entry into the world of data storage and management. They started replacing the use of magnetic cores.

 There was a high demand for non-volatile memory in most devices and applications.  Additionally, computers were required to have permanent memory storage solutions. This was witnessed across different areas of electronics and technology.

  The invention of custom ROM integrated circuits markets a major step in the journey of NVRAM. ROMs were designed to have particular patterns that allowed effective storage of data.

 Later on, PROM  IC hit the market and it allowed the C chips to be written electrically using dedicated or special devices. The entry of PROM catalyzed the mass production of memory chips.  Keep in mind that both ROM and PROM are non-volatile.

Many types of NVRAM memory devices have been produced after the invention of PROM. To date, EEPROM and flash memory are the best-known NVRAM ICs.

 Technological advancement has paved the way for the manufacturing of better-quality NVRAM chips.

Moden NVRAM chips have high data capacity, reliability, and high endurance levels. They are also small and light-weight.

 How does NVRAM IC work?

The non-volatile nature of NVRAM allows it to store data even in the absence of a power supply.

 Unlike the volatile memory chips that depend on continuous charge and discharge cycles, NVRAM works by trapping electrons in the memory cells.

 Applying current to the chip will disrupt the state of the electronics forcing them to flow through the circuit. However, the disruption can take place only after a particular voltage is attained. Anything below the minimum voltage will not have any impact on the stored electronics.

Power is needed when reading and writing data into the memory chip of the IC. These electric charges represent the binary values of 0s and 1s. The value will always depend on the state of the transistor.

 How the chip stores data

NVRAM utilizes different types of memory technologies to store data.

Flash memory is the most common type of memory technology that is used by NVRAM. Here, floating gate transistors are used for storing data that is represented by the electrical charges.

Ferroelectric RAM is another type of memory technology that is used by NVRAM to execute data storage. Here ferroelectric material stores data at its poles. The data is represented by atoms.

 NVRAM  IC manufacturers are inventing advanced data storage technologies that can be used on NVRAM. These new solutions include phase change memory (PCM) and magneto-resistive RAM( MRAM).

These two emerging memory technologies are slowly gaining acceptance on different types of NVRAM chips.  With time, we expect better data storage solutions to be used on the NVRAM chips.

Components of NVRAM  IC

 NRAM is an integrated circuit that is designed to perform data storage and memory-related functions.

Being an IC, it consists of several electronic components that have been combined to work together so that they can achieve specific functions.

Key elements that comprise NVRAM include transistors, memory arrays, and semiconductor materials.

Component placement is in such a way that it guarantees seamless data read and write. For example, the circuit is arranged in a linear way to form a pathway for the movement of power and electric current.

Transistors in an NVRA are arranged to form rows and columns. As we know, transistors have three terminals, the negative, the positive, and the control terminal.

 Different transistors have different functions in an NVRAM.

 A floating gate transistor in an NVRAM is designed to hold electrical charges in a memory device. It is also known as the floating gate MOSFET. The absence of electrons in a transistor will force it to retain the 0 state. The presence of electrons will result in the state of 1.

 The control gate determines the state of the memory cells. By doing so, it determines whether the chip will be reading and writing data.

 Types of NVRAM

The most common types of NVRAM chips include FRAM IC, EEPROM-based NVRAM, and MRAM IC.

 Each type has a unique configuration that makes it suitable for performing data storage functions.

 What are the advantages of NVRAM IC?

Numerous advantages come with using NVRAM ICs for data storage and management.

First, NVRAM IC is optimized for performance. These chips deliver better performance levels than most non-volatile memory chips.  Performance in this context is mainly about the fast read and write operations.

NVRAM can retain data for a long time. They are used for long-term data storage plans whereby you would want to use data even for years. The quality of data won't be compromised despite the period that it has been stored.

NVRAM ICs are designed to guarantee the security and integrity of the data that is stored. The make and design of the chips keep off physical and cyber threats.

These chips are energy-saving as they consume minimum power when executing all their operations such as writing and erasing data.

Limitations of NVRAM chips

Cost is one of the factors that are limiting the usage of NVRAM. These chips and their components are quite pricey.

 NVRAM has limits to the number of read and write cycles.  They are prone to electrical and physical damage once their read and write cycles have been exceeded. 

How to detect bad NVRAM

 Let’s say you have bought and you are even using NVRAM IC.  How do I know that the chip is damaged?

 NVRAM ICs are part of the computer memory system. If the chip goes bad, it means that the computer is not retaining the important data about system settings.

 This may happen even though the BIOS settings will remain intact.

 However, since the BIOS system relies on the data that is stored in the NVRAM, its performance and functionality will also be affected by bad NVRAM.

 A bad NVRAM can also depreciate the integrity of data that is used in a device. Corrupted data, on the other hand, can be a major security threat to the host device.

 Several factors can lead to bad NVRAM IC.

One of the reasons is the failure of the embedded battery. Once the battery that is embedded in a device fails, it will have a direct impact on the state of the NVRAM IC.  Data on the system configurations and settings will change.

 CMOS BIOS failure is another top reason that is likely to cause bad  NVRAM. A damaged CMOS will fail to have proper contact with the motherboard and this will affect its performance and even overall functionality.

 Error message about NVRAM IC

Thanks to technological advancement, you can tell when the NVARAM is damaged or has gone bad.

 Most devices will send alerts about the state of the chip and you will be able to act on the problem.

The alerts come in the form of error messages and you will know the exact source of the problem.

 Since CMOS is one of the most common causes of bad NVRAM, you should check on your CMOS battery whenever you get the error message.

 It is advisable to replace the damaged CMOS with a new one that is in perfect condition.  The replacement should have the right performance features and specifications that are compatible with the host device and its motherboard.

 The problem could also be with the BIOS. If this is the case, then you will have to contact the manufacturer of the host device. As long as the device is still under warranty, they should replace the BIOS with a new one.

 In some cases, the problem of bad NVRAM may not be that complex. An error in the chip’s program can affect the operation and performance of the chip.  To solve this, you will have to reprogram the NVRAM and it will be back in good shape. This task should be done by a technician or any other expert who is good at memory chip programming.

 How is NVRAM IC different from other types of memory chips?

 NVRAM is different from other types of memory chips n such as RAM and ROM.  The main difference is it combines the best features of both RAM and ROM to provide effective and efficient data storage functionality.

 Since NVRAM  is a non-volatile memory chip, its data cannot be erased or modified. This is a feature that is associated with the ROM memory. On the other hand, RAM loses its data once the device is powered off, or the power supply to the chip is cut off.

Conclusion

NVRAM is a revolutionary data storage technology that has transformed the world of data in electronic devices.

Electronic device manufacturers have fully embraced this technology. It is used in different types of devices, whether it is simple consumer electronics to complex commercial appliances and machinery.

 With the many advantages that come with using NVRAM, there should be no reason why you should not embrace this train and embed the memory chip into your application.

It all starts will buying the right NVRAM IC for your device.

As we have seen there are different types of NVRAM memory chips.  Know each type and what it does. From there, you will be able to decide which type of NVRAM is ideal for your business.

Once you have made up your mind, you can proceed to buy from the best NVRAM IC suppliers and distributors.

Most of them stock different types of NVRAM chips and you should be able to choose the right one for your application.

 Given the technicalities of these memory chips, it is advisable to seek guidance from experts on how to choose the best NVRAM integrated circuits.

We at Rantle East Electronic are always committed to helping our customers buy exactly the products that they need. Our experienced sales and customer care specialists are always available to offer much-needed guidance on everything about NVRAM ICs.