Ferroelectric-based nonvolatile state saver

Ramtron International Corporation launched the semiconductor industry’s first nonvolatile state saver – a device that saves the state of signals on demand and restores them to the correct state automatically upon power up. FRAM technology enables this capability due to its fast write time and virtually unlimited write endurance.

The 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 is ideal for diverse applications such as switch interfaces, relay drivers, LED drivers, recording error flags, power down state detection, nonvolatile counters, tamper indicators, door open indicators, motor on/off control, DIP switch replacement, and jumper replacement, among others.

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.

Ramtron International Corporation, www.ramtron.com