Emerging Technologies: Ferroelectric RAM or FRAM

Abstract

Ferroelectric RAM or FRAM or FeRAM is one of a growing number of alternative non-volatile random-access memory technologies that offer the same functionality as flash memory. It combines the fast read and write access of dynamic RAM(DRAM) - the most common kind of personal computer memory - with the ability to retain data when power is turned off (as do other non-volatile memory devices such as ROM and flash memory). Because FRAM is not as dense (cannot store asmuch data in the same space) as DRAM and SRAM, it is not likely replaced thesetechnologies.   However,   because   it   is   fast   memory   with   a   very   low   power requirement, it is expected to have many applications in small consumer devicessuch as personal digital assistants (PDAs), handheld phones, power meters, andsmart card, and in security systems. FRAM is faster than flash memory. It is alsoexpected to replace EEPROM and SRAM for some applications and to become akey component in future wireless products.Currently ferroelectric RAM is not as widely used as many of the more establishedtechnologies including DRAM and Flash. These technologies have become wellentrenched and their use is widespread