FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) is a non-volatile memory that uses ferroelectric films to hold data. This type of memory has the characteristics of non-volatile and random access. Non-volatile means that the data stored in the memory can be saved even if the power of the chip is turned off.

Compared to traditional non-volatile memories, FRAM consumes much less power and writes faster. For similar writes, FRAM consumes only 1/1000 of the EEPROM. The write time of FRAM is 1/40000 of EEPROM, reaching the level of traditional volatile memory such as SRAM and DRAM. Moreover, FRAM's read/write endurance is far superior to EEPROM and Flash memory. EEPROM and Flash memory can be written about 1 million times (106 times), FRAM can be written up to 1013 times, or the number of writes can reach more than 10 million times of the first two memories.

Another feature of FRAM is that ferroelectric memories that use polarization techniques to preserve data do not suffer from data loss when exposed to radiation. In the case of EEPROM and Flash memory, saving data depends on whether charge is present in the memory area of ​​the device, and radiation can cause charge drift, causing data to be corrupted.

Another unique advantage of FRAM is the use of different cell structures that have excellent device-level tamper resistance, prevent unauthorized data reading, and pass a series of stringent safety certification standards, for example in France. In the EAL (based on the international standard ISO/IEC 15408 evaluation assurance level) certification implemented by the DCSSI of the Ministry of Defence, FRAM has passed the EAL4+ certification, ranking the highest in the category of consumer appliances. The commonly used memory save data depends on whether there is charge in the storage area of ​​the memory cell. However, changes in charge can be scanned by third-party tools to gain unauthorized access to stored data. FRAM records data by means of polarization, and the electric field changes the molecular direction of the constituent materials, so this risk is rarely encountered.

Fujitsu Semiconductor has been using mature technology to produce FRAM for more than 10 years, providing users with a wide product line. The industry's attention has been paid to solutions and applications in the medical field and smart meters.

Fujitsu's FRAM has received much attention in the medical field and has won the favor of a wider range of applications and users. FRAM has many unrivaled advantages, including fast writes, near infinite read/write endurance, low power consumption and radiation resistance, adding new practical value to medical devices and systems. FRAM has long been used in CT scanners and other large devices, and its use in small medical devices is increasing. In order to achieve certification for the production control of medical devices and biopharmaceuticals, RFID with FRAM has also become more and more popular.

The CT scanner is a medical device that uses FRAM. Many years ago, several device manufacturers began using FRAM. The purpose of using FRAM inside the device by different manufacturers is different, one of which is the control system to determine when the device needs to be serviced.

The performance of the camera and X-ray generator inside the CT scanner will deteriorate with repeated use, and these components must be replaced periodically. In these areas, FRAM is used as a memory device for the control system to record the operating time of the device and the amount of radiation received. The FRAM chip is a non-volatile memory with fast write, high read/write endurance and radiation resistance, making it ideal for this demanding work environment.

FRAM is also used as a monitor next to the patient to record or monitor the patient's vital signs—heart rate, pulse, blood pressure, body temperature, etc. These monitors store pre-recorded baseline information for the patient and can be compared to the most recently measured data. If an abnormal situation occurs, the monitor will give an alarm. Compared to EEPROM, FRAM can be written more frequently, and the device can make more frequent measurements so that the monitor can record more details. FRAM's fast write capability also means that if there is a sudden power outage, no data is lost, because FRAM can store data in the shortest amount of time before the system's power supply is interrupted.

Device manufacturers are considering using FRAM for automatic CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) devices to track sleep apnea. CPAP monitors and records the patient's breathing data during sleep and helps the patient breathe when needed. "At present, automatic CPAP uses SRAM to store data, but using FRAM does not require a battery to store data on SRAM." Some CPAPs use EEPROM to store the initial parameters of the device, but use FRAM to store these parameters and record data, even the EEPROM is not used. .

Some hearing aid manufacturers are considering using FRAM in hearing aids. Many of today's hearing aids can be adapted to each individual's usage to achieve optimal performance. A recording system is manufactured by a manufacturer to register such information, and FRAM is being considered as a recording memory. Today's hearing aids typically use EEPROM to record information, but FRAM can write data faster and consume less energy. For example, writing 64 bytes of data at the same frequency, FRAM writes 20 times faster than EEPROM, and consumes only 1/140 of the latter, which means lower battery replacement.

Another unique advantage of FRAM is the ability to reduce the noise of the memory when writing data. The EEPROM uses an internal 10V high voltage to erase and write data to the memory. At write time, this high supply voltage creates noise in the circuit that translates into repetitive noise that the hearing aid user can hear. If you use FRAM, you don't need high voltage to erase and write data. This problem is solved.

FRAM can be used not only as a separate component, but also into the medical field through RFID ICs with FRAM. For example, RFID tags can be used to control and identify medical devices, products, and drugs. Some RFID tag manufacturers and system manufacturers have commercialized RFID tags with FRAM in the medical field and in medical devices and biopharmaceuticals.

RFID tags can read and write information into internal memory over a wireless network. RFID can not only record much more information than barcodes, but also continuously write information, so RFID tags are often used to track information, as well as other applications in logistics and production. But in the medical field, there is an area that has not been able to get into the ordinary RFID so far, that is, radiation sterilization of labeled items.

In order to meet certain strict hygiene standards, medical devices are often sterilized using special gases or other methods, but radiation disinfection is more widely used in single-use medical devices and components in biopharmaceutical devices. The reason for using radiation disinfection is that this method produces fewer environmental problems, and the packaged items can also be sterilized by this method, minimizing possible contamination before the next step of processing after sterilization. Since the radiation causes the data on the RFID tag using the EEPROM to be lost, the tag does not function as a recognizer, and the end user of the device has a lot of complaints. Using FRAM on RFID tags can solve this problem.

Today, standard memory devices like EEPROM and SRAM have been widely used in medical devices. The use of FRAM will likely change the way that the average end user and medical professional complain about hearing aid noise or the need to replace the battery in the device used. FRAM products help capture more detailed data, improve data reliability, and improve safety and productivity in the medical industry.

In many countries, FRAM has been widely used in smart meters, and its excellent features such as fast writing, almost unlimited read/write, low power consumption and tamper resistance will promote the future development of smart meters.

Conventional smart meters typically contain two systems, one is a metering system that provides the main functions of the meter, including a microprocessor with input interface circuitry and display circuitry. The other is the communication system, which functions to send metered data to an external data center for data tabulation and exchange with metering data within the metering system. The data log system (Figure 1) can be used for the communication functions of both systems.

Figure 1. Application of FRAM on smart meters

For example, a measurement unit in a grid smart meter can use a data logging system to record energy consumption and related changes in real time. With such a system, data is required to be written at a frequency of approximately twice per second. The data log system of the communication unit stores the data for monitoring the working state and control data of the power grid to ensure optimal distribution of power. The ideal method is to record this data frequently, and the fast write of FRAM and the feature of frequent read/write can be very useful.

Real-time data logging also makes smart meters for prepaid systems more efficient. In the prepaid system, charging is performed according to each specific time period. If the interval of charging becomes longer, the fluctuation range of the power consumption calculated by the same price is increased. FRAM features fast data writes and low power consumption. Using FRAM can increase the frequency of data writes without increasing the power consumption of the entire meter. In other words, billing can be deducted from time to time, reducing the amount of energy consumption fluctuations per billing.

FRAM helps reduce the total power consumption of smart meters. With smart meters, you need to monitor the battery's working process to ensure that the meter is always in operation in the event of a power outage or unpredictable situation where there is no power supply, which is why the meter's power consumption is small. . FRAM's power consumption is very low, and it can save data in the event of a power outage, which is very useful in reducing the power consumption of the meter. And the low power consumption of FRAM helps to extend battery life.

The third advantage of FRAM is better data security. The smart meter memory stores data on household electricity usage. To ensure the security of private information, the meter requires higher data security. FRAM is tamper-proof, making the data security of the meter much stronger than systems using traditional memory.

Figure 2. FRAM product line for smart meters

Supported by the production of FRAM technology with many excellent features, Fujitsu Semiconductor offers customers a variety of product lines, including stand-alone FRAM and application-specific LSI, such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) ICs, verification ICs and other products using FRAM. . Independent FRAM is mainly used for smart meters. The stand-alone FRAM provided in modular form is compatible with three types of interfaces: SPI, I2C, and parallel interfaces, with densities of 4Kbit–256Kbit, 16Kbit-2Mbit, and 256Kbit to 4Mbit (Figure 2). In response to customer requirements for smaller footprints, the 16Kbit I2C and SPI interface MB85RC16 and MB85RS16 are available in a small 8 pin SON package measuring 3mm x 2mm.

Currently, FRAM has been widely used in medical electronics, smart meters, and other fields because FRAM has an unrivaled advantage over traditional memory: fast data write capability avoids data loss in the event of a power failure; Read/write times allow users to collect data frequently; low power consumption can reduce system power consumption and extend battery life. With the development of more fields, FRAM will definitely play a bigger role, so please pay attention to and pay attention to the future development of Fujitsu Semiconductor in this field.

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