Infineon Technologies FM24W256-GTR

Overview

FM24W256-GTR from Infineon Technologies (formerly Cypress) is a 256-Kbit serial I²C F-RAM organized as 32K × 8, delivering NoDelay™ writes, 10¹⁴ read/write endurance, and 151-year data retention at industrial temperature (–40 °C to +85 °C). It operates from 2.7 V to 5.5 V and serves as a hardware-compatible replacement for I²C EEPROM in real-time data logging and industrial control systems.

For engineers reviewing the FM24W256-GTR datasheet, FM24W256-GTR pinout, FM24W256-GTR application, or FM24W256-GTR equivalent, key selection criteria include write-cycle speed without polling, ultra-high endurance under frequent update loads, I²C timing compatibility (100 kHz/400 kHz/1 MHz), and SOIC-8 package integration with WP-controlled memory protection.

Technical Context

The FM24W256-GTR implements a ferroelectric memory array accessed via standard I²C protocol with slave address 0xA0–0xA7 (7-bit base 0x50), supporting random and sequential reads/writes without internal write latency. Its control logic eliminates polling by completing each byte write within the same I²C clock cycle that delivers it.

It features Schmitt-triggered SDA/SCL inputs, slope-controlled SDA falling edges, and an internally pulled-down WP pin enabling hardware write protection across the full 32K address space when tied to VDD. Addressing uses two-byte addressing with auto-increment and wraparound at 0x7FFF.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

FM24W256-GTR is housed in an 8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with standard 1.27 mm pitch and gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT24C256C-SSHL-T and MB85RC256V, FM24W256-GTR uniquely combines industrial temperature rating, guaranteed NoDelay™ writes, and Infineon's long-term product continuity - making it optimal for mission-critical embedded systems where data integrity cannot be compromised.

Availability

FM24W256-GTR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for smart metering, industrial PLCs, automotive body control modules, and medical diagnostic equipment requiring stable component supply across multi-year production cycles.

Supply support for FM24W256-GTR 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 systems, sensors, and secure microcontrollers for industrial, automotive, and IoT applications.

FM24W256-GTR belongs to Infineon's F-RAM portfolio, engineered specifically to replace EEPROM in high-write-frequency, low-power, and mission-critical nonvolatile storage applications - eliminating write latency and endurance limitations inherent in floating-gate technologies.

FAQ

Is FM24W256-GTR pin-compatible with standard I²C EEPROMs in SOIC-8 packages?

Yes - FM24W256-GTR uses identical SOIC-8 pinout and I²C electrical signaling (open-drain SDA/SCL, Schmitt-trigger inputs) as AT24C256 and similar EEPROMs. A0–A2 address pins, WP, VDD, and VSS align functionally and physically, enabling direct PCB-level replacement without layout changes.

Does FM24W256-GTR require special I²C driver modifications?

No - it adheres fully to standard I²C protocol: START/STOP conditions, 7-bit slave address (0x50–0x57), two-byte memory addressing, and ACK/NACK handshaking. Existing EEPROM drivers work unchanged; only polling loops can be removed due to NoDelay™ writes.

How does write protection (WP) behave during power-up?

WP is internally pulled down, so memory is write-enabled by default at power-on. To activate protection, WP must be externally tied to VDD before or during initialization. No internal latching occurs - protection state follows WP pin voltage in real time.

What is the maximum sustained write throughput achievable?

At 1 MHz I²C clock, FM24W256-GTR achieves ~100 KB/s sequential write throughput (8 bits per byte + ACK overhead). Since each byte writes instantly, throughput is limited only by bus speed and master controller timing - not internal memory latency.