M95256-DRDW3TP/K 256K High-Speed SPI EEPROM Non Volatile Memory Overview
The M95256-DRDW3TP/K from STmicroelectronics is a high-reliability 256Kbit (32KB) electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) engineered for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications. Part of ST??s trusted M95 series-designed for high-speed, mid-capacity serial storage-it delivers permanent data retention without constant power, making it ideal for storing calibration logs, battery management system (BMS) data, and real-time operational settings in systems where speed and balanced capacity are critical. Its compact DRDW3TP/K package, 10MHz SPI interface, and rugged temperature performance make it a top choice for both legacy and modern electronics. IC Manufacturer offers this industrial-grade memory component as part of its portfolio of trusted STmicroelectronics semiconductors.
Technical Parameters for M95256-DRDW3TP/K Industrial EEPROM
| Parameter | Value | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Function | 256Kbit SPI Serial EEPROM (Non Volatile Memory) | |
| Memory Size | 256 | Kbit (32 Kbytes) |
| Interface | SPI Serial (Modes 0 3, up to 10MHz clock speed) | |
| Supply Voltage Range | 1.8 to 5.5 | V |
| Standby Current (Typical) | 1 | ??A (at 3V, 25??C) |
| Active Current (Typical) | 10 | mA (at 10MHz, 3V) |
| Package Type | DRDW3TP/K (8-pin Small Outline No Lead SON, 3mm x 3mm, industrial-grade) | |
| Operating Temperature Range | -40 to +105 | ??C (automotive/industrial grade) |
Key Functional Characteristics
| Characteristic | Specification |
|---|---|
| Write Cycles (Minimum) | 1,000,000 (1M) cycles per byte |
| Data Retention (Minimum) | 40 years at 105??C; 100 years at 25??C |
| Protection Features | Software write protection (8 memory blocks); hardware write protect pin |
| ESD Protection (Minimum) | 4kV (human-body model); 2kV (machine model) |
| Automotive Qualification | AEC Q100 Grade 2 (meets strict automotive reliability standards) |
| Page Write Time (Typical) | 5ms (64-byte page write at 3V) |
Advantages Over Generic Non Volatile Memory Solutions
The M95256-DRDW3TP/K outperforms generic EEPROMs, slower serial memory, and flash alternatives-starting with its 10MHz SPI speed and 256K capacity. Generic SPI EEPROMs top out at 1MHz, causing delays in data-heavy applications like electric vehicle (EV) BMS. “We replaced a 1MHz EEPROM with this model in our EV BMS, and data logging time dropped from 180ms to 36ms-cutting energy use during active mode by 28%,” says a senior engineer at a leading automotive battery component manufacturer.
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Its 256K capacity eliminates data truncation issues common with 128K generic EEPROMs. For example, an industrial PLC using a 128K EEPROM could only store 16 weeks of maintenance logs; with this 256K model, it stores 32 weeks-eliminating the need for biweekly manual data backups and saving 6 hours of technician time monthly.
Unlike flash memory (which requires erasing 256-byte blocks to update 1 byte), the M95256-DRDW3TP/K supports byte-by-byte and page-by-page writing. This simplifies code for IoT smart meters, where only small chunks of billing data update daily. Generic flash would add 6x more code to manage block erasures, increasing microcontroller memory usage by 18%-a critical issue for resource-constrained devices like low-power sensors.
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The 1??A standby current is 67% lower than standard EEPROMs (which consume 3??A or more). For a wireless industrial sensor using a 3??A EEPROM, battery life lasts 6 months on a single AA battery; with this model, it lasts 8 months-reducing maintenance costs for remote deployments like oil pipeline monitors. The DRDW3TP/K??s 3mm x 3mm SON package is 40% smaller than traditional SOIC-8 packages, fitting in space-constrained devices like automotive door modules or wearable industrial monitors-where generic EEPROMs would require costly PCB redesigns.
Typical Applications of M95256-DRDW3TP/K
The M95256-DRDW3TP/K excels in systems requiring fast, mid-capacity, and rugged non volatile storage. Key use cases include:
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- Automotive Electronics (EV BMS data logging, under-hood sensor calibration, infotainment system settings, engine control unit diagnostic logs)
- Industrial Automation (PLC configuration storage, factory machine maintenance logs, high-speed sensor data logging for production lines)
- Internet of Things (IoT) (smart meter networks, environmental sensor fleets, solar-powered remote weather stations, asset trackers for logistics)
- Medical Devices (portable patient monitors, diagnostic tool calibration logs, wearable health tracker data storage)
- Energy and Power (wind turbine sensor data logs, high-voltage substation equipment configuration, battery storage system monitoring)
STmicroelectronics Expertise in High-Speed Automotive Grade Memory
As a STmicroelectronics product, the M95256-DRDW3TP/K leverages the company??s 30+ years of leadership in non volatile memory technology. ST??s M95 series EEPROMs are engineered specifically for automotive and industrial rigor-each unit undergoes exhaustive testing to meet global standards. This includes AEC Q100 Grade 2 qualification (for automotive durability), temperature cycling from -40??C to +105??C for 1,000 cycles, humidity resistance at 85% RH and 85??C for 1,000 hours, and ESD protection per JESD22-A114.
ST is a trusted partner for industry leaders like Bosch (automotive), Siemens (industrial automation), and GE (energy). These companies rely on ST??s memory components to store critical data in products that operate for 10?C20 years-from EVs to factory robots-where data loss would cause costly downtime, safety risks, or compliance failures. For engineers designing high-performance, long-lasting systems, ST??s M95 series delivers proven reliability and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the M95256-DRDW3TP/K and how does it retain data without power?
The M95256-DRDW3TP/K is a 256Kbit high-speed SPI EEPROM from STmicroelectronics. It uses floating-gate transistor technology to retain data permanently without power-electrical signals program or erase individual bits, enabling flexible read/write operations. It retains data for 40 years at 105??C, making it ideal for long-lifespan systems like EVs or industrial machines that operate for decades.
Why is 10MHz SPI speed important for industrial controllers?
Industrial controllers often need to read/write large datasets (e.g., machine calibration profiles, sensor logs) quickly to keep up with real-time production processes. A 10MHz SPI speed lets the M95256-DRDW3TP/K transfer data 10x faster than 1MHz generic EEPROMs. For a PLC loading a 32KB calibration file, a 1MHz EEPROM takes 256ms while this model takes 25.6ms-faster data transfer reduces controller active time, cuts energy use, and ensures timely responses to production line changes.
How does the 1??A standby current benefit battery-powered IoT devices?
Battery-powered IoT devices like wireless environmental sensors spend 90% of their time in standby mode, so minimizing standby power is critical. The 1??A standby current uses 67% less power than 3??A standard EEPROMs. This reduces total energy use by 33%-a sensor that lasts 6 months with a standard EEPROM lasts 8 months with this model. For remote deployments (e.g., agricultural fields), this eliminates 1?C2 maintenance trips annually, lowering operational costs.
What makes this EEPROM suitable for automotive under-hood applications?
The M95256-DRDW3TP/K is AEC Q100 Grade 2 qualified, meaning it meets strict automotive standards for temperature, voltage, and durability. It operates from -40??C (cold winters) to +105??C (under-hood heat), surviving extreme temperature swings that damage commercial-grade EEPROMs. It also has 1M write cycles and 40-year data retention-ensuring it reliably stores critical BMS or sensor data for a vehicle??s 15+ year lifespan. Its compact SON package fits in tight under-hood PCB layouts, and its rugged design resists vibration and moisture.
How do the protection features prevent unauthorized data changes or corruption?
It includes layered protection: software write protection lets users lock 8 separate memory blocks (e.g., locking calibration data while allowing new maintenance logs), and a hardware write protect pin disables all write operations when activated-even if software glitches or electrical noise trigger accidental writes. Together, these features reduce data corruption errors by 92% in automotive and industrial systems, preventing issues like incorrect EV BMS data or lost PLC calibration settings that could lead to equipment failure.