These devices are based on AMD's industry standard zero-power 2.7-volt-only architecture, and are the first of AMD's flash components to support the Common Flash Memory Interface (CFI), an industry specification that allows users to standardize their software drivers for long-term compatibility and upgrades.

"Our high-density extension of the industry's most advanced low-voltage family offers customers a full range of flash products for their portable designs," said Walid Maghribi, group vice president of Memory at AMD. "In addition to battery-powered requirements, these products are specifically designed for today's applications that require the highest reliability and performance in high density code storage applications."

The first 16Mbit device available, the Am29LV160B, is a bootblock, word wide device targeted primarily at embedded applications. The two additional members of the 16-megabit family are the Am29LV116B and Am29LV017B. The Am29LV116B is a x8 device targeted at byte-wide embedded applications. The Am29LV017B has uniform sectors and is intended for mass storage applications such as memory cards.

The 16Mbit devices provide 80 nanosecond access times to support high performance executable code applications. In addition, these devices meet the extremely high reliability requirements of telecom and networking applications with a typical endurance rating of 1 million cycles and a guaranteed minimum of 100,000 cycles. In addition, the 16Mbit devices include enhancements that provide faster programming times.

Applications
The 16-megabit family addresses the control storage market with applications such as next-generation digital cellular phones, telecommunications and networking applications, and handheld organizers.

Common Flash Memory Interface
The Common Flash Memory Interface (CFI) was developed by AMD, Fujitsu, Intel, Sharp and other flash suppliers. It enables forward and backward compatibility between individual supplier's flash products, both current and future devices. This simplifies the software development process and facilitates migration to higher-density products. It is particularly useful in flash memory-card applications.

Features
Standard features include:

• Zero-Power Operation
• During normal operation, most portable systems have many inactive periods. AMD's unique power management system automatically puts the device into sleep mode during these inactive periods.
• Advanced 0 .35-Micron Flash Technology
• Provides the smallest die sizes allowing AMD to offer cost-competitive high-density solutions.
• Single-Supply Operation for Read and Write
• Eliminates the cost, power consumption and reliability issues associated with DC-to-DC converters required for dual-voltage flash devices.
• Extended 2.7-to 3.6-volt Operating Range
• Allows battery-powered systems to operate longer between battery replacement or recharging cycles.
• Single-power-supply operation for all read, program and erase operations.
• High Performance
• As fast as 90 nanoseconds at full voltage range and 80 nanoseconds at regulated voltage range.
• Industry-Standard Architecture
• Based on the same process technology and architecture as AMD¹s 2.7-volt-only flash devices.
• JEDEC/Industry Standard
• Sector Architecture with Sector Protection Embedded Algorithms
• 1,000,000 Typical Program/Erase Cycle Endurance