AMD Offers Free Software Package, Unveils New Flash Devices
AMD is now offering a new software package that helps customers take better advantage the Am29DLxxx simultaneous read/write flash memory architecture. AMD's data management software (DMS) provides a library of pre-written sub-routines that perform all of the functions necessary to manage data modification.
With DMS, user written software doesn't have to perform all of the bookkeeping necessary to update data files. Files are accessed by calling one of six easy-to-use subroutines. To write or update a particular piece of data, the user only needs to state which data is to be updated, and where the replacement data can be found. DMS keeps track of the old data location, status, and logical-to-physical translation of the data onto the flash memory device.
The new data management software is available now, free of charge to AMD customers.
New Flash Devices
AMD has also expanded its flash offerings with the introduction of the Am29DL160 and Am29DL320 series memory devices. Optimized for cellular phone applications, the 16-Mb DL160 and 32-Mb DL320 series devices combine AMD's simultaneous read/write architecture with an anti-cloning feature.
The anti-cloning feature is implemented in the new flash devices using a 64-KB SecSi (secured silicon) sector. This sector can be factory protected with an identification number so original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) can identify their equipment and prevent unauthorized device duplication.
The Am29DL160 and Am29DL320 devices are partitioned into two banks. Data can be accessed from either bank without interrupting a program or erase operation in the other bank. There is no system or device latency between read and write operations.
The new devices are also equipped with a power management system. This management system puts the flash device into sleep mode during inactive periods. According to AMD, consumption is reduced to virtually zero power when a device is placed in this sleep mode.
The DL160 series and DL320 series offer 70 ns read access times. They are available in a 48-pin TSOP or a 48-ball FBGA. The DL160 series is priced at $8.25 in quantities of 10,000 while the DL320 series is available for $15.75 in quantities of 10,000.