AMD Introduces 16Mbit Zero-Power Flash Devices.

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 15, 1997--AMD today announced three new 16Mbit, high-density, flash devices -- the newest members of the zero-power flash family.

The family extends from 2Mbit to 32Mbit. Designers now have the flexibility to choose densities from 2Mbit through 16Mbit that are 100 percent upward compatible.

These devices are based on AMD's industry standard zero-power 2.7-volt-only architecture, and are the first of AMD's flash components to support the Common Flash Memory Interface (CFI), an industry specification that allows users to standardize their software drivers for long-term compatibility and upgrades.

"Our high-density extension of the industry's most advanced low-voltage family offers customers a full range of flash products for their portable designs," said Walid Maghribi, group vice president of Memory at AMD. "In addition to battery-powered requirements, these products are specifically designed for today's applications that require the highest reliability and performance in high density code storage applications."

The first 16Mbit device available, the Am29LV160B, is a bootblock, word wide device targeted primarily at embedded applications. The two additional members of the 16-megabit family are the Am29LV116B and Am29LV017B. The Am29LV116B is a x8 device targeted at byte-wide embedded applications. The Am29LV017B has uniform sectors and is intended for mass storage applications such as memory cards.

The 16Mbit devices provide 80 nanosecond access times to support high performance executable code applications. In addition, these devices meet the extremely high reliability requirements of telecom and networking applications with a typical endurance rating of 1 million cycles and a guaranteed minimum of 100,000 cycles. In addition, the 16Mbit devices include enhancements that provide faster programming times.

Applications

The 16-megabit family addresses the control storage market with applications such as next-generation digital cellular phones, telecommunications and networking applications, and handheld organizers.

Common Flash Memory Interface

The Common Flash Memory Interface (CFI) was developed by AMD, Fujitsu, Intel, Sharp and other flash suppliers. It enables forward and backward compatibility between individual supplier's flash products, both current and future devices. This simplifies the software development process and facilitates migration to higher-density products. It is particularly useful in flash memory-card applications. -0-

Features

    Standard features include:

-- Zero-Power Operation -- During normal operation, most portable
systems have many inactive periods.  AMD's unique power management
system automatically puts the device into sleep mode during these
inactive periods.

-- Advanced 0.35-Micron Flash Technology -- Provides the
smallest die sizes allowing AMD to offer cost-competitive
high-density solutions.

-- Single-Supply Operation for Read and Write -- Eliminates the
cost, power consumption and reliability issues associated with
DC-to-DC converters required for dual-voltage flash devices.

-- Extended 2.7-to 3.6-volt Operating Range
    - Allows battery-powered systems to operate longer between
battery replacement or recharging cycles.
    - Single-power-supply operation for all read, program and erase
operations.

-- High Performance -- As fast as 90 nanoseconds at full voltage
range and 80 nanoseconds at regulated voltage range.

-- Industry-Standard Architecture -- Based on the same process
technology and architecture as AMD's 2.7-volt-only flash devices.
    - JEDEC/Industry Standard
    - Sector Architecture with Sector Protection
    - Embedded Algorithms
    - 1,000,000 Typical Program/Erase Cycle Endurance
-0-

Package and Availability

The Am29LV160BT-120FC is available now in a 48-lead TSOP and is priced at $18.65 in quantities of 10,000. The Am29LV160BT-120SC in a 44-lead SOIC is $18.25 in quantities of 10,000. The device will also be available in Chip Size Packaging (CSP). The Am29LV116B and Am29LV017B will be available in Q4 1997.

About AMD

AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets. AMD produces processors, flash memories, programmable logic devices, and products for communications and networking applications. Founded in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, AMD had revenues of $2 billion in 1996. (NYSE:AMD)

World Wide Web

Press announcements and other information about AMD are available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. Type http://www.amd.com at the URL prompt. -0-

Note to Editors: Readers may obtain additional information by calling 800/222-9323 or 408/749-5703.

AMD, the AMD logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices Inc.

Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

CONTACT: AMD, Sunnyvale

Kerry Elliott, 408/749-2920

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