Everything You Should Know About FIFO IC

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The Internet of Things (IoT) has introduced a number of new and innovative ideas about how to connect devices to a network.

Other than networking, it has greatly improved data storage and management.

One such idea is the use of an integrated circuit as a token. FIFO IC — or first in, first out integrated circuit — is one such method.

This makes it the perfect way to manage the input and output of data from devices connected via an IC.

FIFO IC uses an algorithm called a double-ended queue with tokens to make sure that data can only flow in one direction. We’ll take you through what FIFO IC means, how it works, and why you should use it when designing your products and devices.

How does a FIFO IC work?

A FIFO IC is designed for storage, retrieval, and transfer of data. Just as the name suggests, it works on the principle of “first in, first out.” Data that is “inserted” (“first in”) will be retrieved “last out.”

This means that FIFO ICs are often used in devices where data (especially information) needs to be transferred between various components, such as between a sensor and a hub.

A FIFO IC is an integrated circuit that includes a memory circuit (typically a single-port RAM or a dual-port RAM), a control circuit, and an interface circuit.

Your data will be stored inside the memory circuit. Then, when you “eject” the data, it will be read out of the FIFO IC and sent to its destination.

FIFO IC in Practice

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A FIFO IC, however, is not just for storage. It can also be used for transferring data from one point to another. In this context, it can be used as a “first out” circuit, ejecting data last.

This means that when you “insert” data into the circuit, you can use the control circuit to decide when that data is “ejected” (read out of the memory circuit) and sent to its destination.

You can use a FIFO IC to send data from one device to another or to read an input signal and store it until it can be sent.

You can also use a FIFO IC as a buffer to store data before you send it to a destination.

Types of FIFO IC

There are two types of FIFO ICs: Exclusive Read/Write FIFO IC and Concurrent Read/Write FIFO IC.

What is the difference between the two? Let’s discuss them in detail.

Exclusive Read/Write FIFO IC

In this type of FIFO IC, how the data is read will determine how the same data is written.

This implies that the write clock has a direct relationship with the read clock.

This relationship ensures that there is no overlap between the two clocks.

Exclusive Read/Write IC is an ideal solution for systems that work independently of each other. The activities of one system do not have to be dictated by the other system.

An external synchronizing circuit may be deployed to synchronize data transfer and storage between the two systems.

Concurrent Read/Write FIFO IC

In this type of FIFO IC, how the data is read will not determine how the same data is written.

This implies that there is no direct relationship between the two clocks.

Instead, a separate clock control circuit will be required to synchronize data transfer and storage between the two systems.

Concurrent Read/Write IC is an ideal solution for the systems that work closely together. The activities of one system are likely to be dictated by the other system.

The external synchronizing circuit can be used as a buffer when a large amount of data need to be exchanged between both systems.

Comparing synchronous vs Asynchronous FIFO ICs

Still, when it comes to classes of FIFO integrated circuits, we can compare synchronous and asynchronous FIFO ICs.

This two fall under the concurrent read/write FIFO ICs

Synchronous FIFO IC refers to the type of IC where the reading and writing of buffer takes place under the same domain.

Reading and writing of data will occur at the same clock rate.

As data is being read from the FIFO buffer, it will be synchronized with the same clock used for the writing of data in the FIFO buffer.

This implies that there would be no need for a separate clock for synchronization between two systems.

Nonetheless, there would still be a need for a separate control circuit to synchronize the reading and writing of data.

Because of this, synchronous FIFO ICs are ideal for applications where both systems work closely together such as in a computer system where CPU and memory share a common bus system for transfer of information.

Asynchronous FIFO IC on the other hand refers to type of IC where reading and writing activities are not synchronized with each other. In other words, they do not operate under the same domain.

Reading and writing activities may occur at different frequencies or even different domains altogether depending on how they are controlled by their respective controlling circuits.

This means that asynchronous FIFO ICs would require separate control circuits to synchronize reading and writing activities between the two systems.

Architectures in which FIFO IC is implemented

AFIFO IC architecture refers to a system in which the data is stored in a FIFO IC and read by a FIFO IC.

There are two architectures in which FIFO IC is implemented. These are Fall through architecture and static memory FIFO architecture.

Fall through FIFO IC architecture

Most old FIFO Ics used this architecture.

But how does it work?

Well, it is called a ‘Fall through” because the data is ‘falling through the FIFO IC.

In this architecture, the FIFO IC is used as a buffer between two separate systems. In this case, the external system that is sending data to the FIFO IC will be considered as an input system while the other system that reads data from the same FIFO IC will be considered as an output system.

The input system will send some amount of data to the FIFO IC and the output system will read that data when it needs to.

But in order for both systems to work together, they have to have a common clock signal which synchronizes their activities.

This is because there are two clocks available in each of these systems; one for reading and writing and another for sending and receiving data.

This architecture’s main demerit is that every data set requires a status flip flop.

Static memory FIFO architecture

This FIFO architecture is commonly used in serial communication applications.

This architecture requires two separate memory locations, one for storing data while the other is used to read data.

Because of its simplicity, it is the most widely used architecture.

The data that is being sent or received will be stored in a static memory location (not an SRAM but a simple RAM) and hence it takes some time to write/read the data from this memory location. This is why it’s called a ‘Static memory FIFO’.

Benefits of FIFO IC?

Why should I buy a FIFO IC for my device or upcoming project?

More efficient data storage:

A FIFO IC can be used to store data that is collected from sensors. You can store this data in the memory circuit of the FIFO IC and keep it until it is sent to a destination.

Data buffering

The IC can be used to buffer data before sending it to a destination. This way you can store data until it can be sent to a destination. This can be particularly useful when you are dealing with a large amount of data.

More secure networks

If the device that you are building will be used for networking functions, FIFO IC I will be a perfect solution.

This integrated circuit can be used to create a more secure network by storing sensitive data in a memory circuit that is not accessible to unauthorized entities. You can store data in the FIFO IC until it is sent to a destination where it can be released.

More efficient data transfer

A FIFO IC can be used to transfer data from one device to another.

This is often done via a memory circuit of the FIFO IC where data is stored and then sent to a destination.

Low cost

A FIFO IC has a very low cost, making it an attractive solution for industries with budgetary constraints.

Despite being relatively affordable, it can do immense works that you will not get in other top-end expensive devices.

All you need is to get affordable FIFO distributors in China and you will enjoy the low cost that comes with using this integrated circuit.

Limitations of a FIFO IC

A FIFO IC has a few limitations that you should be aware of.

– Single-direction communication: A FIFO IC can only transmit data in one direction. It means that you can only receive data from a single source. You cannot send data out of a FIFO IC — only receive.

– Limited data transmission speed: A FIFO IC is often limited in terms of speed. You should choose the right FIFO IC depending on the type of data you will be transmitting.

– Limited data storage capacity: A FIFO IC can be limited in terms of storage capacity. This is especially true for Push-only FIFO ICs.

Key technical specifications for the FIFO IC

Depending on the FIFO IC you choose to use, you will have different technical specifications to look out for. Here are some key technical specifications for a FIFO IC:

– Data Capacity: The amount of data a FIFO IC can store is often represented as a number. You should choose a FIFO IC with a data capacity that is enough to store all the data you will be transmitting.

– Data Retention: This is the amount of time your data will be stored in a memory circuit of the FIFO IC. Depending on the application, you will want to choose a FIFO IC with data retention that is suitable for your application.

– Data Type: Depending on the application, you will want to choose a FIFO IC that supports the type of data you want to use it for. For example, you might want to choose a FIFO IC that can store both analog and digital data.

– Data Speed: This is the amount of time it takes to store data in a memory circuit, retrieve data from a memory circuit, and transmit data from one device to another.

– Power Consumption: The power consumption of a FIFO IC is often measured in terms of current, voltage, and power. Depending on the application, you might want to choose a FIFO IC that consumes less power.

How to test FIFO IC

Testing a FIFO IC can be a bit tricky since you will have to check if it is working correctly.

Apart from visual inspection, you can also use special instruments to test the performance of a FIFO IC.

A number of instruments that can be used to test a FIFO IC include digital multimeters (DMMs), oscilloscopes, and automatic electrical testers.

Alternatively, you can use a any of the recommended hardware verification languages to do the testing.

Quality standards for FIFO IC

FIFO ICs are subject to specific quality standards set by particular organizations.

When choosing a FIFO IC, make sure that it meets the standard set by the organization. The main quality standards for FIFO ICs are listed below: – AEC-Q100: The AEC-Q100 standard is a very common quality standard for FIFO ICs. This standard is used for FIFO ICs designed for use in safety-related systems.

– MIL-STD-885: The MIL-STD-885 standard is used for FIFO ICs designed for use in military systems.

– JEDEC: The JEDEC standard is used for FIFO ICs designed for use in consumer devices.

– AEL: The AEL standard is used for FIFO ICs designed for use in aerospace and avionics systems.

Buy from a reputable FIFO distributor in China

Where you buy FIFO ICs will always matter. Ensure you buy from a reputable distributor. This will ensure that the FIFO IC that you buy is of high quality.

We at ICRFQ have a reputation for sourcing and distributing high-quality FIFO ICs. We source them from top manufacturers in China.

Contact us and place your orders for these integrated circuits.

If you want to find more Electronic Components Distributors, please check out the following articles:

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