Ramtron extends Versa 8051 family with 2KB F-RAM MCU

Ramtron International Corporation, a leading developer and supplier of nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) and integrated semiconductor products, launched the VRS51L3072, an 8051-based microcontroller with 2KB of nonvolatile F-RAM memory. Ramtron has added F-RAM to its fast and flexible Versa 8051s for a quick and reliable nonvolatile data storage and processing system that is ideal for saving system status, data logging, and storing nonvolatile variables in a range of applications from sensors and meters to industrial controls, instrumentation and medical devices.

“We have expanded the Versa 8051 family with the 2KB F-RAM MCU for our customers who require a lower density F-RAM for real-time data collection and storage. The high-performance core in the VRS51L3072 controls peripherals and gathers data, and its onboard digital signal processing (DSP) functions process the data, which is then stored in F-RAM,” says David Lee, Ramtron International Strategic Marketing Manager. “Pin-compatible with our 8KB F-RAM MCUs, it’s a cost effective alternative for applications that require less than 8KB of F-RAM.”

F-RAM instead of Flash/EEPROM for nonvolatile data storage

F-RAM simplifies the design cycle by eliminating the code overhead accompanying Flash data storage, and the limited endurance and drawn out write cycles of Flash/EEPROM. Unlike Flash, F-RAM bytes can be modified without first erasing an entire sector, rendering it easier to use. And unlike Flash/EEPROM, F-RAM provides virtually unlimited read/write cycles and fast data writes.
The VRS51L3072 combines 2KB of F-RAM with a fully integrated, high-performance system-on-chip. Features include an advanced 40-MIPS, single-cycle 8051-core, 64KB Flash with in-system/in-application programming, 4KB SRAM, DSP extensions, and a robust digital peripheral set. Operating at 3.3 volts over the entire industrial temperature range, the VRS51L3072 is the ideal embedded data acquisition solution for a wide array of advanced applications.

VRS51L3072 Features

· 2KB F-RAM: 2048 bytes of true nonvolatile RAM (no battery/super cap required to maintain data) mapped into the VRS51L3072’s XRAM memory for easy access, fast writes and essentially unlimited endurance.

· 40MHz, Single-Cycle 8051 Processor: One of the fastest 8-bit processors on the market, its advanced core can deliver up to 40 MIPS throughput and is instruction-compatible with standard 8051s for smooth device migration.

· MULT/ACCU/DIV Unit with 32-bit Barrel Shifter: This hardware calculation engine significantly outperforms 8-bit processors when executing DSP operations (FIR filtering, sensor output linearization, multiple-byte arithmetic operations, etc). It performs 16-bit signed multiplication and 32-bit addition in one cycle and 16-bit signed division in five cycles. The barrel shifter enables logic/arithmetic shift operations.

· 40MHz Internal Oscillator: The internal oscillator cuts system costs by eliminating the need for an external crystal oscillator.

· USB-JTAG Interface: For user-friendly and quick device programming and real-time, in-circuit debugging/emulation of the user application without the need for a costly emulator.

· Dual UARTs with Baud Rate Generator: The universal asynchronous receiver/transmitters operate at up to 1.25 Mbps. Each UART incorporates a dedicated baud rate generator with 20-bit equivalent resolution.

· Enhanced SPI: The communication speed on the serial peripheral interface can be configured up to 20 Mbps and transactions are adjustable from 1 to 32 bits.

· PWCs: Two pulse width counter modules provide advanced timer control, simplifying event duration measurement.

· PWMs: Eight pulse width modulators with 16-bit adjustable resolution. Each PWM includes its own timer, which can also be used as general purpose timers.

Other support peripherals include an I²C interface, three 16-bit general purpose timers/counters with three timer capture inputs, a watchdog timer, and 49 interrupts that share 16 interrupt vectors.

Ramtron International Corporation