Sharp Microelectronics Introduces Smallest Footprint 32Mbit Boot Block Flash CSP for Portable Applications; 7mm x 7mm Package is 38% Smaller Than Other Packages in the Market.

Business/High-Tech Editors

CAMAS, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2001

Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas (SMA), a U.S.-based company and a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, today introduced a 32Mbit Boot Block Flash, based on Sharp's 0.18u Flash process technology, in a 7mm x 7mm Chip Size Package (CSP).

With its small size and advanced architecture features, the LH28F320BF enables a new class of emerging applications for portable devices (such as high-end PDAs, Internet Appliances and Smart Phones).

The Sharp device offers a page mode function, meaning that while the initial access time is 80ns, the next seven accesses within the same page are 35ns. This fast initial access time, coupled with the page mode function, will allow systems to execute code directly from the Flash device. This will save designer engineers on cost, space and power consumption by eliminating a separate DRAM device used to execute code.

The device incorporates a simultaneous read while write function (RWW). If the user enables the RWW function, it allows the system to read data from one bank while writing data to another bank. The device is divided into four separate banks of 8Mbit that can be configured by the user as required. The RWW feature eliminates the need for other memory devices, saving money, board space and power.

"The LH28F320BF is the Flash Device that will allow Sharp's customers to add features such as electronic organizers, global positioning or 911 locators to their portable applications without compromising either performance or form factor," said Mark Hampson, sr. product marketing manager for SMA.

In order to speed time to market, Sharp supports simulation models. A Denali memory model supports the 32Mbit part. Denali memory models can be run on any Verilog or VHDL platform. To run the Denali memory model on a Verilog or VHDL platform, a simulation license from Denali is required.

In addition to the simulation model, Sharp supports the Common Flash memory Interface (CFI) specification. Systems using CFI can learn how to optimally interface with the flash chip by polling the chip itself. By using CFI, the software engineer can allow for future product upgrades without having to go back and modify the system software.

LH28F320BF Features

-- 2.7V to 3.6V Read Operations

-- 1.65V to 3.6V or 11.7V to 12.3V Write Operations

-- 80/35ns 8-Word Page Mode

-- x16 bit I/O

-- 4 Bank Simultaneous Read While Write Function

-- 128bit One Time Programmable Block

-- Eight, 4K Word Blocks and sixty-three, 32K Word Blocks

-- Supports Common Flash Interface (CFI) Command Set

-- -40 to +85C Operating Temperature Range

-- 0.75 Ball Pitch, 7mm x 7mm CSP Package

-- 48pin TSOP Package

LH28F320BF Applications

-- Mobile & Multimedia Applications such as Smartphones,

Multimedia PDAs and Wireless Communicators

-- Industrial Equipment Applications such as barcode scanners and

xDSL/Cable line testers

Availability and Pricing

Samples available November 15, 2001 and are priced at $15.00 each in 50 piece quantities.

About Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas

Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas (SMA), Camas, Washington, is an U.S.-based company and a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation which is a subsidiary of Sharp Corporation, Osaka, Japan. Sharp is a worldwide developer of core digital technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of electronic products for consumer and business needs. SMA offers breakthrough Flash Memory, LCD, Optoelectronic, CCD, RF/IR, Microcomputer and System-On-Chip components, along with packaging and integration skills that help design engineers throughout North and South America bring their ambitious ideas to market. SMA is dedicated to improving people's lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design.