Serial flash semiconductor memory
US7558900B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 11, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jul 7, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 27, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11C2216/30
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A serial flash memory is provided with multiple configurable pins, at least one of which is selectively configurable for use in either single-bit serial data transfers or multiple-bit serial data transfers. In single-bit serial mode, data transfer is bit-by-bit through a pin. In multiple-bit serial mode, a number of sequential bits are transferred at a time through respective pins. The serial flash memory may have 16 or fewer pins, and even 8 or fewer pins, so that low pin count packaging such as the 8-pin or 16-pin SOIC package and the 8-contact MLP/QFN/SON package may be used. The availability of the single-bit serial type protocol enables compatibility with a number of existing systems, while the availability of the multiple-bit serial type protocol enables the serial flash memory to provide data transfer rates, in systems that can support them, that are significantly faster than available with standard serial flash memories.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.