Ramtron expands processor Companion family

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, June 14, 2004

Ramtron International Corporation (Nasdaq:RMTR), a supplier of nonvolatile ferroelectric semiconductor products, today introduced its newest Processor Companion product featuring highly integrated analog and mixed-signal functions for processor-based systems. The FM4005 device combines a real-time clock (RTC), low-VDD reset, watchdog timer, battery-backed event counter, lockable 64-bit serial number area, and general-purpose comparator that can be used for an early power-fail (NMI) interrupt or other purpose. Ramtron's Processor Companion family, which is the most integrated Ramtron product line developed to date, provides commonly needed system functions for a variety of automotive, consumer, communications, industrial, metering, and computing applications.

Using an advanced 0.35-micron manufacturing process, the FM4005 combines five separate but distinct system functions in a single 14-pin SOIC package, replacing the need for multiple devices on a system board. In addition, the on-chip integration allows the functions to be controlled with a single interface and operate from 2.7 to 5.5V.

"Our Processor Companions address a set of common requirements in systems that collect data," stated Mike Alwais, Ramtron's senior vice president of FRAM Products. "The FM4005 provides integrated power management and system support in a single chip for customers of our parallel FRAM memories or other data storage devices."

The introduction of the FM4005 follows recent announcements of the FM32x and FM31x Processor Companion families. Ramtron now offers nine products in its Processor Companion line of products.

Processor Supervisor--provides a host processor with two basic functions: detection of power supply fault conditions and a watchdog timer to escape a software lockup condition. A reset pin (/RST) drives the processor-reset input during power faults, power-up and -down, and software lockups. The reset pin also provides a switch debounce function to facilitate manual reset inputs.

Early Power-Fail Interrupt--an early power-fail warning can be provided to the processor well before VDD drops out of specification. The comparator is used to create a power-fail interrupt (NMI). This is ideal for saving critical data in nonvolatile FRAM.

Serial Number--a writeable 64-bit nonvolatile memory block that can be locked by the user once the serial number is set. Once locked, the serial number can't be altered.

Real-Time Clock (RTC) Operation--a timekeeping device that can be battery- or capacitor-backed for permanently powered operation. It offers a software calibration feature that provides high accuracy.

Event Counter--offers the user two battery-backed event counters, which are 16-bit each, cascading to one 32-bit counter, including a programmable edge detect. This unique counter can be used to log system intrusions (tamper events) or virtually any other general-purpose event.

Backup Power--the real-time clock/ calendar is intended to be permanently powered. When the primary system power fails, the voltage on the VDD pin will drop. When VDD is less then 2.5V, the RTC (and event counters) will switch to the backup power supply on VBAK. The backup source can be either a battery or capacitor.

Trickle Charger--facilitates capacitor backup. The VBAK pin can optionally provide a trickle charge current. Data is nonvolatile so data won't be lost if the capacitor fails.

FM4005 samples are available in a 14-pin SOIC package, with prices starting at $2.62 for 10,000-piece quantities.