AMD announces 8Mbit simultaneous read/write flash memory; New features for free.SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 19, 1997--AMD today unveiled the first device in a family that incorporates its new simultaneous read/write flash architecture. The highly integrated Am29DL800 allows read operations to occur during program and erase operations. There is no price premium over the standard 2.7-volt-only 8 Mbit product. System-level costs are reduced because there is no need for EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) A rewritable memory chip that holds its content without power. Although EEPROMs spawned flash memory, EEPROMs are byte addressable at the write level, whereas flash chips must erase a block of bytes before rewriting. devices, less SRAM See static RAM. SRAM - static random-access memory is required and the device does not require an additional real-time operating system (operating system) Real-Time Operating System - (RTOS) Any operating system where interrupts are guaranteed to be handled within a certain specified maximum time, thereby making it suitable for control of hardware in embedded systems and other time-critical applications. . In addition, there are no system or device latencies. "AMD's unique simultaneous read/write flash memory offers substantial cost savings and reduces system complexity," said Walid Maghribi, group vice president of AMD's Memory Group. Previously, designers were forced to use multiple non-volatile memory Refers to memory chips that hold their content without power being applied. It may refer to chips that are not changeable, such as ROMs and PROMs, or to chips that can be rewritten many times such as flash memory. components to store system configuration and parameter data, as well as user-specific information. Separate memory devices were required to run the flash program and erase algorithms. "By working closely with our customers, we are able to offer them what they need to improve their systems," said Maghribi. Applications The Am29DL800 addresses a wide array of embedded applications that today incorporate individual flash, EEPROM and SRAM devices. Target applications include digital cellular phones, pagers, web browsers The following is a list of web browsers. Historical Historically important browsers In order of release:
Am29DL800 Overview -- Simultaneous Read/Write Flash Architecture AMD's simultaneous read/write flash device provides a highly integrated hardware solution that provides simultaneous read and write functionality. There is no system or device latency between read and write operations. Latency is not acceptable in real-time, embedded systems. -- Reduces System-level Cost Structure The Am29DL800 reduces the system-level cost structure by eliminating the need for additional memory devices. Reduced component count reduces board, logistics and carrying costs Carrying costs Costs that increase with increases in the level of investment in current assets. , increases manufacturing yields, and enables smaller form- factor systems. In addition, AMD's hardware-only solution does not increase system-level cost by adding an additional SRAM as required by some pseudo read-while-write implementations. -- Zero-Power Operation Advanced power management features, such as low-power standby mode and automatic sleep mode, allow low power consumption while maintaining high system-level performance. 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, consuming virtually zero power. The device will "wake-up" with standard read access timing when it detects bus activity. -- Easy Upgrade in Existing Designs Hardware and software compatibility with the Am29LV800 allows easy upgrades in existing systems. -- Single Power Supply for Read and Write Operations The Am29DL800 is a 2.7 volt-only device. Single power-supply operation reduces system costs, power consumption and reliability issues associated with DC-to-DC converters required for dual-voltage flash devices. -- High Performance The read access time of the Am29DL800 is as fast as 90 nanoseconds, allowing operation of high-speed microprocessors with zero wait states. Price, Package & Availability Samples are available now. Volume shipments of the Am29DL800 will begin this quarter. The device will initially ship in a 48-pin TSOP (Thin Small Outline Package) A very thin, plastic, rectangular surface mount chip package with gull-wing pins on its two short sides. TSOPs are about a third as thick as SOJ chips. See gull-wing lead, SOP, SOJ and chip package. package and later be offered in a 48-ball uBGA package. The Am29DL800B/T-120EC in a 48-pin TSOP package is priced at $9.05 when ordered in quantities of 10,000. About AMD (Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA, www.amd.com) A major manufacturer of semiconductor devices including x86-compatible CPUs, embedded processors, flash memories, programmable logic devices and networking chips. 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, California, AMD had revenues of $2 billion in 1996. (NYSE NYSE See: New York Stock Exchange :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 URL in full Uniform Resource Locator Address of a resource on the Internet. The resource can be any type of file stored on a server, such as a Web page, a text file, a graphics file, or an application program. prompt. -0- NOTE TO EDITOR: Readers may obtain additional information by calling 1-800/222-9323 or 408/749-5703. uBGA is a trademark of Tessera tessera: see mosaic. Corporation. AMD, the AMD logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. GENERAL NOTICE: Other product names used in this publication are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies. CONTACT: AMD Communications Kerry Gallagher, 408/749-2920 (Public Relations public relations, activities and policies used to create public interest in a person, idea, product, institution, or business establishment. By its nature, public relations is devoted to serving particular interests by presenting them to the public in the most ) kerry.gallagher@amd.com |
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