2007-06-20
Fujitsu Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd.

Fujitsu Announces Volume Production of 2Mbit FRAM ICs; New Non-volatile, Low-Power ICs Serve Automotive, Printer, Instrumentation Applications

Shanghai, June 20, 2007 — Fujitsu Microelectronics (Shanghai) today announced the availability of Fujitsu Microelectronics's 2 Megabit (Mbit) FRAM memory chips, the largest capacity FRAM in volume production in the world. The Fujitsu MB85R2001 and MB85R2002 feature non-volatile memory with high-speed data writing, low power consumption, and the ability to provide a high number of write cycles. They are ideal for automotive navigation systems, multi-function printers, measuring instruments, and other advanced applications that can use non-volatile memory to store various parameters, record equipment operating conditions, and preserve security information.

Based on the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, ZigBee is a wireless communication technology for short distances (within 100m), low data rates (up to 250kbps), low power consumption (operating life from six months to two years with ordinary alkaline batteries) and high reliability. Unlike Bluetooth (802.15.1), which is used to transfer voice data, and WiFi (802.11a/b/g), which is used to transfer Email and images, the ZigBee system emphasizes multi-node monitoring, control and sensory network applications.

The configuration of MB85R2001 is 256K words x 8 bits; the configuration of MB85R2002 is 128K words x 16 bits. Both feature read access times of 100 nanoseconds (ns), and read/write cycle times of 150ns. They operate from 3V to 3.6V.

"FRAM technology is particularly ideal for applications that require a high number of write cycles and low power consumption, as well as high-speed data writing. These new FRAMs provide the increased functionality and higher memory capacity required in new automotive, instrumentation, and other advanced designs," said Keith Horn, chief operating officer of Fujitsu Microelectronics America. "The new FRAMs also share the electrical characteristics of the 1Mbit FRAMs from Fujitsu, enabling an easy migration to the higher capacity versions with the added connection of only one address."

As a pioneer in FRAM development, Fujitsu started volume production in 1999, and reached worldwide sales in excess of 500 million chips, including discrete memory chips as well as chips with embedded FRAM memory. Due to the ongoing demand for larger FRAM memory, Fujitsu decided to double the memory capacity, resulting in the development and production of the MB85R2001 and MB85R2002. Compared to battery-backed SRAM, the elimination of battery from FRAM simplifies production processes and removes the hassles of battery replacement and maintenance in products using the Fujitsu FRAM. Like all other FRAM products from Fujitsu, the MB85R2001 and MB85R2002 reduce material waste and are environmentally friendly.

The new 2Mbit FRAM products have the same electrical characteristics and TSOP-48 package as Fujitsu's 1Mbit FRAM products (MB85R1001, MB85R1002) that are currently in production. With the additional connection of only one address, a shift to the 2Mbit products has been made possible. Therefore, on the same printed circuit board and depending on the necessary memory capacity, either the 1Mbit or 2Mbit FRAM can be used.

The new FRAMs are available in 48-pin TSOPs now, and production pricing is available upon request.

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Fujitsu Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co.,Ltd.

Fujitsu Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. was established in August 2003 as Fujitsu's semiconductor business representative in China. Headquartered in Shanghai, it has branch offices in Beijing and Shenzhen to provide sales and service support to customers throughout China. Fujitsu Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. offers an extensive range of products from microcontroller, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application-specific standard product (ASSP), system-on-chip (SoC) to system memory, that can be supplied as product or complete solution. With technology resource centres and ASIC design support centres strategically located in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Singapore, as well as Heavy investments in design and engineering capabilities and application support resources, complemented by a regional network of design partners, suppliers and distributors, Fujitsu Microelectronics (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. can readily delivers innovative and value-added solutions and varied range of products to its target markets in China.

For more information, please see: http://cn.fujitsu.com/fmc/en/

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