Infineon Technologies CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT

Overview

CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT from Infineon Technologies (formerly Cypress) is a 256-Kbit (32 K × 8) nonvolatile static RAM with QuantumTrap technology, operating at 3.0 V ±10%, featuring 25 ns access time, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and AutoStore on power-down. It serves as drop-in SRAM replacement in systems requiring persistent data retention without battery backup - e.g., industrial PLCs, medical data loggers, and telecom control modules.

For engineers reviewing the CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT datasheet, CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT pinout, CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT application, or CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT equivalent, key selection criteria include STORE/RECALL latency, VCAP capacitor sizing, HSB timing behavior, software STORE sequence integrity, and compatibility with existing 32-pin SOIC or 44-pin TSOP II layouts.

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 loss (via VCAP discharge), HSB assertion, or six-address software sequence; RECALL occurs automatically on power-up or via software command.

It supports infinite SRAM read/write cycles and 1 million STORE cycles, with 20-year data retention. Control logic enforces write-latch gating: AutoStore and Hardware STORE are suppressed unless at least one SRAM write occurred since last STORE/RECALL, preventing spurious nonvolatile writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC), 300 mil width, RoHS-compliant, lead-free finish.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STK14CA8-3LF35I and FM24V02A-G, CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT uniquely combines deterministic AutoStore, hardware/software STORE flexibility, and write-latch gating - making it optimal for safety-critical or high-reliability embedded systems where data persistence must be guaranteed without MCU intervention.

Availability

CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data loggers, telecom base station controllers, medical diagnostic equipment, and programmable logic controllers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT 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 is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Munich, Germany, specializing in power management, automotive, industrial, and security solutions.

CY14B256LA belongs to Infineon's legacy nvSRAM product line - designed specifically to replace battery-backed SRAM in mission-critical industrial and infrastructure systems where reliability, longevity, and regulatory compliance are mandatory.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCAP capacitor value required for reliable AutoStore operation?

The datasheet specifies a 0.1 µF X7R ceramic capacitor on the VCAP pin. This value ensures ≥10 ms of regulated hold-up time under worst-case VCC droop (2.7 V) and maximum junction temperature (+85°C), allowing full STORE completion. Using smaller values risks incomplete STORE and data corruption; larger values provide no functional benefit and may increase inrush current.

Can CY14B256LA-ZS25XIT be used in place of a standard 32-Kbyte SRAM without hardware changes?

Yes - it is pin-compatible with industry-standard 32-pin SOIC 32-Kbyte SRAMs (e.g., IS61LV256AL). The only required change is adding a 0.1 µF capacitor between VCAP and VSS. All control signals (CE, WE, OE, A0–A14, DQ0–DQ7) match standard SRAM timing and electrical behavior, with no additional address decoding or bus arbitration needed.

How does the write-latch gating mechanism prevent unnecessary STORE operations?

The device internally tracks whether any SRAM write occurred since the last STORE or RECALL. AutoStore and Hardware STORE are disabled unless this latch is set - meaning no STORE executes after power-up until at least one valid write completes. This extends QuantumTrap endurance and avoids spurious saves during initialization or idle periods, unlike always-on nvSRAM alternatives.

Is the software STORE sequence susceptible to interruption by other memory accesses?

Yes - the six-address read sequence (0x0E38 → 0x31C7 → 0x03E0 → ...) must execute consecutively without intervening reads or writes to any address. Any deviation resets the internal sequence counter. This design prevents accidental STORE from stray bus activity, but requires tight firmware control - typically implemented in critical sections with interrupts disabled.