News & Events
Xicor Announces Industry's Fastest 32 Kbit EEPROM With SPI Interface
--Boosts Performance of Cellular Phones, Pagers, Cameras, Automotive Systems, etc.~--Block Lock Mode Eliminates Need for EPROM and ROM in Many Applications~--Low Power and Small Size Makes Device Ideal for Battery Applications
MILPITAS, Calif., June 23, 1997 - XICOR, Inc. (NASDAQ: XICO) today announced the industry's fastest 32 Kbit EEPROM with a Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI). The X25330 transfers data at 5 Mbps which is 67% faster than existing 32 Kbit SPI devices. In addition, the new chip has two memory protection modes that reduce the chip count in customer designs by eliminating the need for an extra EPROM or ROM for sensitive read-only data.
The X25330 can be used to increase the speed of existing products since it is a pin-for-pin replacement for existing 32 Kbit SPI EEPROM memories. The device can also boost performance of new products in a wide range of applications including telecommunications (e.g., cellular and cordless phones, modems, pagers), consumer products (e.g., digital cameras), computer peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, networking equipment), industrial products, automotive systems, etc.
According to Bruce Mattern, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, "Engineers want greater speed in EEPROM memories because their customers are demanding greater performance in enduser products. This need for speed, coupled with the desire for smaller and lower power devices, is driving the demand for faster serial EEPROMs."
"This new device fills in our 5 Mbps line of EEPROMs and further establishes our leadership position in high performance, low-power EEPROMs. We now offer a complete family of 5 Mbps devices including 4, 8, 32 and 64 Kbit densities. This allows engineers to select the best fit for their particular design," concluded Mr. Mattern.
Memory Modes
The X25330 has a Block Lock or In Circuit Programmable ROM mode that eliminates the need for an additional EPROM or ROM to hold sensitive read-only data.
The Block Lock mode allows certain memory segments to be "write locked" to protect the data from inadvertent writes that could corrupt sensitive information such as billing information (e.g., cellular phones) or serial numbers.
The In Circuit Programmable ROM mode allows engineers to permanently lock certain portions of data as read only in the manufacturing process. This is important in cases where critical system information such as calibration data needs to be protected.
Battery Applications
The X25330 has standby current of 1 uA (maximum) and operates at voltages from 5 Volts down to 2.5 Volts which makes the device ideal for battery powered products. The smaller than "thumb tack" sized packages (SOIC and TSSOP) of the new device are also important for the small size of battery based products.
Availability and Price
The X25330 is sampling now with production quantities available in Q3 of 1997. The device is priced at $1.46 for 10,000 piece quantities in either an 8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) or in a 14-pin TSSOP (Thin Small Surface Outline Package).
Reader Contact
Bob Anderson, Sr. Product Marketing Engineer, Xicor, Inc., 1511 Buckeye Drive, Milpitas, CA 95035. Telephone: (408) 432-8888, X3179 E-mail: banderson@xicor.com Web site: http://www.xicor.com
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.
