Speedy Serial-Access Flash Memories Deliver Data At 33 MHz

Sept. 15, 2003

Based on a speed-enhanced version of the serial-peripheral interface, the members of the spiFlash family of serial flash memories can operate at clock rates of 33 MHz. The family includes densities ranging from 1 to 64 Mbits, with the first three offering 1-, 2-, and 4-Mbit capacities (the NX25P10, P20, and P40, respectively). Available in space-saving eight-lead SOIC (5 by 6 mm) or thinner MLP (also called QFN) packages, the memories can be used in a broad range of serial-code-storage applications, or for data, text, and voice storage. The spiFlash devices operate from a single 2.7- to 3.6-V supply and consume just 4 mA for reads and 15 mA during erase/program operations. In quantities of 25,000 units, the 1-, 2-, and 4-Mbit memories are priced at $0.74, $0.86, and $1.20 each.

NexFlash Technologies Inc.www.nexflash.com; (408) 907-3638

About the Author

Dave Bursky

Technologist

Dave Bursky, the founder of New Ideas in Communications, a publication website featuring the blog column Chipnastics – the Art and Science of Chip Design. He is also president of PRN Engineering, a technical writing and market consulting company. Prior to these organizations, he spent about a dozen years as a contributing editor to Chip Design magazine. Concurrent with Chip Design, he was also the technical editorial manager at Maxim Integrated Products, and prior to Maxim, Dave spent over 35 years working as an engineer for the U.S. Army Electronics Command and an editor with Electronic Design Magazine.