Several types of memory have been qualified to the AEC-Q100 standard for automotive applications, as this standard applies to integrated circuits (ICs) used in harsh automotive environments. The AEC-Q100 qualification ensures reliability under extreme conditions like wide temperature ranges, vibration, and humidity. Below are some examples of memory types that have achieved AEC-Q100 qualification, based on available information:
- FRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory)
- FRAM is known for its fast write speeds, high endurance, and low power consumption, making it suitable for automotive applications like infotainment and airbag systems. Companies like Ramtron (now part of Cypress Semiconductor) have qualified devices such as the FM25C160 (16Kb, 5V, SPI FRAM) and FM24CL64 (64Kb serial F-RAM) to AEC-Q100 standards, with specific grades like Grade 1 (-40°C to +125°C) and Grade 3 (-40°C to +85°C).
- NAND Flash Memory
- NAND Flash is widely used for high-capacity storage in automotive systems such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and infotainment. Macronix has launched AEC-Q100 Grade 2/3 compliant NAND Flash (1Gb to 8Gb densities) with operating temperatures from -40°C to +105°C. Similarly, Samsung’s UFS 3.1 NAND Flash memory is rated AEC-Q100 Grade 2, supporting -40°C to +105°C.
- DDR3L SDRAM
- DDR3L (Low Voltage DDR3) SDRAM is used in high-speed, high-temperature automotive applications. Alliance Memory offers AEC-Q100-compliant 2Gb DDR3L SDRAMs (e.g., AS4C128M16D3LC-12BAN) with an automotive Grade 2 temperature range of -40°C to +105°C, suitable for in-vehicle infotainment and ADAS.
- ReRAM (Resistive Random Access Memory)
- ReRAM is an emerging non-volatile memory (NVM) technology. Weebit Nano recently completed AEC-Q100 qualification (Grade 0, up to 150°C) for its ReRAM module in SkyWater Technology’s 130nm CMOS process, targeting high-temperature automotive applications like microcontrollers.
- NOR Flash Memory
- NOR Flash is often used for code storage and execution in automotive systems. While specific AEC-Q100-qualified NOR Flash examples are less frequently highlighted in the provided data, Macronix’s automotive Flash product lines include both Serial and Parallel NOR Flash, which are part of their AEC-Q100-compliant offerings.
- SuperFlash (Embedded Flash Memory)
- SST’s SuperFlash technology, used in microcontrollers, has achieved AEC-Q100 Grade 1 qualification on UMC’s 55nm platform. It’s designed for high-endurance automotive applications, completing tests like 700,000 program/erase cycles with 20 years of data retention.
Key Considerations:
- Temperature Grades: AEC-Q100 defines grades (0 to 3) based on operating temperature ranges:
- Grade 0: -40°C to +150°C (most stringent)
- Grade 1: -40°C to +125°C
- Grade 2: -40°C to +105°C
- Grade 3: -40°C to +85°CDifferent memory types are qualified to specific grades depending on their intended use (e.g., engine control vs. infotainment).
- Applications: These memories support various automotive functions, including ADAS, powertrain control, infotainment, and sensor data logging.
- Manufacturers: Companies like Samsung, Macronix, Alliance Memory, Weebit Nano, Ramtron, and SST (Microchip Technology) are among those providing AEC-Q100-qualified memory solutions.
In summary, AEC-Q100-qualified memory types for automotive use include FRAM, NAND Flash, DDR3L SDRAM, ReRAM, NOR Flash, and SuperFlash, each tailored to meet the reliability demands of specific automotive environments. The choice depends on the application’s requirements for speed, capacity, endurance, and temperature tolerance.
Weebit is at the right place right time! Go weebit
(20min delay)