Event data recorder with integrated F-RAM memory

May 15th, 2008 • Related • Filed Under

Ramtron International Corporation, a leading developer and supplier of nonvolatile ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) and integrated semiconductor products, launched the FM6124, the semiconductor industry’s first F-RAM-based Event Data Recorder (EDR). 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 device can be customized by Ramtron to monitor inputs other than edge-detected signals. For example, pulse width monitoring of a preset min or max pulse width, as well as frequency monitoring are also possible.

The FM6124 is an integrated event monitoring solution that continuously monitors state changes, stores them in the F-RAM, and alerts the system to the changes. Like a programmable logic controller (PLC), the FM6124 features simple device settings and data retrieval for easy system integration and a shorter design-in cycle. The FM6124 combines 12 input pins individually configurable for Event recording; event Buffer memory for event storage implemented as F-RA; user accessible F-RAM memory, user Accessible Real time clock (RTC) with alarm; MCU companion features such as Event counter, Watchdog Timer, Power Fails Input/Output and programmable serial number; I2C communication interface supporting two device IDs: one for User-F-RAM (0xA0) and one for Event Recorder/MCU Companion (0xD0). Other features of the FM6124 include a 16-bit battery backed-up event counter, an early power fail monitoring input, and a user programmable 64-bit serial number. The FM6124 is powered by a 3.0 to 3.6V supply, can function over the industrial temperature range, and is available in a QFP-44 package.

The FM6124 features 12 digital inputs that can be individually configured to trigger event recording on either a rising or a falling edge. An on-chip Real Time Clock (RTC) with calendar provides a timestamp for each event recorded and can also be used as system clock and calendar. The event timestamp resolution is one second. The on-chip 32KBytes F-RAM memory provides nonvolatile storage for event recording and a portion of it can also be used for nonvolatile User Data storage. Access to the User Data is performed like any other I2C memory device. Recorded events consist of 8 bytes. One byte defines the event code and the 7 remaining bytes contain timestamp data. The events are recorded in a circular buffer fashion and they are retrieved through I2C accessible registers. The FM6124 can capture and record up to 10K Events every second if no I2C communication in taking place on the I2C bus. Up to 32KB F-RAM can be reserved for Events recording. F-RAM can be treated as RAM and reads/writes at the speed of the I2C bus. It also offers effectively unlimited write endurance unlike other nonvolatile memory technologies.

Event Monitoring Features

  • Continuously Monitor Input State Change
  • 12 Digital Events Inputs Pins
  • Configurable Events Trigger on Rising/Falling Edge
  • Up to 10K Events per second Capture/Record rate
  • Event duration can be as short as 15μS
  • RTC Timestamp for each Recorded Event
  • I2C Interface for Configuration and Data Read/Write
  • Configurable F-RAM Segment Size for Event Recording

High Integration Device Replaces Multiple Parts

  • Serial Nonvolatile Memory
  • Real-time Clock (RTC) with Alarm
  • Low VDD Detection Drives Reset
  • Watchdog Window Timer
  • Early Power-Fail Warning/NMI
  • 16-bit Nonvolatile Event Counter
  • Serial Number with Write-lock for Security

Ferroelectric Nonvolatile RAM

  • Configurable Size (Up to 24KB) F-RAM for User Data
  • Dedicated I2C ID for User F-RAM
  • Unlimited Read/Write Endurance
  • 10 year Data Retention
  • NoDelay™ Writes

Real-time Clock/Calendar

  • Backup Current under 1 μA
  • Seconds through Centuries in BCD format
  • Tracks Leap Years through 2099
  • Uses Standard 32.768 kHz Crystal
  • Software Calibration
  • Supports Battery or Capacitor Backup

Processor Companion

  • Active-low Reset Output for VDD and Watchdog
  • Programmable Low-VDD Reset Thresholds
  • Manual Reset Filtered and Debounced
  • Programmable Watchdog Window Timer
  • Nonvolatile Event Counter
  • Comparator for Power-Fail Interrupt or Other Use
  • 64-bit Programmable Serial Number with Lock

Easy to Use Configurations

  • Operates from 3.0 to 3.6V
  • QFP-44 10×10mm “Green”/RoHS Package
  • Industrial Temperature Range -40°C to +85°C

Applications

  • Activity Monitoring
    Industrial Automation Event Recording
    Environmental Monitoring
    Vehicle & Pedestrian Traffic Counting
    Equipment Use monitoring
    Maintenance scheduling

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