Many providers have pulled out of the SRAM market to focus on high-end, high-margin technologies. But there are still numerous applications where SRAMs are ideal. Reason enough to take a closer look at these memories.
Memories fall into two main categories:
- Non-volatile or read-only memory (ROM) –memory data are not lost when the power supply is turned off. The most familiar type of non-volatile memory is flash memory (NOR flash, NAND flash).
- Volatile or random access memory (RAM) –memory data are lost as soon as the power supply is turned off. A distinction is made here between dynamic random access memory (DRAM) and static random access memory (SRAM).
SRAM provides the fastest access to memory. However, the manufacturing cost per bit is higher than for DRAM because each memory cell consists of four or six transistors (4T or 6T architecture).
In contrast, DRAM has only one transistor and capacitor per memory cell. The disadvantage is that the data must be rewritten (refreshed) at certain intervals.
| SRAM | DRAM |
| simples design | requires complex design |
| supported by all MCU/CPU | supported by most MCU/CPU with additonal control |
| random and faster access | requires constant refresh |
| low power consumption | high memory density |
| high cost per bit | low cost per bit |
Table 1: Main diffrence between SRAM & DRAM
Fast asynchronous SRAM: Asynchronous SRAMs are suitable as the main memory for small embedded processors without cache, such as those used in the industrial electronics industry and in measurement systems, hard drives, and network equipment. Fast asynchronous SRAM is characterized by particularly short access speeds of 8 to 20ns. The trend here is toward lower operating voltages and away from parallel to serial interfaces.
Low-power SRAM: Low-power SRAMs have a similar design to fast asynchronous SRAMs but also a longer access time, typically between 50 and 70ns. Thanks to their very low-level standby power consumption, they can support battery backup applications. They are also popular for their better data retention and lower failure probability (soft error rate). Low-power SRAMs are used in a wide range of applications, such as in industrial, communications, and cell phones. As with fast asynchronous SRAM, the trend is toward lower operating voltages and serial interfaces.
| Industrial | POS | Communication | Consumer | Automotive | Medical |
| PLC | POS | Web-Storage-Management | Games | Sensor-Modul | Dialysis Machines |
| Power Control | E-POS | VOIP | Audio | Entertainment-Systems | Medical Device |
| Industrial Automation | IC-Card Reader | Telephone-Systems | E-Education Devices | Medical Testing and Measurement | |
| Weighing Systems | Barcode Scanner | Walkie-Talkie | Calculator | Fans | |
| Security Systems | POS-Printer | Basis-Station | LED-Displays | ||
| Motor Control | Money Changers | GPS-Modul | E-Books | ||
| Saw Machines | Coffee Machines | PON (Passive Optical Network) | Door Intercoms with Display | ||
| Recorders | Vending Machines | Transportation Tracking Recorder | |||
| Server | Fuel Dispensers | ||||
| Test Instruments | Washing Machines |
Table 2: SRAMs are suitable for numerous applications in various markets.
In addition to industry and telecommunications, SRAMS are increasingly used in automotive applications. Due to the enormous popularity of apps, the smartphone is set to remain a source of infotainment and connectivity in vehicles for the foreseeable future. The greatest opportunity lies with companies offering application processors, WiFi/Bluetooth/GPS/FM combo chips, and wearables/hearables.
For these applications, Alliance Memory will continue to offer a wide range of legacy fast and low-power SRAM products with long-term availability, in addition to new technologies. The supplier focuses on minimal die shrinks and stable, competitive pricing. The portfolio includes 3.3V and 5V asynchronous SRAMs used in popular digital signal processors (DSPs) and microcontrollers. Synchronous and low-power SRAMs as well as pseudo SRAMs are also available.
For more information and a direct ordering option, please visit our e-commerce platform at www.rutronik24.com.
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