Flash memories with embedded MAC addresses

DSP, Micros & Memory

26 June 2019 DSP, Micros & Memory

Microchip Technology’s SST26VF Serial Quad I/O (SQI) 3 V Flash family is the industry’s first NOR Flash devices to offer integrated MAC address options. Pre-programmed with EUI-48 and EUI-64 addresses, the devices do not have a minimum order requirement, providing cost-effective, plug-and-play storage solutions for connected applications that use Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.15.4 and FireWire.

The SST26VF family of flexible MAC address chips help designers to save time and costs while accelerating time to market for low- to mid-sized volume production. MAC address options are available at Flash densities of 16 megabit (Mb), 32 Mb and 64 Mb.

The rapid growth of the Internet of Things (IoT) means that embedded system designers must currently source, program and serialise MAC addresses from the IEEE-Registration Authority (RA) for all connected products. Only sold from the IEEE-RA in blocks ranging from 4000 to 16 million, small-to medium-size businesses pay higher costs for low-volume services. The SST26VF helps to eliminate the need for companies to self-procure and manage these unique identifiers from the IEEE-RA.

Both the pre-programmed EUI-48 and EUI-64 node addresses consist of an Organisational Unique Identifier (OUI) and an Extension Identifier (EI). While the OUI is purchased from the IEEE by individual companies, the EI is assigned and managed through each company by building a unique EI into every product, thereby ensuring a globally unique Extended Unique Identifier (EUI) node address for every device used or shipped.

The SST26VF064BEUI, SST26VF032BEUI and SST26VF016BEUI devices feature a six-wire, 4-bit I/O interface, allowing for low-power and high-performance operation in a low pin-count package. Available in 8-pin SOIC and 8-contact WSON packages, the devices occupy less board space and lower overall system costs. They feature rich SQI Flash, with flexible write-protected functionality to ensure code cannot be inadvertently overwritten or erased.

Integrated with Microchip’s proprietary SuperFlash technology, the family offers high endurance, low operating currents and low power draw, making these devices well-suited for industrial and consumer cloud-connected applications, such as smart hubs for homes, smart home appliances, building control equipment, factory automation, security and surveillance equipment.

Microchip offers pre-programming services for customer firmware.

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

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Flash memories with embedded MAC addresses

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