Boot Block Flash Memories

Intel has unveiled two boot block flash memories -- the Fast Boot Block flash and the Advanced+Boot Block flash -- for wireless applications. Fast Boot Block flash products are designed for smart phones, handheld PCs (HPCs), and base stations. These memory devices offer a synchronous burst mode or an asynchronous page-mode read capability. In addition, these memories sport a 66 MHz clock frequency and a glueless connection to the memory bus.

The Advanced+Boot Block flash devices reduce cloning and increase security in wireless products. To enhance security, these memories include a 128-b one-time programmable (OTP) fraud prevention register. The OTP register is divided into two 64-b segments. On segment is programmed during manufacture and contains a distinct silicon serial number. The other register can be programmed by the equipment manufacturer.

The Advanced+Boot Block devices are also equipped with an individual instant block locking feature. In today's wireless market, handset designs must provide reliable and secure data storage. Within 90 ns, the block locking feature protects data from being corrupted or being destroyed by signal glitches, power failures, and accidental overwriting.

Both sets of memory devices are supported by the Flash Data Integrator 2.0 software. This software manages in-coming data as well as operating system instructions. The flash memories work across the +2.7 to +3.6 VDC supply range and are available in TSOP and micro ball-grid array (µBGA) packages.

Intel Corp., 2200 Mission College Boulevard, P.O. Box 95052. Phone: 800-628-8686.