STK17T88
Document Number: 001-52040 Rev. *A Page 12 of 22
nvSRAM Operation
The STK17T88 nvSRAM is made up of two functional compo-
nents paired in the same physical cell. These are the SRAM
memory cell and a nonvolatile QuantumTrap™ cell. The SRAM
memory cell operates like a standard fast static RAM. Data in the
SRAM can be transferred to the nonvolatile cell (the STORE
operation), or from the nonvolatile cell to SRAM (the RECALL
operation). This unique architecture allows all cells to be stored
and recalled in parallel. During the STORE and RECALL opera-
tions SRAM READ and WRITE operations are inhibited. The
STK17T88 supports unlimited read and writes like a typical
SRAM. In addition, it provides unlimited RECALL operations
from the nonvolatile cells and up to 200K STORE operations.
SRAM READ
The STK17T88 performs a READ cycle whenever E and G are
low while W and HSB are high. The address specified on pins
A0-14 determine which of the 32,768 data bytes are accessed.
When the READ is initiated by an address transition, the outputs
are valid after a delay of tAVQV (READ cycle #1). If the READ is
initiated by E and G, the outputs are valid at tELQV or at tGLQV,
whichever is later (READ cycle #2). The data outputs repeatedly
respond to address changes within the tAVQV access time
without the need for transitions on any control input pins, and
remain valid until another address change or until E or G is
brought high, or W and HSB is brought low.
Figure 13. AutoStore Mode
SRAM WRITE
A WRITE cycle is performed whenever E and W are low and HSB
is high. The address inputs must be stable prior to entering the
WRITE cycle and must remain stable until either E or W goes
high at the end of the cycle. The data on the common I/O pins
DQ0-7 are written into memory if it is valid tDVWH before the end
of a W controlled WRITE or tDVEH before the end of an E
controlled WRITE.
It is recommended that G be kept high during the entire WRITE
cycle to avoid data bus contention on common I/O lines. If G is
left low, internal circuitry turns off the output buffers tWLQZ after
W goes low.
AutoStore Operation
The STK17T88 stores data to nvSRAM using one of three
storage operations. These three operations are Hardware Store
(activated by HSB), Software Store (activated by an address
sequence), and AutoStore (on power down).
AutoStore operation, a unique feature of Cypress QuanumTrap
technology that is a standard feature on the STK17T88.
During normal operation, the device draws current from VCC to
charge a capacitor connected to the VCAP pin. This stored
charge is used by the chip to perform a single STORE operation.
If the voltage on the VCC pin drops below VSWITCH, the part
automatically disconnects the VCAP pin from VCC. A STORE
operation is initiated with power provided by the VCAP capacitor.
Figure 5 shows the proper connection of the storage capacitor
(VCAP) for automatic store operation. Refer to the DC Character-
istics table for the size of the capacitor. The voltage on the VCAP
pin is driven to 5V by a charge pump internal to the chip. A pull
up should be placed on W to hold it inactive during power up.
To reduce unneeded nonvolatile stores, AutoStore and
Hardware Store operations are ignored unless at least one
WRITE operation has taken place since the most recent STORE
or RECALL cycle. Software initiated STORE cycles are
performed regardless of whether a WRITE operation has taken
place. The HSB signal can be monitored by the system to detect
an AutoStore cycle is in progress.
Hardware STORE (HSB) Operation
The STK17T88 provides the HSB pin for controlling and
acknowledging the STORE operations. The HSB pin can be
used to request a hardware STORE cycle. When the HSB pin is
driven low, the STK17T88 conditionally initiates a STORE
operation after tDELAY. An actual STORE cycle only begins if a
WRITE to the SRAM took place since the last STORE or
RECALL cycle. The HSB pin has a very resistive pull up and is
internally driven low to indicate a busy condition while the
STORE (initiated by any means) is in progress. This pin should
be externally pulled up if it is used to drive other inputs.
SRAM READ and WRITE operations that are in progress when
HSB is driven low by any means are given time to complete
before the STORE operation is initiated. After HSB goes low, the
STK17T88 continues to allow SRAM operations for tDELAY.
During tDELAY, multiple SRAM READ operations may take place.
If a WRITE is in progress when HSB is pulled low, it is allowed a
time, tDELAY, to complete. However, any SRAM WRITE cycles
requested after HSB goes low will be inhibited until HSB returns
high.
During any STORE operation, regardless of how it was initiated,
the STK17T88 will continue to drive the HSB pin low, releasing
it only when the STORE is complete. Upon completion of the
STORE operation, the STK17T88 will remain disabled until the
HSB pin returns high.
If HSB is not used, it should be left unconnected.
Hardware Recall (POWER UP)
During power up or after any low-power condition
(VCC<VSWITCH), an internal RECALL request will be latched.
When VCC once again exceeds the sense voltage of VSWITCH, a
RECALL cycle is automatically initiated and takes tHRECALL to
complete.
VCC
VCAP
10k Ohm
0.1µF
VCC
VCAP
W
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