FRAM Technology Tapped To Create Nonvolatile Logic

Logic semiconductors are now available as nonvolatile devices. The new logic's nonvolatility stems from the use of ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM) technology to build the devices. This well-established technology allows logic states to be stored and retained automatically, without needing software to intervene in the process. By comparison, traditional logic devices forget the functions they were performing once power is lost.
The first two members of the Nonvolatile Logic family are the FM573, a transparent octal latch, and the FM574, an octal D-register. Both nonvolatile products are pin- and function-compatible with industry-standard logic products of the 573 and 574 types. The new FRAM-type logic devices automatically store the last state prior to power-down and immediately restore it upon power-up. In all other respects, the FRAM logic parts operate like standard CMOS logic.
Both FM573 and FM574 octal devices operate from a 2.7V to 5.5V supply, are rated over the industrial temperature range of -40°C to 85°C, and store last states to output pins in just 1 µs. The new logic is expected to find use wherever control of a signal should not be lost during a power outage. Application examples include human interface, data capture and control products. In 20-pin SOP or DIP packages, pricing of the Nonvolatile Logic parts starts at $0.67 each/25,000.