Flash memory with fast serial interface

DSP, Micros & Memory

8 April 2015 DSP, Micros & Memory

New from Microchip, the SST26VF family of 3 V Serial Quad I/O (SQI) interface memory is available with 16 Mbit, 32 Mbit or 64 Mbit of memory. Manufactured using Microchip’s high-performance CMOS SuperFlash technology, they execute sector and block erase commands in just 18 ms, and a full chip erase operation is completed in 35 ms.

The chips’ SQI interface is a low-pin-count, high-speed 104 MHz quad-bit address and data multiplex I/O serial interface, which allows for high data throughput in a small package. This interface enables low-latency execute-in-place (XIP) capability with minimal processor buffer memory, reducing the overall design footprint compared to traditional parallel memory interfaces.

The SST26VF family provides faster data throughput than a comparable x16 parallel Flash device, without the associated high cost and high pin-count of parallel Flash. The SQI interface also offers full command-set backward compatibility for the ubiquitous Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol.

Designed for low power consumption, this memory is ideal for energy-efficient embedded systems. Standby current consumption is 15 μA and active read current at 104 MHz is 15 mA. The combination of 3 V operation with low power consumption and small form factor makes the devices an excellent choice for applications such as servers, printers, cloud computing systems, HDTV, Internet gateways, appliances, security systems and a broad range of other embedded systems.

The SST26VF range boasts excellent quality and reliability, with 100 years of data retention and device endurance of over 100 000 erase/write cycles. Enhanced safety features include software write protection of individual blocks for flexible data/code protection. The upper and lower 64 KBytes of memory are partitioned into smaller, 8 KByte sectors that can both read- and write-lock.

In addition, the ICs include a one-time programmable (OTP), 2 KByte Secure ID area, consisting of a 64-bit, factory-programmed unique ID and a user-programmable block. These features protect against unauthorised access and malicious read, program and erase intentions. The devices also include a JEDEC-compliant Serial Flash Discoverable Parameter (SFDP) table, which contains identifying information about their functions and capabilities for simpler software design.

The three-member SST26VF family is available now for sampling and volume production in multiple package options, including 8-pin SOIC and SOIJ, 16-pin SOIC, 8-contact WDFN and 24-ball TBGA, as well as in die and wafer form. The family comprises the 16-Mbit SST26VF016B, the 32-Mbit SST26VF032B and the 64-Mbit SST26VF064B.

For more information contact Shane Padayachee, Avnet South Africa, +27 (0)11 319 8600, [email protected], www.avnet.co.za

Share this article:

Categories

DSP, Micros & Memory

Flash memory with fast serial interface

Further reading:

Publications by Technews