Up to 256 MB FERRIT modular F-RAM storage device preserves critical data for up to 200 years

Machdyne’s FERRIT is a modular USB F-RAM storage device with a capacity of up to 256 MB and capable of storing data for up to 200 years with a virtually unlimited number of writes and high-radiation resistance.

It builds upon the earlier Blaustahl F-RAM storage device that only offers 8KB capacity. The FERRIT device supports 8 MB to 256 MB by combining up to 256 individual 1 MB F-RAM ICs. The prototype below is housed in a metal frame and looks like a typical cluster solution.

FERRIT specifications and key features:

• FERRIT-CY controller based on Raspberry Pi RP2040 MCU with USB-FS Type-C port
• FERRIT-M8 removable ferroelectric memory cards with up to 16MB capacity using 16x 1MB F-RAM ICs (double-sided: 2x 8 chips)
• FERRIT-16 backplane with slots for FERRIT-CY and 16x FERRIT-M8 connected over SPI/QSPI bus
• Max capacity – 256 MB+ through up to 256x memory devices (16 memory cards with 16 chips)
• Preserves data for up to 200 years, far beyond traditional storage media.
• Write cycles – Supports a virtually unlimited number of writes
• Radiation-Resistant – Maintains data integrity in high-radiation environments.
• Host interface – USB-C Type-C, the solution appears as a mass storage device; no special software is required

The German company says it’s ideal for critical documentation, historical records, cryptographic key storage, and archival collections. The project is also open-source, with the KiCad schematics, PCB layouts, C firmware, and documentation available on GitHub under a “Lone Dynamics Open License”, which basically says:

The disclaimer is about responsibility: “use at your own risk”.

Machdyne told CNX Software that the current memory modules are single-sided with eight 1MB F-RAM chips, as shown in the photo at the top of this article. As a result, the total memory is limited to 128 MB in this setup, but with dual-sided modules, the total can be up to 256 MB.  The company didn’t provide information about the F-RAM chip, but the schematics show they are using SOIC-16 parts (7.5 x 10.3 mm, 1.27mm pitch), and the only match I could find with 1MB capacity was the RAMXEED MB85RQ8MXPF (PDF datasheet) with high endurance of 10¹³ times at 105°C or  10¹⁴ times at 85°C and long data retention of up to 200 years at 35°C. However, it decreases as the temperature increases: 10 years @ 105°C and 95 years at 55°C.

When I wrote about the Blaustahl F-RAM device a few years ago, people noted that the Raspberry Pi RP2040 may not last 200 years, and USB might become legacy in 100+ years, and complained about the small 8KB capacity. The FERRIT doesn’t solve the first two, but with up to 256MB capacity, it solves the ultra-small capacity issue that made the Blaustahl mostly useful for storing (encrypted) text. Both still benefit from quasi-unlimited write cycles and very long storage life, but whether the 200-year target is achievable for the whole system is another question.

Interested organizations can reserve the FERRIT modular F-RAM storage solution, but instead of providing pricing information, Machdyne asks customers how much they’d be willing to pay, which is an interesting strategy. For reference, the MB85RQ8MXPF FeRAM chip sells for $25.03 per unit on Mouser for a 500-piece reel, so the memory for a complete system with 256 chips would cost about $6400. That’s for 256 MB of storage without the boards, chassis, and profit margin. More details and the reservation link can be found on the product page.

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