News & Events
Xicor Announces Industry's Fastest 128K SPI Serial EEPROM
-- SPI Device Is 750% Faster Than IIC EEPROMS And 50% Faster Than Previous SPI Parts
MILPITAS, Calif., May 19, 1997 - Adding to its leadership in high speed Serial EEPROMs, Xicor, Inc. (NASDAQ: XICO) today announced a 50% performance improvement in SPI 128K density devices . Operating at 3MHz, the 128K bit X25129 features advanced Block Lock partitioned memory architecture, and an in-circuit programmable ROM mode. The new X25129 is a pin for pin replacement for the popular but slower 128K bit SPI EEPROMs from Xicor and other suppliers.
According to Bruce Mattern, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, "The higher speed of wireless communications system processors demands improved nonvolatile memory speed. Designers don't want to reduce their system performance to wait for slow EEPROMs. This new 128K device operates 750% faster than IIC devices and 50% faster than previous SPI 128K devices . An improvement in nonvolatile memory speed results in a shorter time required to transfer data to and from the memory, thus minimizing the memory power-on time and resulting in less power drain from the battery and longer battery life."
The X25129 is targeted for use in mobile wireless systems where high performance, small space and extended battery life are essential. This device is specified to operate from a battery power source over the range of 2.7 to 5.5 volts for both program and read operations and requires less than 1 microamp of standby current.
"Xicor's new X25129 Serial EEPROM device also offers advanced Block Lock data protection with in-circuit programmable ROM mode which provides increased flexibility in system design," added Mr. Mattern.
Block Lock allows the memory to be partitioned into segments which can be set for read only operation, thus preventing certain data from being over written while allowing other portions of the memory to be reprogrammed. The in-circuit programmable ROM mode allows the devise to be inserted into a system prior to final configuration of the memory blocks. Once the memory array partitioning has been defined a one time programmable bit can be set to permanently lock the read only memory blocks. This capability allows the system designer to protect specific blocks of the memory area reserved for configuration or serialization data, from inadvertent alteration. The Block Lock architecture also eliminates the need for additional components to separate user-alterable data from manufacturer-alterable data.
US Pricing and Availability
The new X25129 Serial EEPROM Memory is available in a 150 mil wide SOIC (X25129S) package and is priced at $2.95 at 10,000 pieces; larger quantities are priced at significantly lower levels.
Company Background
Xicor develops and manufactures a broad line of in-the-system programmable semiconductor integrated circuits which retain information even when system power is lost or turned off. In-thesystem programmability enables telecommunications, consumer, computer, industrial, automotive and military products to be adapted to changing software and operating environments and to be personalized by the user. Many of Xicor's products consume little power and operate well from a battery powered source, making them ideal for hand-held and portable applications.
Xicor products are used by manufacturers of electronic products worldwide, with approximately half of Xicor's sales coming from exports. Xicor products are supported by regional technical sales offices located in the USA, Europe, Japan and South Korea, and by independent sales representatives and electronic component distributors.
Xicor emphasizes the development of differentiated products incorporating its programmable technology which enables customers to rapidly bring to market products with improved features, efficiency and maintainability. To address the large market for undifferentiated EEPROMs, Xicor is also redesigning certain key popular products for cost reduction through smaller chip sizes. Xicor is a leading supplier of EEPROM and SerialFlash memory products and EEPOT digitally controlled potentiometers.
Xicor's headquarters and principal manufacturing facilities are located in Milpitas, California. Xicor has received the Underwriters Laboratories Certification of Compliance with the ISO 9001 quality standard and the joint automotive QS 9000 quality standard.
Xicor's product, corporate and financial information is readily accessible on the World Wide Web at http://www.xicor.com.
