CY7C421-20VXCT

CY7C421-20VXCT is a dual-ported RAM, or DPRAM, of particularly complex kind. It belongs to the category of logic - FIFOs, and it is a component of Cypress Semiconductor, a renowned semiconductor producer from the United States. This component provides a static fast RAM with FIFO capability. For this article, the focus will be on the application field of the component and how it functions.

Application of the component

The component is extremely versatile and can find appropriate application in a majority of commercial FIFO projects. Many of its commercial applications require a low-cost and high-speed FIFO, without the need of integrated logic. CY7C421-20VXCT provides that.

Moreover, the component can serve its purpose in a wide range of industrial equipment depending on the need. It is used in factory automation equipment and industrial computers because it can handle vast amounts of data.

Finally, it is also a common component to find in medical equipment, due to its high-speed and data transmission security abilities.

Working Principle

In order to properly function, the component needs two types of clocks. The first one is a Data Clock, referred to as DCX, which serves the initial purpose of loading the data in the FIFO memory. On the other hand, the second clock, referred to as FCX, serves the purpose of reading the data that is already inside the FIFO memory.

These two clocks also require two ports of the component to be “open” in order for it to function properly. When the component is operational, the DCX loads the data while being connected to the first port. Then, FCX allows the data from the first port to be transferred to the second port through an internal shift register.

The second port also permits read and write operations. However, these operations are inhibited when the respective FIFO for the direction becomes full or empty. This is due to the “sample and hold” circuit of the component which generates a “mode” signal that helps to differentiate the read mode of a FIFO from the write mode.

Conclusion

CY7C421-20VXCT is a highly versatile component of the logic – FIFOs memory category. It has various applications in the commercial and industrial field, but also in medical equipment due to its data transmission security. In order to properly function, the component requires two clock inputs and two ports that need to be open.