BANGALORE, INDIA: Freescale Semiconductor, a leading provider of magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) products, is providing non-volatile MRAM technology for an industrial touch-screen application developed by Siemens' Industry Automation division. Freescale's 4Mbit MRAM device has been integrated into Siemens' Simatic Multipanel MP 277 and MP 377 human machine interface (HMI) used in industrial automation systems.

Siemens chose Freescale's MRAM device for its HMI application because it provides an easy-to-use, non-volatile memory that maintains software-programmable logic controller (SoftPLC) process data for Siemens' HMI platforms without battery-backup. The user-programmable SoftPLC option enables the implementation of a comprehensive, expandable machine control system in a small form factor that helps reduce overall system cost. The multi-panels allow the integration of several automation tasks on a single platform using the SoftPLC.

"Freescale's MRAM device provides the non-volatility, performance and reliability that we need to add user-programmable features to our mid- and high-end display products for the industrial automation market," said Ingmar Binder, project manager for HMI R&D at Siemens Industry Automation division.

Freescale's 4Mbit MRAM device was selected for this rugged industrial application platform after extensive Siemens qualification testing. Key highlights of the Simatic multi-panel HMI series include exceptional connectivity options and a non-volatile alarm buffer that does not require an additional backup battery in the event of an unexpected power loss. The touch screens and keyboards enable the multi-panels to be used for precise, efficient operator control and monitoring.

"Freescale's MRAM technology provides significant benefits, ranging from non-volatility to fast read/write capabilities, for rugged applications such as Siemens' industrial automation systems," said David Bondurant, MRAM product manager at Freescale Semiconductor. "Our customers and their end users demand highly reliable memory products that are designed for critical applications."