As fire suppression and safety systems evolve toward greater intelligence and autonomy, memory components play a central role in ensuring system reliability, data integrity, and real-time responsiveness. These embedded systems must retain safety-critical data across power losses, support high-frequency logging, and operate reliably in harsh environments.

This paper explores Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) as an advanced non-volatile memory (NVM) technology for such systems. It provides a comparative analysis with other mainstream memory technologies like EEPROM, Flash, MRAM, SRAM, and DRAM, and defines the Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) attributes required in the context of fire suppression, especially gas-based suppression systems, which demand the highest reliability and compliance.

Technology Overview: FeRAM as a Memory Candidate

Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) combines the speed of SRAM with the non-volatility of EEPROM and Flash. It stores binary data using a ferroelectric layer that maintains polarization state even when power is removed.

Key Characteristics:

Non-volatility: Retains data without power

High endurance: >10¹² write cycles

Fast access times: ~50–100 ns

Low energy per write: Suitable for battery-powered systems

Radiation and temperature tolerance: Operates reliably in industrial environments

No wear leveling required

Comparative Analysis: FeRAM vs. Other Memory Technologies

FeRAM for Memory-Critical Fire & Gas Suppression Systems

A Comparative Study of Non-Volatile Memory Technologies and Their Role in Safety-Critical Embedded Applications

As fire suppression and safety systems evolve toward greater intelligence and autonomy, memory components play a central role in ensuring system reliability, data integrity, and real-time responsiveness. These embedded systems must retain safety-critical data across power losses, support high-frequency logging, and operate reliably in harsh environments.

This paper explores Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) as an advanced non-volatile memory (NVM) technology for such systems. It provides a comparative analysis with other mainstream memory technologies like EEPROM, Flash, MRAM, SRAM, and DRAM, and defines the Critical-to-Quality (CTQ) attributes required in the context of fire suppression, especially gas-based suppression systems, which demand the highest reliability and compliance.

Technology Overview: FeRAM as a Memory Candidate

Ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM) combines the speed of SRAM with the non-volatility of EEPROM and Flash. It stores binary data using a ferroelectric layer that maintains polarization state even when power is removed.

Key Characteristics:

Non-volatility: Retains data without power

High endurance: >10¹² write cycles

Fast access times: ~50–100 ns

Low energy per write: Suitable for battery-powered systems

Radiation and temperature tolerance: Operates reliably in industrial environments

No wear leveling required

Comparative Analysis: FeRAM vs. Other Memory Technologies

Feature / Memory Type	FeRAM	EEPROM	Flash	MRAM	SRAM	DRAM
Non-volatility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Access speed	~50–100 ns	µs–ms	~1 µs	~30–50 ns	~10 ns	~10–15 ns
Write endurance	≥10¹²	~10⁶	~10⁵	~10⁹–10¹²	≥10¹⁶	≥10¹⁶
Power consumption	Very low	Moderate	Moderate	Low–Moderate	High	Moderate–High
Radiation/EMI resistance	High	Low	Low	High	Low	Low
Data retention (@85°C)	≥10 years	~10 years	~10 years	≥10 years	N/A	N/A
Cost per bit	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate	Low

Gas-Based Suppression Systems: Requirements & CTQs

Gas-based suppression systems present one of the most demanding use cases for memory technology due to the instantaneous, irreversible nature of actuation, the criticality of configuration data, and stringent regulatory oversight.

System Functions Requiring Non-Volatile Memory:

Storage of actuation parameters (e.g., room size, delay timers, gas type and volume)

Event history for compliance audits and diagnostics

Interlock state retention across power cycles

Fault code logging for post-event troubleshooting

CTQs for Memory in Gas-Based Suppression Systems:

The Role of Memory in Fire Suppression Systems

Modern fire suppression systems integrate embedded microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to deliver real-time protection. Memory components in these systems fulfill several vital functions:

Configuration storage (e.g., nozzle timing, gas concentration thresholds)

Event logging (actuation history, maintenance records, fault reports)

Control algorithm retention (safety interlocks, timing sequences)

Startup and recovery logic in case of power interruptions

In gas-based suppression systems, which typically involve CO₂, inert gases, or clean agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec), these memory demands are particularly stringent due to:

Safety-critical operation with minimal tolerance for latency

Regulatory requirements for traceability and data retention

Hostile electrical or physical environments (EMI, temperature, vibration)

Distributed architecture with autonomous embedded controllers

The Role of Memory in Fire Suppression Systems

Modern fire suppression systems integrate embedded microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to deliver real-time protection. Memory components in these systems fulfill several vital functions:

Configuration storage (e.g., nozzle timing, gas concentration thresholds)

Event logging (actuation history, maintenance records, fault reports)

Control algorithm retention (safety interlocks, timing sequences)

Startup and recovery logic in case of power interruptions

In gas-based suppression systems, which typically involve CO₂, inert gases, or clean agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec), these memory demands are particularly stringent due to:

Safety-critical operation with minimal tolerance for latency

Regulatory requirements for traceability and data retention

Hostile electrical or physical environments (EMI, temperature, vibration)

Distributed architecture with autonomous embedded controllers

Feature / Memory Type	FeRAM	EEPROM	Flash	MRAM	SRAM	DRAM
Non-volatility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Access speed	~50–100 ns	µs–ms	~1 µs	~30–50 ns	~10 ns	~10–15 ns
Write endurance	≥10¹²	~10⁶	~10⁵	~10⁹–10¹²	≥10¹⁶	≥10¹⁶
Power consumption	Very low	Moderate	Moderate	Low–Moderate	High	Moderate–High
Radiation/EMI resistance	High	Low	Low	High	Low	Low
Data retention (@85°C)	≥10 years	~10 years	~10 years	≥10 years	N/A	N/A
Cost per bit	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate	Low

Gas-Based Suppression Systems: Requirements & CTQs

Gas-based suppression systems present one of the most demanding use cases for memory technology due to the instantaneous, irreversible nature of actuation, the criticality of configuration data, and stringent regulatory oversight.

System Functions Requiring Non-Volatile Memory:

Storage of actuation parameters (e.g., room size, delay timers, gas type and volume)

Event history for compliance audits and diagnostics

Interlock state retention across power cycles

Fault code logging for post-event troubleshooting

CTQs for Memory in Gas-Based Suppression Systems:

Feature / Memory Type	FeRAM	EEPROM	Flash	MRAM	SRAM	DRAM
Non-volatility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Access speed	~50–100 ns	µs–ms	~1 µs	~30–50 ns	~10 ns	~10–15 ns
Write endurance	≥10¹²	~10⁶	~10⁵	~10⁹–10¹²	≥10¹⁶	≥10¹⁶
Power consumption	Very low	Moderate	Moderate	Low–Moderate	High	Moderate–High
Radiation/EMI resistance	High	Low	Low	High	Low	Low
Data retention (@85°C)	≥10 years	~10 years	~10 years	≥10 years	N/A	N/A
Cost per bit	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate	Low

Broader Applications Across Fire Safety Systems

The Role of Memory in Fire Suppression Systems

Modern fire suppression systems integrate embedded microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to deliver real-time protection. Memory components in these systems fulfill several vital functions:

Configuration storage (e.g., nozzle timing, gas concentration thresholds)

Event logging (actuation history, maintenance records, fault reports)

Control algorithm retention (safety interlocks, timing sequences)

Startup and recovery logic in case of power interruptions

In gas-based suppression systems, which typically involve CO₂, inert gases, or clean agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec), these memory demands are particularly stringent due to:

Safety-critical operation with minimal tolerance for latency

Regulatory requirements for traceability and data retention

Hostile electrical or physical environments (EMI, temperature, vibration)

Distributed architecture with autonomous embedded controllers

The Role of Memory in Fire Suppression Systems

Modern fire suppression systems integrate embedded microcontrollers, sensors, and actuators to deliver real-time protection. Memory components in these systems fulfill several vital functions:

Configuration storage (e.g., nozzle timing, gas concentration thresholds)

Event logging (actuation history, maintenance records, fault reports)

Control algorithm retention (safety interlocks, timing sequences)

Startup and recovery logic in case of power interruptions

In gas-based suppression systems, which typically involve CO₂, inert gases, or clean agents (e.g., FM-200, Novec), these memory demands are particularly stringent due to:

Safety-critical operation with minimal tolerance for latency

Regulatory requirements for traceability and data retention

Hostile electrical or physical environments (EMI, temperature, vibration)

Distributed architecture with autonomous embedded controllers

Feature / Memory Type	FeRAM	EEPROM	Flash	MRAM	SRAM	DRAM
Non-volatility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Access speed	~50–100 ns	µs–ms	~1 µs	~30–50 ns	~10 ns	~10–15 ns
Write endurance	≥10¹²	~10⁶	~10⁵	~10⁹–10¹²	≥10¹⁶	≥10¹⁶
Power consumption	Very low	Moderate	Moderate	Low–Moderate	High	Moderate–High
Radiation/EMI resistance	High	Low	Low	High	Low	Low
Data retention (@85°C)	≥10 years	~10 years	~10 years	≥10 years	N/A	N/A
Cost per bit	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate	Low

Broader Applications Across Fire Safety Systems

Feature / Memory Type	FeRAM	EEPROM	Flash	MRAM	SRAM	DRAM
Non-volatility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Access speed	~50–100 ns	µs–ms	~1 µs	~30–50 ns	~10 ns	~10–15 ns
Write endurance	≥10¹²	~10⁶	~10⁵	~10⁹–10¹²	≥10¹⁶	≥10¹⁶
Power consumption	Very low	Moderate	Moderate	Low–Moderate	High	Moderate–High
Radiation/EMI resistance	High	Low	Low	High	Low	Low
Data retention (@85°C)	≥10 years	~10 years	~10 years	≥10 years	N/A	N/A
Cost per bit	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate	Low

Strategic Considerations for System Designers

Where FeRAM Replaces Other Memories:

Replaces EEPROM/Flash: For parameter retention and logs due to superior endurance

Replaces SRAM/DRAM: When persistent memory is needed without added battery or refresh logic

Replaces MRAM: In cost- or energy-sensitive applications without magnetic interference

System-Level Benefits:

Elimination of battery-backed SRAM reduces maintenance overhead

Simplifies system architecture by combining speed and persistence

Enhances reliability for mission-critical systems with embedded intelligence

Conclusion

FeRAM represents a compelling memory solution for safety-critical, high-reliability, and real-time fire suppression systems, particularly in gas-based applications. Its inherent non-volatility, speed, endurance, and resistance to harsh conditions meet or exceed the critical-to-quality (CTQ) requirements for such embedded platforms. In an era where compliance, resilience, and autonomous functionality define the next generation of fire suppression systems, FeRAM delivers a robust, future-ready alternative to legacy non-volatile memories.

For Further Engagement:

Contact our technical sales team to request engineering samples, integration support, or design-in consultations.

Feature / Memory Type	FeRAM	EEPROM	Flash	MRAM	SRAM	DRAM
Non-volatility	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
Access speed	~50–100 ns	µs–ms	~1 µs	~30–50 ns	~10 ns	~10–15 ns
Write endurance	≥10¹²	~10⁶	~10⁵	~10⁹–10¹²	≥10¹⁶	≥10¹⁶
Power consumption	Very low	Moderate	Moderate	Low–Moderate	High	Moderate–High
Radiation/EMI resistance	High	Low	Low	High	Low	Low
Data retention (@85°C)	≥10 years	~10 years	~10 years	≥10 years	N/A	N/A
Cost per bit	Moderate	Low	Low	High	Moderate	Low

Strategic Considerations for System Designers

Where FeRAM Replaces Other Memories:

Replaces EEPROM/Flash: For parameter retention and logs due to superior endurance

Replaces SRAM/DRAM: When persistent memory is needed without added battery or refresh logic

Replaces MRAM: In cost- or energy-sensitive applications without magnetic interference

System-Level Benefits:

Elimination of battery-backed SRAM reduces maintenance overhead

Simplifies system architecture by combining speed and persistence

Enhances reliability for mission-critical systems with embedded intelligence

Conclusion

FeRAM represents a compelling memory solution for safety-critical, high-reliability, and real-time fire suppression systems, particularly in gas-based applications. Its inherent non-volatility, speed, endurance, and resistance to harsh conditions meet or exceed the critical-to-quality (CTQ) requirements for such embedded platforms. In an era where compliance, resilience, and autonomous functionality define the next generation of fire suppression systems, FeRAM delivers a robust, future-ready alternative to legacy non-volatile memories.

For Further Engagement:

Contact our technical sales team to request engineering samples, integration support, or design-in consultations.