Ramtron gets Grade 1 automotive qualification for nonvolatile state savers

The Grade 1 temperature qualification allows the FM1105-GA and FM1106-GA to operate over the entire automotive temperature range of -40 degrees C to +125 degrees C, enabling designers to benefit from F-RAM in systems throughout the car. The nonvolatile state saver is as simple to use as a D-type flip-flop. It operates like conventional logic, but stores and retains the logic state in the absence of power, simplifying the design of system control functions. The nonvolatile state saver with Grade 1 automotive qualification is well-suited for diverse applications including door lock and child safety position electronic latches, airbag deactivation switch, blower speed and vent position for cabin ventilation systems, dome light mode switch, and electrically heated steering wheel and seats, among other applications.

“The Ramtron state saver is an elegant solution that simplifies the design of system control functions. The state saver is unique because it remembers the stored output values without power,” explains Mike Peters, Ramtron marketing manager. “The AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification of the FM1105-GA and FM1106-GA helps grow our Grade 1 automotive compliant product portfolio, further enabling intelligent automotive applications that respond to the timeliest information available,” Peters adds.

The low-power nonvolatile state saver provides continuous access to nonvolatile system settings without reading a memory or consuming dedicated processor I/O pins. It enables storage of signals that may change frequently and without notice, and it allows the nonvolatile storage of system settings without the system overhead and extra pins of a serial memory.

The FM1105-GA operates from 4.5 volts to 5.5 volts with a standby current of 20 microamps. The FM1106-GA operates from 2.7 volts to 3.6 volts with a standby current of 8 microamps. Both devices can drive 10 milliamp loads, change state continuously as fast as 1 microsecond, offer 1E12 (1-trillion) state changes, and operate over the AEC-Q100 Grade 1 automotive temperature range (-40 degrees C to +125 degrees C).