SPI serial flash memories tap NOR-type architecture

Sunnyvale, Calif. - Silicon Storage Technology Inc. has entered the serial flash memory market with a three-member serial peripheral interface (SPI) family. The 512-kbit SST45VF512, the 1-Mbit SST45VF010 and the 2-Mbit SST45VF020 are based on the company's proprietary SuperFlash technology, which in turn is based on a NOR-type, split-gate cell architecture.

All three of the serial flash devices are in-system-reprogrammable, and all are packaged in an eight-pin small-outline IC. Competing parts come in 28-pin SOICs or 32-pin PLCCs, according to Mike Briner, vice president of SST's application-specific products group.

Briner said SPI family members are being marketed as alternatives to parallel E2PROMs. The SST products use fewer wires to transfer data to and from a system CPU and thus occupy less board space, consume less power (20 milliamps typical active and 10 microamps typical standby current) and cost less than E2PROMs, he said.

Applications for the serial flash devices include micro disk drives, smart cards, MP3 players, cordless telephones, Bluetooth and GPS modules, medical monitors, handheld terminals, bar code readers and automotive applications.

In quantities of 100,000, the SST45VF512 is priced at 85 cents apiece, the SST-45VF010 at $1.15 and the SST45VF020 at $1.50.

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EETInfo No. 619