Intel PC28F256P30BFA: A Comprehensive Technical Overview of the 256-Megabit Parallel NOR Flash Memory
The Intel PC28F256P30BFA represents a significant component within the landscape of non-volatile memory solutions, designed for applications demanding high reliability, fast read speeds, and random access capabilities. As a 256-megabit (32MB) parallel NOR Flash memory device, it serves critical functions in embedded systems, networking equipment, telecommunications infrastructure, and industrial control systems where execution-in-place (XIP) is paramount.
Fabricated on a mature and highly reliable process technology, this device features a symmetric 128-kilobyte architecture divided into multiple uniform blocks. This block structure is fundamental for efficient memory management, allowing for individual block erase operations without affecting data stored in other sections. This is crucial for firmware updates and data storage segregation in complex systems.
A key characteristic of the PC28F256P30BFA is its parallel interface (x16 data bus), which provides a high-bandwidth pathway to the memory array. This enables extremely fast random access times, making it ideal for directly storing and executing boot code or operating system kernels without the need to first shadow the code into RAM. The device supports a versatile voltage supply range, with a core voltage (VCC) of 3.0-3.6V and a separate voltage supply for the I/O pins (VCCQ), enhancing its compatibility with various system logic levels.
Performance is a standout feature. The chip offers fast access times as low as 90ns, ensuring minimal latency for the processor. Read operations are streamlined through asynchronous control, while write and erase functions are managed using a standardized command set, simplifying integration with common microprocessors and microcontrollers. Its endurance rating is robust, supporting a minimum of 100,000 program/erase cycles per block, which guarantees longevity and reliability over the product's lifespan for frequent firmware updates. Data retention is specified at up to 20 years, safeguarding critical code and data long-term.
The device incorporates several advanced features for protection and reliability. These include a hardware-based write protection mechanism that prevents accidental modification of data and a built-in program/erase suspend capability. This allows the system to temporarily halt a background erase operation to read data from another block, thereby improving overall system efficiency and responsiveness.
ICGOOODFIND: The Intel PC28F256P30BFA is a high-performance, high-reliability parallel NOR Flash memory solution. Its combination of a fast parallel interface, robust block-erasable architecture, excellent endurance, and long-term data retention makes it a cornerstone technology for mission-critical embedded applications where dependable code storage and execution are non-negotiable.
Keywords: Parallel NOR Flash, Execution-in-Place (XIP), Non-volatile Memory, Block Erase Architecture, Embedded Systems.
