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| Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) is a widely-used technique for high-performance and high-reliability data storage. RAID is the virtualization of multiple hard drives into one single drive. By reading from multiple drives, RAID masks the seek time delays for each physical drive so that the speed of the I/O technology and I/O Processor (IOP) efficiency, rather than the access speed of individual drives, binds the overall storage system performance. From a reliability standpoint, RAID allows data to be replicated across multiple physical drives, thereby reducing the single-point-of-failure risks associated with conventional storage. |
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| As a nonvolatile memory technology with NoDelay™ writes and a small footprint, F-RAM plays an integral role in advanced, fault tolerant RAID data storage systems where F-RAM is typically used for system backup. F-RAM records data nonstop at bus speed, preserving it even if power is removed. This produces a reliable replication of data in a running journal. In the case of an unexpected crash or interruption, the operating system can use the journal stored in the F-RAM to quickly repair the drive and restore the system state, protecting against data loss. |
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| F-RAM instead of Flash/SRAM for nonvolatile data storage |
| F-RAM is used to store vital system data in RAID systems; these systems can directly boot from the F-RAM to restore the latest operating status within milliseconds of a reboot. F-RAM is an ideal replacement for Flash in this application because its fast writes and high endurance make it inherently more reliable. |
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| F-RAM is also being used instead of SRAM to enable fast read/write access and guarantee data integrity without the need for a battery or other external components. All data is stored in the F-RAM at bus speed and is protected if the power fails. Additionally, this stored data allows the system to resume at exactly the same point when power is restored. | |
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| F-RAM eliminates the need for external capacitors, reducing board size, component count and costs, and further improving data reliability. F-RAM is an ideal replacement for Flash memory in RAID application design. |
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| F-RAM simplifies the design cycle by eliminating: |
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- The code overhead accompanying Flash data storage
Unlike Flash, F-RAM bytes can be modified without first erasing an entire sector, rendering it easier to use.
- The limited endurance and drawn out write cycles of Flash
F-RAM provides virtually unlimited read/write cycles and fast data writes.
- The need for a battery to backup data, making it inherently more reliable than SRAM
F-RAM records data nonstop at bus speed, preserving it even if power is removed without the need for an external capacitor. This reduces board size, component count, and costs. | |
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| Industrial computers today require an advanced memory technology that ensures data integrity. Systems such as single board computers (SBC), RAID controllers, smart I/O extension modules, etc. are being increasingly fitted with F-RAM instead of Flash, SRAM, and EEPROM memory technologies, where F-RAM’s non-volatility, NoDelay™ writes, and virtually limitless endurance are ideal for guaranteeing data storage, protecting system status, and preventing data loss in the event of a power failure. |
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| F-RAM instead of Flash/EEPROM/SRAM for nonvolatile data storage |
| F-RAM is used to store the BIOS, OS, additional system software, and vital system data on SBCs and other industrial computer systems like multi-board PC/104. High-density F-RAM devices are organized in nonvolatile memory arrays that the system can directly boot from to restore the latest operating status within milliseconds of a reboot. F-RAM is an ideal replacement for Flash in this application because its fast writes and high endurance make it inherently more reliable. |
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| F-RAM is also being used instead of EEPROM and SRAM in the interface logic of smart I/O modules to enable fast read/write access and guarantee data integrity without the need for a battery or other external components. All data transferred between the computer and the modules is stored in the F-RAM at bus speed and is protected if the power fails. Additionally, this stored data allows the module to resume at exactly the same point when power is restored. |
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| F-RAM simplifies the design cycle by eliminating: |
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- The code overhead accompanying Flash data storage
Unlike Flash, F-RAM bytes can be modified without first erasing an entire sector, rendering it easier to use. | |
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| F-RAM is a well suited memory design for the small, rugged PC/104 board, which can require extended temperature operation (-40°C to +85°C) for military applications such as high altitude aircraft or in a sealed enclosure in a desert operation. F-RAM's monolithic form factor makes it an ideal choice for the highly space constrained industrial board. |
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- The limited endurance and drawn out write cycles of Flash/EEPROM
F-RAM provides virtually unlimited read/write cycles and fast data writes.
- The need for a battery to backup data, making it inherently more reliable than SRAM
F-RAM records data nonstop at bus speed, preserving it even if power is removed without the need for an external capacitor. This reduces board size, component count, and costs. |
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| Part |
Description |
| FM18L08 |
256Kb Bytewide 3V F-RAM Memory |
| FM20L08 |
1Mb Bytewide 3V F-RAM Memory |
| FM25H20 |
2Mb Serial SPI 3V F-RAM Memory |
| FM25L256 |
256kbit Serial SPI 3V F-RAM Memory |
| FM25L512 |
512Kb Serial SPI 3V F-RAM Memory | |
