Infineon Technologies CY14E256L-SZ35XC

Overview

CY14E256L-SZ35XC from Cypress Semiconductor is a 256 Kbit (32K × 8) nonvolatile SRAM with QuantumTrap technology, operating at 35 ns access time, 5V ±10% supply, and supporting AutoStore on power loss using an external 68 µF capacitor. It performs parallel STORE/RECALL between SRAM and nonvolatile cells and is used in industrial control systems requiring persistent memory without battery backup.

For engineers reviewing the CY14E256L-SZ35XC datasheet, CY14E256L-SZ35XC pinout, CY14E256L-SZ35XC application, or CY14E256L-SZ35XC equivalent, key selection factors include AutoStore timing (tSTORE = 10 ms), HSB-controlled hardware STORE, software-initiated STORE/RECALL sequences, VCAP capacitor interface, and compatibility with STK14C88 pinout.

Technical Context

The CY14E256L integrates standard SRAM array (512 × 512) with co-located QuantumTrap nonvolatile elements per cell, enabling simultaneous STORE/RECALL across all 32,768 bytes. It uses internal charge pump to drive VCAP to 5V and initiates AutoStore when VCC drops below VSWITCH (typ. 3.6V).

STORE operations are conditional: hardware or AutoStore only proceed if at least one WRITE has occurred since last STORE/RECALL; software STORE bypasses this condition. RECALL occurs automatically on power-up or via six-address CE-controlled READ sequence, restoring full SRAM content without altering nonvolatile data.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

32-pin SOIC package (RoHS-compliant, 0.300" wide), 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-SZ35XC delivers superior STORE endurance, integrated HSB signaling, and true pin compatibility - making it optimal for industrial upgrades requiring minimal hardware changes and guaranteed 1M-cycle reliability.

Availability

CY14E256L-SZ35XC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLC data logging, medical device parameter storage, and automotive telematics event buffering requiring stable component supply and long-term lifecycle support.

Supply support for CY14E256L-SZ35XC 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 CY14E series targets mission-critical embedded systems needing battery-free nonvolatile memory with deterministic STORE/RECALL behavior and industrial temperature operation.

FAQ

What is the minimum VCAP capacitance required for reliable AutoStore?

The datasheet specifies a minimum of 68 µF (±20%, 6V rated) for guaranteed 10 ms STORE operation under worst-case voltage droop. Using less capacitance risks incomplete STORE if VCC falls rapidly below VSWITCH (3.6V), resulting in data loss. Larger values up to 220 µF improve margin but increase board area and cost.

Can CY14E256L-SZ35XC operate without the VCAP capacitor?

Yes - in AutoStore Inhibit mode, VCC is tied to ground and +5V applied directly to VCAP, disabling automatic power-loss STORE. In this configuration, STORE must be initiated only via software sequence or HSB pin. All other functions (READ/WRITE/RECALL) remain fully operational without capacitor dependency.

How does the CY14E256L prevent STORE during unstable power conditions?

It monitors VCC continuously and inhibits externally initiated STORE and WRITE operations whenever VCC falls below VSWITCH (3.6V). Additionally, AutoStore and Hardware STORE are suppressed unless at least one WRITE has occurred since the last STORE or RECALL - preventing spurious writes during brownout recovery or initialization.

Is the software STORE sequence compatible with standard memory controllers?

No - the six-address sequence (0x0E38, 0x31C7, 0x03E0, 0x3C1F, 0x303F, 0x0FC0) requires precise CE-controlled READ timing and no intervening accesses. Standard memory controllers cannot generate this pattern; implementation requires dedicated GPIO or microcontroller firmware with strict timing control and bus arbitration.