The SST26VF memory family provides the fastest erase times in the industry, due to its use of SuperFlash technology. Sector and block erase commands are completed in just 18 ms, and a full chip erase operation is completed in 35 ms. Competing devices require 10 to 20 seconds to complete a full chip erase operation, making the SST26VF approximately 400 times faster. These fast erase times can provide a significant cost savings to customers, by minimizing the time required for testing and firmware updates, and therefore increasing their manufacturing throughput.

Microchip’s 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, the SST26VF is ideal for energy-efficient embedded systems. Standby current consumption is 15 µA, typical, and the active read current at 104 MHz is 15 mA, typical. The combination of 3V operation with low power consumption and small-form-factor packaging makes the SST26VF devices an excellent choice for applications such as servers, printers, cloud computing systems, HDTV, Internet gateways, appliances, security systems, and a broad range of embedded systems.

The SST26VF devices also offer 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 devices 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 unauthorized 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 the functions and capabilities of the SST26VF devices for simpler software design.

“Time is money, and Microchip’s SuperFlash devices save designers time while lowering manufacturing costs,” said Randy Drwinga, vice president of Microchip’s Memory Products Division.

“This new SST26VF family of devices combines the benefits of low power consumption and the high performance of Serial Quad I/O interface operation with the reliability and industry’s-fastest erase times inherent to our SuperFlash technology, providing designers with the ideal Flash memory devices for embedded designs. Microchip continues to invest in and develop innovative products based on SuperFlash technology.”