Cypress' FM25V02A is a 256 Kbit nonvolatile memory employing an advanced ferroelectric process. An F-RAM is nonvolatile and performs reads and writes similar to a RAM. It provides reliable data retention while eliminating the complexities, overhead, and system-level reliability problems caused by Serial Flash, EEPROM, and other nonvolatile memories.

Unlike Serial Flash and EEPROM, the FM25V02A performs write operations at bus speed. No write delays are incurred. Data is written to the memory array immediately after each byte is successfully transferred to the device. The next bus cycle can commence without the need for data polling. In addition, the product offers substantial write endurance compared with other nonvolatile memories. The FM25V02A is capable of supporting 10¹⁴ read/write cycles, or 100 million times more write cycles than EEPROM.

These capabilities make the FM25V02A ideal for nonvolatile memory applications requiring frequent or rapid writes. Examples range from data logging, where the number of write cycles may be critical, to demanding industrial controls, where the long write time of Serial Flash or EEPROM can cause data loss.

The FM25V02A provides substantial benefits to users of serial EEPROM or Flash as a hardware drop-in replacement. The FM25V02A uses the high-speed SPI bus, which enhances the high-speed write capability of F-RAM technology. The device incorporates a read-only Device ID that allows the host to determine the manufacturer, product density, and product revision.  The device specifications are guaranteed over an industrial range of -40°C to 85°C.

The FM25V01A is the 128 Kbit (16 K x 8) Serial (SPI) F-RAM version.