Memory

Frequently Asked Questions

• FCRAM
• FRAM

FCRAM

Q1. What is FCRAM?

Q1. What is FCRAM?
Fast Cycle RAM is a core technology that provides both high performance and low power. The technology is based on a redesign of the DRAM core using segmentation techniques and pipeline architecture. The random cycle, access time and power are improved.

FRAM

Q1. What are the key features of Fujitsu’s FRAM?
Q2. What are major benefits of Fujitsu’s FRAM?
Q3. What are its enabling technologies?
Q4. Is FRAM in production? Is FRAM reliable?
Q5. What are major applications for FRAM?

Q1. What are the key features of Fujitsu’s FRAM?
FRAM is a high-speed nonvolatile memory whereby data remains in the memory even when the power supply is shut off. Due to its high writing speed, FRAM possesses characteristics of both ROM and RAM. FRAM can be used as standalone memory or as embedded memory in SoC.

Q2. What are major benefits of Fujitsu’s FRAM?
FRAM has many outstanding benefits over conventional nonvolatile memories like EEPROM, Flash and others.
High writing speed
High endurance in write mode
Low power consumption
Easy integration with CMOS.
Ideal as embedded memory.
Excellent tamper resistance

Q3. What are its enabling technologies?
FRAM uses ferroelectric film as a capacitor for storing data. Although the ferroelectric concept has existed for many years, it has been made commercially available through improvements in the ferroelectric material and advanced process technology.

Q4. Is FRAM in production? Is FRAM reliable?
Fujitsu is currently the biggest volume manufacturer for FRAM. Fujitsu started mass production in 1999 and has increased capacity many times over since then. More than 150 millions chips were shipped as of August 2004 under Fujitsu’s stringent quality control.

Q5. What are major applications for FRAM?

• FRAM is appropriate for a wide range of applications. One obvious application is the replacement of bulky battery-backed NVRAM. With FRAM, a battery is not required.
• High writing speed and high endurance make FRAM an excellent choice for applications that require high-speed, multiple write and permanent storage of data (e.g., a data logger for smart airbag control where the power supply will be cut off during collision). The status data in FRAM will be essential to ensure timely activation of the smart airbag.
• Its low power consumption and affinity to CMOS make FRAM ideal as embedded memory found in System-on-chip (SoC). FRAM gracefully addresses the concern for power consumption in portable devices, such as RFID, smartcards and USIM.
• Its tamper-resistant design makes FRAM appropriate for security applications.