Aclara selects Cypress serial nvSRAMs for use in AMI modules

SAN JOSE, USA: Cypress Semiconductor Corp. announced that Aclara Technologies has selected Cypress’s serial non-volatile Static Random Access Memories (nvSRAMs) with an SPI interface for the new UMT-R residential utility meter. The nvSRAMs provide the UMT-R with high speed, fail-safe memory that meets the reliability specifications for which Aclara’s solutions are known.

Cypress introduced the new I2C and SPI nvSRAMs in March of this year. The new devices, available in full production in densities from 64-Kbits to 2-Mbits, are popular in metering, industrial and automotive applications. They deliver operating frequencies up to 104 MHz for the SPI devices (3.4 MHz for the I2C products) and are also offered with an optional integrated Real-Time Clock (RTC) that enables time-stamping of critical data to be backed-up. No battery back-up is needed for these parts.

Cypress’s nvSRAMs are manufactured on its S8 0.13-micron SONOS (Silicon Oxide Nitride Oxide Silicon) embedded non-volatile memory technology, enabling superior reliability and improved performance. nvSRAMs are ideal solutions for applications requiring absolute non-volatile data security such as Electronic Smart Meters, PLCs, Motor Drives, Electronic Data Recorders in Automobiles, RAID systems, SSD systems, Internet Router/Switches, consumer, Medical, and Data Communication Systems.

“Cypress’s Serial nvSRAMs delivered the performance and reliability we required in the UMT-R,” said Aclara’s Mike Ransick. “The new SPI interface simplified the design process, speeding time to market.”

“We’re pleased to see a leader such as Aclara adopt the new Serial nvSRAMs,” said Babak Taheri, VP, Non-Volatile Products Business Unit, Cypress. “With the devices in full production, we have engaged with other industry leaders in their new designs.”

The Serial nvSRAM family includes 2-Mbit, 1-Mbit, 512-Kbit, 256-Kbit and 64-Kbit devices in multiple configurations. These devices feature superior performance with an industry-first SPI operating frequency up to 104MHz, SPI Modes 0 and 3, infinite READ/WRITE and RECALL cycles with 20 years of data retention. These devices are available in industry-standard small footprint 8-SOIC and 16-SOIC packages and both the wafer and backend parts can be manufactured at multiple sites to reduce supply risk.