Features of SPI MRAM

1. Non - Volatility and Data Retention

SPI MRAM, such as the MR25H256, MR25H128A, MR25H10, and MR10Q010, is known for its non - volatile nature. This means that the data stored in it is retained even when the power is turned off. These MRAM devices offer data retention of greater than 20 years. For example, in applications where long - term data storage is crucial, like in some industrial control systems or data loggers, the non - volatility of SPI MRAM ensures that important data is not lost during power outages or system shutdowns.

2. Write Performance

One of the most remarkable features of SPI MRAM is its excellent write performance. It has no write delays, unlike many other types of memories such as serial EEPROM and Flash. For instance, in the MR25H256, MR25H128A, and MR25H10, both reads and writes can occur randomly in memory with no delay between writes. Moreover, it has unlimited write endurance. This is highly beneficial in applications that require frequent and rapid data writing, like in real - time data acquisition systems where data is continuously being updated.

3. SPI Interface Characteristics

SPI MRAM comes with a fast and simple SPI interface. The SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) is a synchronous serial communication interface with command, address, and data signals. It requires fewer pins compared to parallel interfaces and is easy to configure on a system. Some SPI MRAM devices support clock rates of up to 40 MHz, like the MR25H256, MR25H128A, and MR25H10. The MR10Q010 supports clock rates up to 104 MHz in standard serial peripheral interface (SPI), Quad SPI, and QPI modes. Additionally, SPI MRAM provides various SPI modes. The single - pin SPI mode has one pin for command signals, and users can choose the number of pins for address and data signals from 1, 2, or 4. The DSPI mode provides dual (2) pins for command, address, and data signals, and the QSPI mode offers four (4) pins for instruction, address, and signals, allowing for bandwidth expansion options.

4. Power - related Features

SPI MRAM devices have several power - related advantages. They offer automatic data protection on power loss. This feature is crucial as it ensures that the data stored in the memory is safeguarded when there is an unexpected power cut. Also, they operate within a power supply range of 2.7 to 3.6 volts, which is relatively common and easy to provide in many electronic systems. Moreover, some of these devices, like the MR25H256, have a 3 μA sleep mode standby current, and others have a low - current sleep mode. This low - power consumption in sleep mode is beneficial for battery - powered devices, helping to extend the battery life.

5. Temperature Range and Package

SPI MRAM is suitable for a wide range of temperatures. It can operate in industrial temperature ranges, typically from - 40°C to + 85°C, and in some cases, like the AEC - Q100 Grade 1 option in the MR25H10, it can work in a temperature range from - 40°C to + 125°C. This makes it suitable for use in harsh environments such as automotive applications. In terms of packaging, they come in small - footprint packages. For example, the MR25H256 is available in an 8 - pin DFN RoHS - compliant package, and the MR25H128A is available in a 5 mm x 6 mm 8 - pin DFN Small Flag package. The small size of the packages is advantageous for applications where space is limited, such as in mobile devices or compact embedded systems.

6. Compatibility and Other Features

SPI MRAM can directly replace serial EEPROM, Flash, or FeRAM. This means that in existing systems that use these types of memories, SPI MRAM can be easily substituted without major modifications to the system design. Some SPI MRAM devices, like the MR25H128A, offer block write protection, which can be used to protect specific blocks of data from being accidentally overwritten. The MR10Q010 has a tamper - detection function that can detect possible data modifications from external magnetic fields. Also, in the NETSOL serial MRAM products, there are non - volatile register bits such as status registers, configuration registers, serial number registers, etc., which need to be powered on at least once after the high - temperature reflow soldering process.