Infineon Technologies CY14E256L-SZ25XCT

Overview

CY14E256L-SZ25XCT 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 25 ns access time, operates on single 5V ±10% supply, and supports automatic STORE on power loss using an external 68 µF capacitor at VCAP. Used in industrial control modules where data persistence across power cycles is critical.

For engineers reviewing the CY14E256L-SZ25XCT datasheet, CY14E256L-SZ25XCT pinout, CY14E256L-SZ25XCT application, or CY14E256L-SZ25XCT equivalent, key selection criteria include AutoStore timing constraints, HSB-driven hardware store latency, VCAP capacitor sizing, and software STORE/RECALL address sequence compliance.

Technical Context

The CY14E256L integrates parallel SRAM and QuantumTrap nonvolatile cells per bit, enabling simultaneous STORE/RECALL of all 32,768 bytes. It uses internal charge pump to drive VCAP to 5V and initiates AutoStore when VCC drops below VSWITCH (typically 3.6V), requiring ≥10 ms hold time at ≥3.6V for full completion.

STORE operations are conditional: AutoStore and HSB-triggered STOREs require at least one prior WRITE since last STORE/RECALL; software STOREs bypass this condition. RECALL occurs automatically at power-up when VCC exceeds VSWITCH, with tHRECALL ≤ 15 ms, and supports unlimited cycles without degrading QuantumTrap retention.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

32-pin SOIC package (RoHS-compliant, 0.300-inch width), pin-compatible with STK14C88 and industry-standard 32K × 8 SRAM footprints.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with STK14C88-35I and FM24V10-G, CY14E256L-SZ25XCT uniquely combines 25 ns parallel SRAM speed, autonomous power-loss STORE with internal VCAP regulation, and conditional wear management-making it optimal for deterministic, high-integrity industrial data buffering where bus compatibility and timing predictability are mandatory.

Availability

CY14E256L-SZ25XCT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC data logging, medical device configuration storage, and avionics black box buffer applications requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CY14E256L-SZ25XCT 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.

CY14E256L belongs to the QuantumTrap nvSRAM product line, engineered specifically for mission-critical systems needing zero-latency SRAM performance with guaranteed nonvolatile data retention across uncontrolled power interruptions.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCAP capacitance required for reliable AutoStore operation?

The datasheet specifies a minimum of 68 µF (±20%, 6V rating) for reliable AutoStore. Using less capacitance risks incomplete STORE execution if VCC decay rate exceeds 20 µs/V or hold time falls below 10 ms. Larger values up to 220 µF extend margin but increase board area and cost without functional benefit.

Can CY14E256L-SZ25XCT be used in place of a standard 32K × 8 SRAM without design changes?

Yes - it is pin- and function-compatible with STK14C88 and standard 32K × 8 SRAMs. No address/data bus or timing changes are needed. However, VCAP must be populated with a 68 µF capacitor, and HSB should be pulled up or left floating if unused; OE/WE/CE timing margins remain identical.

How does the conditional STORE feature prevent unnecessary wear?

AutoStore and HSB-triggered STOREs only execute if at least one WRITE has occurred since the last STORE or RECALL cycle. This avoids redundant nonvolatile writes during idle periods or polling loops, preserving the 1,000,000-cycle endurance limit and extending field service life in low-change-rate applications.

Is software STORE compatible with all microcontroller architectures?

Yes - the six-address READ sequence (0x0E38 → 0x0FC0) uses only CE-controlled reads and requires no special bus protocols. It works with 8051, ARM Cortex-M, PIC, and other MCUs that support standard SRAM timing. Critical requirement: no intervening writes or reads between sequence steps, enforced via tight software timing or bus arbitration.