DataFlash® - Overview

DataFlash, A Flexible, Low-Cost Serial Flash Solution

DataFlash is an ideal architecture for cost-effective data and code storage

It is important in today's high-speed economy to look at new solutions for meeting lower price targets and enhancing system performance and time-to-market. In many cases, serial Flash memory is just the answer.

Debuting in 1997, Atmel's DataFlash® family of low pin-count SPI compatible serial Flash clearly leads this market. The flexible architecture and simple 4-wire interface enables hardware designers to dramatically reduce system pin counts, lower total system costs, and save space and time.

DataFlash employs proven NOR technology and a robust architecture featuring on-board SRAM buffers, small pages and flexible op codes. Small pages facilitate easier changes to the chip's contents and eliminate the large external RAM buffers required by large sectored Flash.

Atmel's DataFlash is ideal for data storage applications, regardless of the type of data involved. The device's on-board buffers support byte alterability and virtual continuous write operation, enabling large amounts of data to be stored quickly. Because the devices function like a large density Serial EEPROM, DataFlash can address many EEPROM applications at a much lower cost.

Code Shadowing - DataFlash is a popular code storage solution. Many systems do not execute program code directly from Flash; instead, it is "shadowed" from Flash into high-speed RAM for execution enabling higher system performance.

The entire DataFlash can be read with a single command, greatly improving system performance. An advantage of code shadowing is that the program code can be stored compressed. Customers are achieving up to 2.5:1 compression rates. For example, 32 Mbits of code can be easily stored in a 16 Mbit DataFlash with plenty of room for data storage and EEPROM functions.

System designers quickly adopted DataFlash as the sole NVM block in their system, replacing up to three memories to hold program code, user data and ID, calibration or parametric data.

To reduce system design cycle time, Atmel has developed the DataFlash Software Suite, DFSS™. The DFSS is an extensive software package, which includes source code in C and complete documentation for a full range of system solutions. Software modules include basic drivers for all DataFlash functions, Flash file system (Fat 12 and Fat 16 based), compression and decompression, error detection and correction (ECC), wear leveling and auto page rewrite. The DFSS is available under free license. Please contact your local Atmel representative for details.

DataFlash is shipping in 1 Mbit through 128 Mbit densities. DataFlash cards are currently available in 2 Mbyte, 4 Mbyte and 8 Mbyte capacities. Click here to view the entire product offering and its availability.

DataFlash Applications

• Digital answering machines
• DSL modems
• PC peripherals: VGA cards, NIC, hard disk drives, DVD/CD-ROMs
• Mobile phones
• Point-of-sale terminals
• FPGA configuration
• Industrial controls
• Test equipment
• Data loggers
• Remote controls
• Digital and plasma TVs
• Electronic toys
• Digital cameras
• DAB radios
• VOIP phones
• 802.11B WiFi
• Network hubs and routers
• Printers: inkjet and laser
• Solid state disk drives
• Vending machines
• Security systems
• Energy meters
• Telematics
• Telephone line cards
• Personal voice recorders