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FRAM Memory With A Unique Read-Only ID

The document discusses requirements for an external non-volatile memory device with a unique read-only ID to add counterfeit protection to products. The key requirements are a 16Kbit FRAM memory with a unique ID, I2C or SPI interface, supply voltage of 3.3-5V, low power consumption under 5mA, and low cost. Additional questions ask about compatibility of commands for existing FRAM memories, verification of the unique ID, and availability of Excelon FRAM devices.

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20 views1 page

FRAM Memory With A Unique Read-Only ID

The document discusses requirements for an external non-volatile memory device with a unique read-only ID to add counterfeit protection to products. The key requirements are a 16Kbit FRAM memory with a unique ID, I2C or SPI interface, supply voltage of 3.3-5V, low power consumption under 5mA, and low cost. Additional questions ask about compatibility of commands for existing FRAM memories, verification of the unique ID, and availability of Excelon FRAM devices.

Uploaded by

ratata ratata
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Problem to be solved

Excelon, Cypress’ next-generation Ferroelectric RAM, incorporates a unique read-only ID. Do you
plan to add this feature to smaller FRAM memories too? If so, we would consider such
devices/memories as a part of counterfeit protection in our applications.
At least one onboard component must have its own unique and read-only ID to make each PCB
individual. It’s possible to control the authenticity of products in the case of unique IDs. In our opinion,
this measure significantly improves counterfeit protection.
Our products usually store their configuration and other non-volatile data in the internal EEPROM
memory of the microcontrollers. This approach is cheap and doesn’t need any external components. It’s
often necessary to write data to the EEPROM memory during operation. Slow write operations become
more critical. Therefore, FRAM is able to solve this problem too.
Unfortunately, some of the currently used microcontrollers don’t have their own unique read-only
serial numbers/IDs. Thus, an external device with its own unique ID is required. Since an additional
component is mandatory, we would prefer FRAM based solutions, rather than EEPROM, to enhance
other characteristics of our products as well. Low power consumption is also necessary, because our
existing products aren’t designed to supply additional loads.
We use 2Mbit FRAM in one device. However, our other simpler products demand up to 16Kbit of
non-volatile data.
We intend to connect an additional small PCB with only one component, which has its own unique
ID, to existing PCBs. Unused pins of the programmer’s connector are available for this purpose. This
connector also includes the VCC and GND pins. Therefore, it’s possible to manage without any changes
in PCBs of existing products.
Requirements
1) FRAM Memory Size: 16Kbit
2) Unique read-only ID
3) Memory Interface: I2C (1MHz) or SPI (20MHz or so)
4) Supply Voltage: 3.3V … 5.0V preferably (for use in 3.3V and 5V applications)
5) Package: 8-SOIC (other packages are also acceptable)
6) Operating Temperature: -40oC … +85oC or wider
7) Low power consumption is preferred (up to 5mA). The lower the better.
8) Low cost is also very important.
What device can you recommend?
Other relevant questions
1) Are the commands/opcodes of the Excelon devices compatible with existing FRAM memories? In
my opinion, they are compatible. It’s highly desirable that new devices are suitable for previous
designs (active products) without any modification of the firmware.
2) It’s recommended to append the checksum to the 7-byte user-defined serial number. However, a
similar verification isn’t provided for unique ID. Is it? Datasheets state that the unique ID registers
are guaranteed to retain data integrity of up to three cycles of the standard reflow soldering. Let’s
assume that the FRAM device is exposed to unacceptably high temperatures or other unallowed
conditions during PCB assembly. How can users be sure that a virtually random value is correct
without checking it?
3) Do you sell the Excelon devices? Authorized distributors, such as Digi-Key and Mouser, don’t offer
them yet.

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