What does every security system need? A switch.
F-RAM State Saver driving a relay
Sounds obvious but every security system needs a switch. Somewhere, at the output of the security system will be a switch that either turns the alarm on or turns some component off, disabling whatever it is that the security system is protecting. In a home alarm, the security system turns on the bell-box (the thing that makes a loud noise and flashes), and in an automotive security system, the ignition system is usually disabled in some way.
Now, as every good thief will tell you, if you cut the power to the security system and silence it soon after it starts to make a noise, then everyone will ignore it. Home security systems get round this obvious attack by having a backup battery in the bell-box and mounting it out of reach. Achieving the same in an automotive security system takes a little ingenuity. Autos usually only have one battery and everyone knows how to access it. If you are not familiar with this process just google it before you set out to steal cars.
One solution is to have a switch that remembers its previous state. That way once the alarm is triggered, cycling of the power supply will have no effect. Ramtron’s State Savers offer a simple, cheap electronic switch that remembers its previous state after a power cycle, which is ideal for security systems. You can learn more about our State Savers here.
Tags: Design, Products, State Savers
F-RAM Design Hints | Duncan Bennett | 
December 8, 2009 11:22 am | 
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