Infineon Technologies CY14B256LA-SP25XI

Overview

CY14B256LA-SP25XI from Infineon Technologies (formerly Cypress) is a 256-Kbit (32 K × 8) nonvolatile static RAM with QuantumTrap technology, delivering SRAM-speed read/write performance and autonomous STORE/RECALL on power loss. It operates at 3.0 V ±10%, supports 25 ns access time, features hardware/software-controlled STORE, and retains data for 20 years - deployed in industrial PLCs, medical data loggers, and metering systems requiring persistent memory without external backup.

For engineers reviewing the CY14B256LA-SP25XI datasheet, CY14B256LA-SP25XI pinout, CY14B256LA-SP25XI application, or CY14B256LA-SP25XI equivalent, key selection criteria include AutoStore capacitor sizing (VCAP), HSB timing during STORE initiation, software STORE address sequence integrity, and compatibility with 3.3 V industrial bus interfaces.

Technical Context

The device integrates parallel SRAM and QuantumTrap nonvolatile cells per bit, enabling simultaneous STORE/RECALL across all 32,768 bytes. STORE is triggered by power-down (via VCAP discharge), HSB assertion, or six-address software sequence; RECALL occurs automatically on power-up or via software command.

It uses internal voltage monitoring (VSWITCH threshold) to detect brown-out and initiate AutoStore, while HSB serves dual role as input trigger and open-drain busy indicator. The 32 K × 8 organization maps directly to standard 8-bit microcontroller data buses with A0–A14 addressing and DQ0–DQ7 bidirectional I/O.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 44-pin TSOP II (Type II), 48-pin SSOP, or 32-pin SOIC - CY14B256LA-SP25XI uses the 44-pin TSOP II variant per ordering code suffix "SP".

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar nonvolatile SRAM applications.

Compared with FM24V02-G and AS7C3256A-25JCIN, CY14B256LA-SP25XI uniquely balances SRAM performance, autonomous power-loss protection, and industrial temperature reliability without external support circuitry - making it optimal for space-constrained, maintenance-free embedded systems.

Availability

CY14B256LA-SP25XI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data loggers, smart metering systems, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for CY14B256LA-SP25XI includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Infineon Technologies acquired Cypress Semiconductor in 2020 and maintains its portfolio of high-reliability memory and microcontroller solutions for industrial and automotive markets.

CY14B256LA belongs to the QuantumTrap nvSRAM product line, engineered specifically for applications demanding instant, deterministic nonvolatile storage without battery or firmware overhead.

FAQ

What capacitor value is required on VCAP for reliable AutoStore operation?

A 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor rated for ≥10 V must be placed between VCAP and VSS, located within 5 mm of the package. This value ensures sufficient charge to complete one STORE cycle when VCC drops below VSWITCH (typ. 2.5 V). Larger capacitors do not improve reliability and may slow power-up timing.

Can CY14B256LA-SP25XI be used with a 3.3 V microcontroller without level shifting?

Yes - the device operates across 2.7–3.6 V and is fully compatible with 3.3 V logic families. All inputs (CE, OE, WE, HSB, A0–A14) accept VIH ≥ 2.0 V and VIL ≤ 0.8 V, matching standard 3.3 V CMOS thresholds. No level shifters are needed for direct MPU interface.

How does the software STORE sequence prevent accidental activation?

The six-address read sequence (0x0E38 → 0x31C7 → 0x03E0) requires exact order and timing - any intervening access aborts the sequence. Additionally, STORE only executes if at least one SRAM write occurred since the last STORE/RECALL, preventing spurious saves during idle polling or debugging.

Is HSB pin connection mandatory for basic operation?

No - HSB can be left unconnected if hardware STORE triggering and busy indication are unused. However, leaving it unconnected forfeits real-time STORE progress feedback and automatic STORE inhibition during active writes, increasing risk of data corruption during power transitions.