Parallel EEPROM - Overview

Nonvolatile Data Storage Market

Since 1998, there has been a shift in EEPROM demand from Parallel to Serial Interface. The mega-volume, price- compressed applications (eg., mobile phones) have migrated to the Serial EEPROM, and Serial Interface Flash products generally due to their smaller footprint and cheaper pricing structure.

This shift has stabilized, yielding a blend of data storage requirements that are satisfied by the Parallel EEPROM, which offers programming flexibility, high endurance, and comparatively faster data transfer to benefit network switching, engine/industrial control, and telecom applications.

Nonvolatile Data Storage Requirements

Flexibility & Small Denominations
Nonvolatile data storage is the banking of relatively small portions of information (ranging from a single byte up to a page). Systems that store and reference authentication codes and perform error event logging require the EEPROM to enable these small denomination updates during execution.

The AT28C010 1-Megabit Parallel EEPROM has the flexibility to perform updates ranging from a single byte to a full page of data in a single cycle (vs. the page-only restriction proposed by the serial interface device) without having to employ software overhead, code shadowing or complete block/page rewrite.

Data Transfer-Speed
Combine with small-size updates the need for the memory to hand over the stored data to the operating system quickly to avoid conflicts or wait-states in the execution of functions such as engine control or network address switching.

A serial interface requires a series of clock cycles before the data can be available for a read operation, whereas the parallel interface employs independent outputs and address pins to present data. The time period between chip select to valid output of a byte is 400% faster using the parallel interface when compared to the single output pin of the serial device with a clock frequency >10 mhZ.

Faster switching applications are required with the explosion of content rich files streaming over networks. These switches will utilize the parallel EEPROM to quickly hand-over routing status of the data blocks that are being transmitted.

Reliability- Endurance & Data Retention
Frequently updating the bank of information is a critical requirement of some network card applications and industrial controls. Every time an authentication fails, an error in switching or a change in reference value occurs, the system may log this information, which equates to a high update cycle for the memory device.

In-process monitors and on-going reliability test reports demonstrate that the Atmel Parallel EEPROM provides more than 105 programming cycles at temperature and voltage extremes. It is important to note that most data storage solutions specify 'typical' endurance at the relatively benign room temperature and high Vcc conditions.

Data retention exceeds 50 years in accordance with reliability models. Atmel Parallel EEPROM designs employ error correction circuitry (ECC) in concert with parity bit generation on the AT28C010 to provide the greatest assurance against the occurrence of single bit failures over the full operating range.

WORLD NO. 1 SUPPLIER

Atmel is the leading supplier of Parallel EEPROM products to the aerospace/military, automotive, industrial and commercial market segments (see Parallel EEPROM AT-A-GLANCE).

Atmel provides a complete selection of densities, voltages, and performance grades.

Atmel has the manufacturing capacity to deliver to the world-wide demand.

Atmel delivers to the shortest leadtime in the industry.

Parallel EEPROMs have experienced variances in demand and have settled upon a solid, slower growth collection of network storage and metering applications that require byte programming flexibility, faster data transfer, and assurance against single bit failure. Atmel's commitment is to continue its lead in the supply of these products and features.

Additional EEPROM information that can be viewed from this website:
- Parallel EEPROM AT-A-GLANCE
- Standard Military Drawing