Comparing Spansion S25FL512S with Macronix MX25L51237G

APPLICATION NOTE
Comparing Spansion S25FL512S with Macronix MX25L51237G
1. Introduction
This application note compares the Macronix MX25L51237G and Spansion S25FL512S serial flash devices.
This document does not provide detailed information on each individual device, but highlights the similarities
and differences between them. The comparison covers the general features, performance, packaging,
command set, and other parameters.
The information in this document is based on datasheets listed in Section 9. Newer versions of the datasheets
may override the contents of this document.
2. Feature Comparison
Both flash device families have similar features and functions as shown in Table 2-1. Significant differences are
highlighted in blue.
Table 2-1: Features
Feature
Supply Voltage Range
READ (1-1-1) (1)
FAST_READ (1-1-1)(1)
DREAD/DOR (1-1-2)(1)
2READ/DIOR (1-2-2)(1)
QREAD/QOR (1-1-4)(1)
4READ/QIOR (1-4-4)(1)
QPI (4-4-4)(1)
DDR (Double Data Rate)
Page Program Size
Sector Size
Block Size
Security OTP Size
Program/Erase Suspend &
Resume
Read Burst Mode
Adjustable Output Driver
FastBoot/AutoBoot Mode
Configurable Dummy Cycles
S/W Reset Command
HOLD# Pin
RESET# Pin
Advanced Sector Protection
Manufacturer ID
Device ID
Package(2)
Macronix MX25L51237G
2.7V~3.6V / 1.65~3.6V VIO
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
256B
4KB
32KB and 64KB
512B
Spansion S25FL512S
2.7V~3.6V / 1.65~3.6V VIO
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
512B
256KB
1024B
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
C2h
20h/1Ah
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
01h
02h/20h
16-PIN SOP (300mil)
24-BGA (5x5 ball, 4x6 ball)
16-SOP (300mil)
Note:
1. x-y-z in I/O mode indicates the number of active pins used for op-code(x), address(y) and data(z).
2. See datasheet for full list of packages available.
P/N: AN0355
1
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
3. Performance Comparison
Tables 3-1 and 3-2 show MX25L51237G and S25FL512S AC performance.
Table 3-1: Read Performance (max.)
Parameter
Normal Read
Fast Read
1-1-1
DREAD
1-1-2
2READ
1-2-2
QREAD
1-1-4
4READ
1-4-4
Fast DTR Read
1-1-1-DTR
2 I/O DTR Read
1-2-2-DTR
4 I/O DTR Read
1-4-4-DTR
15pf
tCLQV / tV
30pf
Macronix MX25L51237G
66MHz
104MHz
104MHz
104MHz(1)
104MHz
104MHz(2)
66MHz
66MHz(3)
66MHz(4)
6ns
8ns
Spansion S25FL512S
50MHz
133MHz
104MHz
104MHz
104MHz
104MHz
80MHz(5)
80MHz(5)
80MHz(5)
6.5ns (3.0V-3.6V)
8ns
Notes:
1. 2Read max frequency is 104MHz with 10 dummy cycles or 66MHz with default of 4 dummy cycles.
2. 4Read max frequency is 104MHz with 10 dummy cycles or 84MHz with default of 6 dummy cycles.
3. 2DTRD max frequency is 66MHz with 6 dummy cycles or 52MHz with default of 4 dummy cycles.
4. 4DTRD max frequency is 66MHz with 8 dummy cycles 52MHz with default of 6 dummy cycles.
5. Spansion DTR Read runs up to 80Mhz with restricted VIO = VCC= 3.0 ~ 3.6V, 66MHz over full VIO range depending
on ordering option. See Spansion datasheet for details.
Table 3-2: Write Performance
Parameter
4KB
32KB
Erase
64KB
256KB
Chip Erase / Bulk Erase
Byte
Program
Page
Program/Erase Cycles (Endurance)
P/N: AN0355
Macronix MX25L51237G
30ms(typ) / 400ms(max)
0.15s(typ) / 1s(max)
0.28s(typ) / 2s(max)
200s(typ) / 600s(max)
25us(typ) / 60us(max)
0.25ms(typ) / 0.75ms(max)
100,000(typ)
2
Spansion S25FL512S
0.52s(typ) / 2.6s(max)
103s(typ) / 460s(max)
0.34ms(512B)(typ) / 0.75ms(max)
100,000(typ)
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
4. DC Characteristics
DC characteristics (Table 4-1) and compares I/O voltage levels (Table 4-2) are similar.
Table 4-1: Read / Write Current
Parameter
Read Current @ 1xI/O
Standby Current
Deep Power Down Current
Write Current
Macronix MX25L51237G
30mA @ 84MHz
100uA
40uA
50mA
Spansion S25FL512S
16mA @ 50MHz
100uA
N/A
100mA
Note: All values in Table 4-1 are maximum.
Table 4-2: Input / Output Voltage
Parameter
VIO Voltage
Input Low Voltage (VIL)
Input High Voltage (VIH)
Output Low Voltage (VOL)
Output High Voltage (VOH)
Macronix MX25L51237G
Spansion S25FL512S
1.65 – 3.6V
1.65V ~ VCC+200mV
-0.5V (min.) / 0.2VIO(max.)
-0.5V (min.) / 0.2VIO(max.)
0.7VIO (min.) / VIO+0.4V (max.) 0.7VIO (min.) / VIO+0.4V (max.)
0.2V (max.)
0.15VIO (max.)
VIO-0.2 (min.)
0.85VIO (min.)
5. Hardware Consideration
NC/SIO3
VCC
1
2
RESET#
3
HOLD#/IO3
1
16
SCK
VCC
2
15
SI/IO0
RESET#/RFU
3
14
VIO/RFU
NC
DNU
4
13
NC
DNU
DNU
5
12
DNU
16
SCLK
15
14
SI/SIO0
13
12
VIO
NC
4
DNU
5
DNU
6
11
DNU
RFU
6
11
DNU
CS#
7
10
GND
CS#
7
10
VSS
SO/SIO1
8
9
SO/IO1
8
9
MX25L51237
WP#/SIO2
DNU means Do Not Use
NC means Not Connected
Reset# signal is internal pull high
S25FL512S
WP# /IO2
DNU means Do Not Use
RFU means Reserve for Future Use
Reset# and Hold# signals are internal pull high
The pin assignments of the 300mil 16-SOP packages are identical, with the exception of the HOLD# pin function which is
unavailable on the Macronix chip.
Table 5-1: 16-SOP Package Pin Definition
Brand
Macronix
Spansion
Part Name
MX25L51237G
S25FL5112S
#1 pin
NC/SOI3
#6 pin
DNU
P/N: AN0355
Note
If Hold function is not used, then both pin functions are
HOLD#/SIO3 the same.
DNU pin should be undriven.
RFU
3
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
6. Software Considerations
Both flash share the same basic and 4-Byte command sets. Status Register and Configuration Register definitions
are slightly different. Minor algorithm modifications may be necessary depending on your application. Tables 6-1 and
6-2 show the most common commands which are the same. Notable differences are highlighted in blue in Table 6-3.
Table 6-1: Core Command Set Comparison
Instruction
Type
Read
Instruction
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L51237G
S25FL512S
READ
READ
FAST_READ
FAST_READ
DREAD
DOR
2READ
DIOR
QREAD
QOR
4READ
QIOR
FASTDTRD
DDRFR
2DTRD
Write
Read ID
Register
DDRDIOR
4DTRD
DDRQIOR
WREN
WRDI
PP
SE 4K
WREN
WRDI
PP
-
BE
SE
CE
RDID
RDSR
BE
RDID
RDSR1
WRSR
WRR
Description
Normal Read
Fast Read (1-1-1)
1I/2O Read (1-1-2)
2xI/O Read (1-2-2)
1I/4O Read (1-1-4)
4xI/O Read (1-4-4)
Fast DT Read(1-1-1-DTR)
Dual I/O DT
Read(1-2-2-DTR)
Quad I/O DT
Read(1-4-4-DTR)
Write Enable
Write Disable
Page Program
Sector Erase
Block Erase
(1)
32KB/64KB/256KB
Chip Erase / Bulk Erase
Read Identification
Read Status Register
Write Status & Configuration
Registers
Op-code
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L51237G
S25FL512S
03h
03h
0Bh
0Bh
3Bh
3Bh
BBh
BBh
6Bh
6Bh
EBh
EBh
0Dh
0Dh
BDh
BDh
EDh
EDh
06h
04h
02h
20h
52h/(32KB),
D8h/(64KB)
60h or C7h
9Fh
05h
06h
04h
02h
-
01h
D8h (256KB)
60h or C7h
9Fh
05h
01h
Notes:
Block Erase command D8h erases 64KBytes on the MX25L51237G and 256KBytes on the S25FL512S.
Table 6-2: 4-Byte Command Set Comparison
Instruction
Type
Instruction
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L51237G
S25FL512S
READ4B
4READ
Fast Read4B
4FAST_READ
DREAD4B
4DOR
2READ4B
4DIOR
QREAD4B
4QOR
4READ4B
4QIOR
PP4B
4PP
QPP4B
Description
Op-code
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L51237G S25FL512S
13h
13h
0Ch
0Ch
3Ch
3Ch
BCh
BCh
6Ch
6Ch
ECh
ECh
12h
12h
34h
Normal Read
Fast Read (1-1-1)
1I/2O Read (1-1-2)
2xI/O Read (1-2-2)
1I/4O Read (1-1-4)
4xI/O Read (1-4-4)
Write
Page Program (1-1-1)
Quad Page Program (1-1-4)
Quad Input Page Program
4PP4B
3Eh
(1-4-4)
SE4B
Sector Erase
21h
(1)
BE4B
4SE
Block Erase 64KB/256KB
DCh (64KB)
DCh (256KB)
Note: Block Erase command DCh erases 64KBytes on the MX25L51237G and 256KBytes on the S25FL512S.
P/N: AN0355
4
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
Table 6-3: Command Comparison
Instructio
n
Type
Other
Instruction
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L51237G
S25FL512S
EN4B
EX4B
RSTEN
RST
EQIO
PGM/ERS
Suspend
PGM/ERS
Resume
PGM/ERS
Suspend
PGM/ERS
Resume
RDSFDP
Advanced
Sector
Protection
P/N: AN0355
RESET
MBR
CLSR(1)
Enter 4-Byte Mode
Exit 4-Byte Mode
Reset Enable
Software Reset Memory
Mode Bit Reset
Enable QPI
Clear Status Register Fail Flags
B7h
(2)
E9h
66h
99h
FFh
(2)
35h
-
F0h
FFh
30h(2)
PGSP
Program Suspend
B0h
85h
PGRS
Program Resume
ERSP
Erase Suspend
ERRS
Erase Resume
(2)
30h
B0h
(2)
30h
8Ah
75h
7Ah
RFSDP
Read SFDP
5Ah
5Ah
REMS
REMS
Read Electronic Manufacturer
Signature
90h
90h
RES
4PP
ENSO
EXSO
RDCR
RDSCUR
WRSCUR
ESFBR
RDEAR
WREAR
RDFBR
WRFBR
RDDPB
WRDPB
RDSPB
WRSPB
ESSPB
RES
QPP
OTPP
OTPR
RDSR2
RDCR
BRRD
BRWR
ABRD
ABWR
DYBRD
DYBWR
PPBRD
PPBP
PPBE
ABh
(2)
38h
B1h
C1h
(2)
15h
(2)
2Bh
(2)
2Fh
18h
C8h
C5h
16h(2)
(2)
17h
E0h
E1h
E2h
E3h
E4h
ABh
(2)
32h or 38h
42h
4Bh
07h
(2)
35h
(2)
16h
(2)
17h
14h
(2)
15h
E0h
E1h
E2h
E3h
E4h
WRLR
ASPP
RDLR
ASPRD
RDPASS
WRPASS
PASSULK
WPSEL
PASSRD
PASSP
PASSU
-
Write
Register
Description
Op-code
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L51237G S25FL512S
Read Electronic ID
Quad Page Program (1-1-4)
Quad Page Program (1-4-4)
OTP Program
OTP Read
Enter Secured OTP
Exit Secured OTP
Read Status Register-2
Read Configuration Register
Read Security Register
Write Security Register
Erase Fast Boot Register
Read Extended Adr Register
Write Extended Adr Register
Read FastBoot/AutoBoot Register
Write FastBoot/AutoBoot Register
Read DPB (DYB) Register
Write DPB (DYB) Register
Read SPB (PPB) Status
SPB (PPB) Bit Program
Erase All SPB (PPB)
Write Lock Register
(Advanced Sector Protection Register)
Read Lock Register
(Advanced Sector Protection Register)
Read Password Register
Write Password Register
Password Unlock
Write Protect Selection
5
(2)
2Ch
2Fh
2Dh
2Bh
27h
28h
29h
68h
E7h
E8h
(2)
E9h
-
(2)
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
Note:
1.
MX25L51237G devices automatically clear the program or erase fail flags and do not have an explicit command to do so.
2.
MX25L51237G and S25FL512S devices share the same command opcode, but the command function is different.
6-1. Page Program Length Alignment
Page program maximum lengths are different between the MX25L51237G and the S25FL512S. Software
modification is necessary if the longer page program length is being used. The Page Program length should
be set to a maximum of 256 bytes and the 1 to 256 bytes to be programmed must fall within the same
256-Byte page boundary.
6-2. Sector Sizes
The MX25L51237G has uniform 64KB blocks that are each subdivided into two 32KB blocks and sixteen
4KB sectors. The S25FL512S has uniform 256KB blocks. Software adjustments are needed to accommodate
the smaller blocks provided by the MX25L51237G. Please refer to the datasheets listed in Section 9 for
memory organization details.
6-3. Secure OTP Differences
Both device families provide a secure One Time Programmable (OTP) area outside of the main memory
array for user defined storage. The sizes, features, and access methods are different.
The S25FL512S has commands to directly read (OTPR) and program (OTPW) the OTP area and does not
need to explicitly open this area for read and write operations.
The MX25L51237G operates in the OTP area using normal read and program instructions after explicitly
opening the OTP area with the Enter Secured OTP (ENSO) command. While the OTP area is open, the main
array is not accessible. When finished in the OTP area, the Exit Secure OTP (EXSO) command must be
issued to return to the Read Main Array mode. The MX25L51237G OTP area has 512 bytes available for
user data. The user may permanently lock the whole OTP area to prevent new data from being stored there.
This area can optionally be programmed with user supplied data and factory locked by Macronix.
6-4. Block Protection Mode
The S25FL512S and the MX25L51237G use Status Register BP (Block Protect) bits to software write protect
areas of memory. The S25FL512S only has three BP bits (BP2-BP0) and the granularity of the protected
areas is very large. The MX25L51237G uses four BP bits (BP3-BP0) and provides a finer protection area
granularity.
6-5. Advanced Sector Protection Mode
Both device families offer an Advanced Sector Protection mode used to provide volatile and
nonvolatile individual sector (or block) protection. An optional password protection mode is also
available, but there are differences that need to be accommodated if this feature is used.
6-6 Status Register, Configuration Register, and Security Register
Both devices use status and configuration registers to control device behavior and report status. The registers
and bits used are similar but not identical. Software modifications may be needed to accommodate these
differences. A detailed register comparison is shown in Table 6-4, Table 6-5, and Table 6-6. If a detailed
functional description of register bits is required, please refer to the datasheets listed in Section 9.
P/N: AN0355
6
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
Table 6-4: Status Register
Register Bit
Bit0
Bit1
Bit2
Bit3
Bit4
Bit5
Bit6
Bit7
Macronix MX25L51237G
WIP; 1=write operation
WEL; 1=write enable
BP0; BP protection
BP1; BP protection
BP2; BP protection
BP3; BP protection
QE; 1=Quad mode enable
SRWD; 1=SR write disable
Spansion S25FL512S
WIP; 1=write operation
WEL; 1=write enable
BP0; BP protection
BP1; BP protection
BP2; BP protection
E_ERR; 1=erase fail*1
P_ERR; 1=program fail*1
SRWD; 1=SR write disable
Note:
1. Macronix MX25L51237G Program and Erase Error bits are located in bits 5 and 6 of its Security Register.
Table 6-5: Configuration Register
Register Bit
Bit0
Bit1
Bit2
Bit3
Bit4
Bit5
Bit6
Bit7
Macronix MX25L51237G
ODS0; Output driver strength
ODS1; Output driver strength
ODS2; Output driver strength
TB; 1=Bottom area protect
PBE; 1=Preamble bit Enable
4 BYTE; 1=4byte address
DC0; Dummy cycle
DC1; Dummy cycle
Spansion S25FL512S
FREEZE; 1=BPx write disable
QUAD; 1=Quad mode enable
RFU
BPNV; 1=BPx is volatile
RFU
TBPROT; 1=BP protect at the bottom
LC0; Latency cycle
LC1; Latency cycle
Table 6-6: Security Register/Status Register2(SR2)
Register Bit
Bit0
Bit1
Bit2
Bit3
Bit4
Bit5
Bit6
Bit7
P/N: AN0355
Macronix MX25L51237G
4Kb Secured OTP; 1=factory lock
LDSO; 1=OTP lock down
PSB; 1=Program suspend
ESB; 1=Erase suspend
Reserved
P_FAIL; 1=Program fail
E_FAIL; 1=Erase fail
WPSEL; 1=Individual WP
7
Spansion S25FL512S
PS; 1=Program suspend
ES; 1=Erase suspend
RFU
RFU
RFU
RFU
RFU
RFU
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
6-7. Manufacturer and Device Identification Numbers
Table 6-7 compares the Manufacturer and Device IDs returned by the RDID and REMS commands.
Table 6-7: Manufacturer and Device ID
Command Type
RDID 9Fh
REMS 90h
Macronix MX25L51237G
C2h/20h/1Ah
C2h/19h
Spansion S25FL512S
01h/02h/20h
01h/19h
7. Address Protocol Support
7-1. Addressing Memory Beyond 16MBytes
Both devices support various methods to address memory beyond 128Mb (16MBytes). Some of the methods
employed are different, but the concepts are the same. Depending on the application, the software may require
minor modifications. Please refer to the datasheets listed in Section 9 for more details.
7-1-1. 4-Byte Address Mode
4-Byte Address mode uses the legacy command set but the address field is 4-Bytes instead of 3-Bytes. The
Macronix device uses the EN4B and EX4B commands to enter and exit 4-Byte address mode. On the
Spansion device, 4-Byte address mode is entered or exited by setting or clearing bit-7 in the Bank Address
Register (BAR). After making the mode selection, the appropriate number of address bytes (3-Byte or 4-Byte)
must be used for all commands that require an address argument (with the exception of the Read SFDP
command (5Ah), which always uses 3-Byte addressing).
7-1-2. Bank Address Mode
Bank Address Mode uses one or more of the low-order bits of a Bank Address Register to supply address bits
A24 and above for legacy read, program, and erase commands that use 3-Byte addressing. The serial flash
internally appends the low-order bits from the bank address to the 3-Byte address to form an extended address.
This allows access to addresses beyond 128Mb while still using the legacy command set and 3-Byte
addressing. In Spansion devices, the bank register is the BAR. In Macronix devices the bank address register
is the Extended Address Register (EAR).
7-1-3. 4-Byte Address Command Set
Both Macronix and Spansion devices support a 4-Byte Address Command Set which always uses 4-Bytes of
address, eliminating the need to enter or exit 4-Byte Address mode. The 4-Byte Address Command Set (see
Table 6-2) supplements the legacy 3-Byte command set.
P/N: AN0355
8
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
8. Summary
The Macronix MX25L51237G and Spansion S25FL512S have similar commands, functions, and features.
Additionally, the supported package types have identical footprints and nearly identical pin out definitions.
Software modification may be needed to accommodate to differences in the Page Program size and the Block
Erase size. Additional software modification may be needed due to differences in status and configuration
register bit assignments and the commands used to access them and if functions such as Advanced Sector
Protection, the Autoboot function, Erase Suspend/Resume, the Software Reset function, or the HOLD# pin are
used.
9. References
Table 9-1 shows the datasheet versions used for comparison in this application note. For the most current,
detailed specification, please refer to the Macronix Website at www.macronix.com
Table 9-1: Datasheet Version
Datasheet
MX25L51237G
S25FL512S
Location
-Website
Data Issued
Nov. 12, 2014
Jan. 8, 2014
Version
Rev. 00
Rev. 07
10. Appendix
Table 10-1 shows the basic part number and package information cross reference between
the Macronix MX25L51237G and the Spansion S25FL512S.
Table 10-1: Part Number Cross Reference
Density
Macronix Part No.
512Mb(1)
MX25L51237GMI-10G
Spansion Part No.
S25FL512SAGMFI/01/G1/R1(1)/(2)
S25FL512SDPMFI01/G1(1)/(2)
S25FL512SDSMFI01(1)/(2)
Package
Dimension
16-SOP
300 mil
Note:
1. AG: 133MHz; DP: DTR 66MHz; DS: DTR 80MHz
2. 01: 16-SOP with 256KB sector;
G1: 16-SOP with 256KB sector and RESET#
R1: 16-SOP with 256KB sector.and RESET# and VIO
11. Revision History
P/N: AN0355
Revision
Description
Date
1.0
Initial Release
December 2, 2014
9
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
Except for customized products which have been expressly identified in the applicable agreement,
Macronix's products are designed, developed, and/or manufactured for ordinary business, industrial,
personal, and/or household applications only, and not for use in any applications which may, directly or
indirectly, cause death, personal injury, or severe property damages. In the event Macronix products are
used in contradicted to their target usage above, the buyer shall take any and all actions to ensure said
Macronix's product qualified for its actual use in accordance with the applicable laws and regulations; and
Macronix as well as it’s suppliers and/or distributors shall be released from any and all liability arisen
therefrom.
Copyright© Macronix International Co., Ltd. 2014. All rights reserved, including the trademarks and
tradename thereof, such as Macronix, MXIC, MXIC Logo, MX Logo, Integrated Solutions Provider, NBit,
Nbit, NBiit, Macronix NBit, eLiteFlash, HybridNVM, HybridFlash, XtraROM, Phines, KH Logo, BE-SONOS,
KSMC, Kingtech, MXSMIO, Macronix vEE, Macronix MAP, Rich Au-dio, Rich Book, Rich TV, and FitCAM.
The names and brands of third party referred thereto (if any) are for identification purposes only
For the contact and order information, please visit Macronix’s Web site at: http://www.macronix.com
P/N: AN0355
10
Ver 1. Dec. 2, 2014