Spansion, the Flash memory venture of AMD and Fujitsu today announced it is sampling the first single-chip 1Gb NOR Flash memory device based on 90-nanometer MirrorBit technology to customers in the embedded market.
The memory device can be used 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 1Gb MirrorBit GL device extends the MirrorBit GL family, which also includes the single-chip 512Mb NOR Flash memory device in production.
Spansion's new 1Gb device augments the company's product offering which includes densities ranging from 1Mb up to 1Gb. Backwards compatible with previous generation products (down to the 2Mb density), the device supports common software, pin-out and packaging and can be deployed without requiring costly board redesign. The 1Gb 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.
The 1Gb MirrorBit GL operates at 3.0 volts (Vcc), features a random read speed of 110 nanoseconds, and offers a page read speed of 25 ns via an 8-word page buffer.
The new 1Gb 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.
Spansion also supports Advanced Sector Protection (ASP) technology on the 1Gb MirrorBit GL. ASP provides designer-defined security with 64-bit password protection for sensitive software algorithms or parameters. In some applications, the central office can use an ESN to identify their equipment remotely, control service levels and record access for billing purposes.
Spansion is providing samples of the 1Gb MirrorBit GL device now to a select group of customers. Production is slated to begin in late Q4. The part number for the 1Gb 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.
The 90nm MirrorBit product roadmap includes samples of 1Gb devices with both NOR and ORNAND architectures planned for this year, and plans for a 2Gb density ORNAND device by mid next year. Spansion also plans to begin production of 65nm MirrorBit technology in 2006.