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.

Auto grade F-RAM State Savers

Ramtron’s FM1105-GA and FM1106-GA State Savers have recently received AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification.  Our state saver devices save the state of signals on demand and restores them to the correct state automatically upon power up.  F-RAM technology uniquely enables this capability due to its fast write time, virtually unlimited write endurance, and low-power requirements.

The Grade 1 temperature qualification allows the FM1105-GA and FM1106-GA to operate over the entire automotive temperature range of -40 to +125 degrees C, enabling designers to benefit from F-RAM in systems throughout the car. The nonvolatile state saver is as simple to use as a D-type flip-flop.  It operates like conventional logic, but stores and retains the logic state in the absence of power, simplifying the design of system control functions.  The nonvolatile state saver with Grade 1 automotive qualification is well-suited for diverse applications including door lock and child safety position electronic latches, airbag deactivation switch, blower speed and vent position for cabin ventilation systems, dome light mode switch, and electrically heated steering wheel and seats, among other applications.

For more information, visit the State Saver page on the Ramtron corporate website. go>