There are many benefits in using the new external serial SRAM from Microchip. They come in two memory densities; 64kb (8kB) and 256kb (32kB). Typical embedded microcontrollers are only available with 4 – 8kB of onboard RAM. Another advantage to using the serial SRAM is its 20MHz bus speed, which makes for very fast data transfers. In addition to this, the memory chips are available in 1.8V and a 3.0V operating voltage with temperatures ranges to -40 to 125°C. The devices have very low current consumption, making them excellent for battery and other low-power applications with a maximum standby current of only 4µA. Finally, the parts can operate in 3 modes as specified in the status register: Word mode, where data is read to or written from a specific word address; Page mode, where data is transferred to or from a 32B page;  and sequential mode, in which the entire chip can be accessed with a single command.