SPI and ^I²C protocols such as EE RAM and Serial SRAM
Standalone non-volatile RAM memory used


Application products requiring repetitive data logging tasks, ranging from smart meters to manufacturing production lines, must be able to automatically restore their contents if power is interrupted during processing. Existing low-density (64Kb to 1Mb) non-volatile (NV) SRAM products used for such data logging generally have the disadvantage of a high cost per bit in the final product.

On the 3rd, Microchip Technology announced a new family of Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) EERAM memory products that enable system developers to reduce costs by up to 25% compared to existing Serial NVRAM products.

With the launch of this product family, Microchip’s EERAM portfolio has added four densities of SPI products ranging from 64Kb to 1Mb.

EERAM is a product that combines EEPROM and serial SRAM, and is a standalone non-volatile RAM memory that uses SPI and ^I²C protocols, such as serial SRAM. If the device loses power, the SRAM contents are preserved even without using an external battery.

When the device detects that the power is off, it automatically transfers SRAM data to non-volatile storage, and moves the data back to SRAM after power is restored. In the case of a manufacturing production line, each station handles millions of tasks over its entire lifespan.

Data loss occurring during the execution of each of these tasks can lead to situations where multiple items must be inspected or discarded. In such situations, EE RAM automatically saves the contents of the SRAM, enabling work to resume from the point where the production line stopped.

EE RAM has become more affordable by using standard CMOS and flash processes. Alternative solutions, such as Ferroelectric (Fe) RAM, utilize specialized processes, resulting in significantly higher prices and unstable supply in the long term. The new EE RAM product family is subject to Microchip's customer-centric discontinuation policy, allowing customers to continue purchasing it as long as they need it.

Randy Drwinga, Vice President of Microchip’s Memory Products business unit, said, “EE RAM can provide system developers with the reliable and cost-effective non-volatile RAM solutions required for systems.”

"He added, 'The new product family being launched includes Microchip's first SPI interface products up to 1 Mb, providing many options to meet system design requirements.'"