Ferroelectric RAM puts events on the record

Integrated event monitoring device continuously monitors state changes, stores them in FRAM and alerts the host system to the changes.

Ramtron has developed the semiconductor industry's first ferroelectric-RAM-based event data recorder (EDR).

The FM6124 is an integrated event monitoring solution that continuously monitors state changes, stores them in the FRAM and alerts the system to the changes.

Like a programmable logic controller, the FM6124 features simple device settings and data retrieval for easy system integration and a shorter design-in cycle.

"The FM6124, our first EDR product and the basis for an evolving specialty product family, uniquely provides digital event monitoring in a single package", remarks David Lee, Ramtron's Strategic Marketing Manager.

"The device can be customised by Ramtron to monitor inputs other than edge-detected signals".

"For example, pulsewidth monitoring of a preset minimum or maximum pulsewidth, as well as frequency monitoring are possible".

The FM6124 is designed for broad industry use in the industrial control, medical and metering markets.

The EDR can perform in a host of applications such as: activity/equipment/environmental monitoring; maintenance scheduling; power system management; automotive/industrial automation event recording; vehicle/pedestrian traffic counting; and surveillance systems.

The FM6124 features 32Kbyte of FRAM that can be used to store event records.

Up to 24Kbyte of FRAM can be configured to store event/user data.

The on-chip real-time clock (RTC) with calendar enables time stamping of events and can function as a system clock and calendar.

The RTC enables further analysis of captured data, which can be used by the system to generate alerts such as an equipment malfunction or a call for maintenance.

The EDR includes 12 digital inputs that can be individually configured to trigger event recording on either a rising or falling edge.

The FM6124's F-RAM memory can store up to 4000 event records.

The device features an I2C interface that sustains communication speeds up to 100Kbit/s.

The I2C interface allows for flexible placement of the FM6124 chip away from the host system and closer to the equipment and/or sensors it is monitoring.

Up to four FM6124 devices can share the same I2C bus.

Other FM6124 features include a 16bit battery-backed event counter input; an early power fail monitoring input; and a user-programmable 64bit serial number.

The FM6124 operates from 3.0 to 3.6V over the industrial temperature range (-40 to +85C) and is available in a 44-pin QFP package.

Samples of the FM6124 are currently available, with pricing starting at US $7.50 for quantities of 1000.

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