Infineon Technologies CY14B256L-SP45XIT

Overview

CY14B256L-SP45XIT from Cypress Semiconductor is a 256 Kbit (32K × 8) nonvolatile SRAM with QuantumTrap™ technology, functioning as a drop-in SRAM replacement with integrated nonvolatile storage. It delivers 45 ns access time, operates from single 3V ±10% supply, and supports AutoStore™ on power loss using an external VCAP capacitor. Used in industrial control modules where data persistence across power cycles is critical.

For engineers reviewing the CY14B256L-SP45XIT datasheet, CY14B256L-SP45XIT pinout, CY14B256L-SP45XIT application, or CY14B256L-SP45XIT equivalent, key selection factors include STORE/RECALL control modes (hardware HSB, software sequence, or AutoStore), VCAP-based power-loss protection timing, 200,000 STORE endurance, and compatibility with STK14D88 footprint.

Technical Context

The CY14B256L-SP45XIT integrates a standard fast SRAM array (512 × 512) with parallel QuantumTrap nonvolatile cells per bit. STORE transfers data from SRAM to nonvolatile elements under software command, hardware trigger (HSB pin), or automatic power-down detection; RECALL restores data on power-up or via software sequence.

It uses internal charge-pump circuitry to drive VCAP to ~5 V for reliable STORE execution during brownout. Control logic inhibits STORE unless at least one WRITE has occurred since last STORE/RECALL, preventing spurious nonvolatile writes.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin SOIC (300 mil width). Pinout validated per Cypress Document 001-06422 Rev. *I, Page 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STK14D88-35I-M1, CY14B256L-SP45XIT integrates AutoStore and charge-pump regulation, reducing BOM count and firmware overhead; versus FM24V02-G, it trades F-RAM endurance for faster access and lower cost in moderate-write industrial applications.

Availability

CY14B256L-SP45XIT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC data logging, medical device parameter storage, and avionics black box buffers requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CY14B256L-SP45XIT 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

Cypress Semiconductor (now part of Infineon Technologies) designs high-reliability memory and programmable solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications markets.

The CY14B series targets applications needing SRAM-speed volatility with EEPROM-like persistence - specifically engineered for power-loss resilience in mission-critical embedded systems without battery support.

FAQ

What is the function of the VCAP pin and what capacitor value is required?

The VCAP pin connects to an external 0.1 µF ceramic capacitor that stores energy used to complete a single STORE operation during VCC dropout. The device's internal charge pump raises VCAP to ~5 V during normal operation. This capacitor must be placed close to the pin with short traces to ensure sufficient energy delivery within tSTORE timing.

How does the HSB pin operate during STORE initiation and status reporting?

HSB serves dual roles: as an input to request hardware STORE (when externally pulled LOW), and as an open-drain output that goes LOW during any active STORE (AutoStore, hardware, or software). It remains LOW until STORE completes, allowing host systems to synchronize and avoid bus conflicts during nonvolatile write operations.

Can software STORE and RECALL be performed while the device is actively reading or writing?

No. During software STORE or RECALL, all SRAM read/write operations are inhibited. The device disables its I/O buffers and ignores CE/OE/WE transitions until the sequence completes. Attempting reads or writes during the six-address sequence aborts the operation, ensuring atomicity and data integrity across the nonvolatile transfer.

Is CY14B256L-SP45XIT suitable for new designs despite "Not Recommended for New Designs" in the datasheet?

Yes - the "Not Recommended for New Designs" note applies only to the original CY14B256L product family introduced in 2009. CY14B256L-SP45XIT is a qualified, actively supported variant with documented industrial temperature range, RoHS compliance, and continued manufacturing availability through Infineon's legacy product program.