First Samples Based on 90-Nanometer MirrorBitTM Technology
Spansion LLC announced it is sampling the world’s first single-chip 1 gigabit (Gb) NOR Flash memory device to customers in the embedded market. Based on 90-nanometer (nm) MirrorBit™ technology, the 1 Gb MirrorBit GL device is the highest density, single-chip NOR Flash memory device on the market. It is designed for reliable code execution and data storage in a wide range of embedded applications including automotive navigation systems, communications infrastructure equipment, gaming and industrial control. The 1 Gb MirrorBit GL device is the first based on the Spansion 90-nm MirrorBit process technology unveiled last month.The 1 Gb MirrorBit GL device extends the MirrorBit GL family, which also includes the industry’s only single-chip 512 megabit (Mb) NOR Flash memory device in production. By scaling MirrorBit technology to 90 nm and doubling the density of its NOR Flash memory, Spansion reduces component costs because it enables customers to use a single-chip device, instead of multiple lower density discrete solutions or more costly multi-chip packages containing stacked lower density die. Moreover, as an extension of its existing embedded product families, the device allows customers to easily migrate to new high-density solutions, without having to engage in costly and complex system redesign.
Easier Migration with Spansion™ NOR Flash Memory Solutions
Spansion’s new 1 Gb device augments the company’s broad product offering which includes densities ranging from 1 Mb up to 1 Gb. Backwards compatible with previous generation products (down to the 2 Mb density), the device supports common software, pin-out and packaging and can be rapidly deployed without requiring costly board redesign. The 1 Gb MirrorBit GL is package and pin-out compatible with all MirrorBit GL-M (230 nm), MirrorBit GL-A (200 nm) and MirrorBit GL-N (110 nm) devices as well as legacy Fujitsu and AMD LV family members (back to the 320 nm lithography). Packaging is also JEDEC-compliant.
Technical Features and Benefits of the 1G MirrorBit™ GL Product
The Spansion 1 Gb MirrorBit product joins the Spansion GL family which includes densities ranging from 16 Mb up to 512 Mb – all in production today. The 1 Gb MirrorBit GL operates at 3.0 volts (Vcc), features a random read speed of 110 nanoseconds (ns), and offers a page read speed of 25 ns via an 8-word page buffer.
The new 1 Gb MirrorBit GL part enables users to either execute code directly out of the Flash memory or shadow into DRAM at high speeds. The device supports industrial temperature ranges from -40 to +85 degrees Celsius. The 1Gb MirrorBit GL uses a NOR architecture that is designed to deliver 100 percent good sectors, eliminate the need for ECC and support a standard parallel interface, reducing system complexity and cost.
Enhanced Security
For applications requiring advanced security, Spansion supports Advanced Sector Protection (ASP) technology on the 1 Gb MirrorBit GL. ASP provides robust and complete designer-defined security with 64-bit password protection for sensitive software algorithms or parameters. The feature can be used by designers to store, lock and protect code or data stored on any sector of the device, or assign an electronic serial number (ESN) to their product. In some applications,the central office can use an ESN to identify their equipment remotely, control service levels and record access for billing purposes. The feature can help prevent malicious attacks and viruses, as well as help prevent unauthorized use of services.
Availability, Packaging and Pricing
Spansion is providing samples of the 1 Gb MirrorBit GL device now to a select group of customers. Production is slated to begin in late Q4. The part number for the 1 Gb MirrorBit GL is S29GL01GP. The product is offered in 56-pin TSOP and 64-ball Fortified BGA packaging. It will be priced at approximately $18.50 in quantities of 10,000.
Spansion™ Solutions for the Embedded Market
Spansion offers embedded system designers the broadest selection of Flash memory, including 5V, 3V and 1.8V products from 1 Mb to 1 Gb in packaged and Known Good Die (KGD) configurations. With hundreds of Flash memory products and configurations to choose from, Spansion has a solution to meet diverse customer needs.
Conventional Flash memory is offered using high-density MirrorBit technology or floating-gate technology, in page or bust mode. The simultaneous read-write architecture can be combined with a burst- or page-mode interface to improve performance of execute-in-place applications. And, with the new Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) product line, Spansion offers embedded system designers a new way to achieve smaller footprint, lower power consumption, greater reliability, and overall cost savings.
About MirrorBit™ Technology
MirrorBit technology is Spansion’s innovative Flash memory technology that features high yields and low-cost structure compared to traditional floating gate technology. MirrorBit is manufactured using a non-conductive storage element and uses 40 percent fewer of the most critical manufacturing steps than floating gate technologies, leading to higher yields and ultimately higher densities and higher performing products produced cost effectively. Spansion™ 90nm MirrorBit technology is the foundation for a compelling high-density Flash memory roadmap, featuring products combining the density, performance, reliability and cost structure required for wireless and embedded applications. In addition to the new 1 Gb GL device announced today, Spansion is also developing a 1 Gb device based on its MirrorBit ORNAND™ architecture. The first MirrorBit ORNAND product will be designed to satisfy the data storage needs in wireless applications.
