FM24C16A
Rev 0.1
June 2002
Page 8 of 13
state is altered, the change can be written. This avoids
writing to memory on power down when the available
time is short and power scarce.
3.
High noise environments. Writing to EEPROM
in a noisy environment can be challenging. When
severe noise or power fluctuations are present, the
long write time of EEPROM creates a window of
vulnerability during which the write can be corrupted.
The fast write of FRAM is complete within a
microsecond. This time is typically too short for noise
or power fluctuation to disturb it.
4.
Time to market. In a complex system, multiple
software routines may need to access the nonvolatile
memory.
In
this
environment
the
time
delay
associated with programming EEPROM adds undue
complexity to the software development. Each
software routine must wait for complete programming
before allowing access to the next routine. When time
to market is critical, FRAM can eliminate this simple
obstacle. As soon as a write is issued to the
FM24C16A, it is effectively done -- no waiting.
5.
RF/ID. In the area of contactless memory, FRAM
provides an ideal solution. Since RF/ID memory is
powered by an RF field, the long programming time
and high current consumption needed to write
EEPROM is unattractive. FRAM provides a superior
solution. The FM24C16A is suitable for multi-chip
RF/ID products.
6.
Maintenance tracking. In sophisticated systems,
the operating history and system state during a failure
is
important
knowledge.
Maintenance
can
be
expedited when this information has been recorded.
Due to the high write endurance, FRAM makes an
ideal system log. In addition, the convenient 2-wire
interface of the FM24C16A allows memory to be
distributed throughout the system using minimal
additional resources.