Replacing Spansion S25FL256S with Macronix MX25L25635F

APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Spansion S25FL256S with Macronix MX25L25635F
1. Introduction
This application note compares the Macronix MX25L25635F and Spansion S25FL256S 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(3)
Macronix MX25L25635F
2.7V ~ 3.6V
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
256B
4KB
32KB and 64KB
512B
Spansion S25FL256S
2.7V~3.6V / 1.65~3.6V VIO(4)
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Hybrid Sector Uniform Sector
256B
512B
4KB boot sector
64KB
256KB
1024B
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
C2h
20h/19h
16-SOP (300mil)
8-WSON (8x6mm)
-
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes(2)
Yes
01h
02h/19h
16-PIN SOP (300mil)
8-WSON (8x6mm)
24-BGA (5x5 ball)
Note:
P/N: AN-0232
1
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION 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. Macronix offers the RESET# pin in all packages, but Spansion only offers the RESET# pin in 16-SOP and 24-BGA
packages.
3. See datasheet for full list of packages available.
4. VIO support not offered in all package options. See datasheet ordering information.
3. Performance Comparison
Tables 3-1 and 3-2 show MX25L25635F and S25FL256S AC performance.
Table 3-1: Read Performance
Parameter
Macronix MX25L25635F
Normal Read
50MHz
Fast Read
1-1-1
104MHz(1)
DREAD
1-1-2
104MHz
2READ
1-2-2
84MHz(2)
QREAD
1-1-4
104MHz
4READ
1-4-4
84MHz(2)
15pf
6ns
tCLQV / tV
30pf
8ns
Spansion S25FL256S
50MHz
133MHz
104MHz
104MHz
104MHz
104MHz
6.5ns(3.0V-3.6V)
8ns
Note:
1. MX25L25635F Fast Read runs up to 104MHz with default dummy cycles and 133MHz with 10 dummy cycles.
2. MX25L25635F Multi I/O runs up to 104MHz with 8 dummy cycles and 133MHz with 10 dummy cycles.
3. All values in Table 3-1 are maximum.
Table 3-2: Write Performance
Parameter
Macronix MX25L25635F
4KB
43ms
32KB
190ms
Sector/Block
Erase
64KB
340ms
256KB
Chip Erase / Bulk Erase
120s
Byte
12us
Program
Page
600us(256B)
Program/Erase Cycles
100,000
(Endurance)
Spansion S25FL256S
130ms
130ms
520ms
66s
250us(256B) / 340us(512B)
100,000
Note: All values in Table 3-2 are typical.
P/N: AN-0232
2
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
4. DC Characteristics
Both flash series characteristics are similar in primary features and functions. However, there are minor
differences in DC characteristics which should be evaluated to determine their significance.
Table 4-1: Read / Write Current
Parameter
Read Current @ 1xI/O
Standby Current
Deep Power Down Current
Write Current
Macronix MX25L25635F
15mA @ 84MHz
60uA
20uA
25mA
Spansion S25FL256S
16mA @ 50MHz
100uA
N/A
100mA
Note: All values in Table 4-1 are maximum.
Table 4-2 compares I/O voltage levels between the two families. Spansion supports a Versatile I/O Voltage on
some package options while Macronix does not.
Table 4-2: Input / Output Voltage
Parameter
VIO Voltage
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
Output Low Voltage
Output High Voltage
P/N: AN-0232
Macronix MX25L25635F
Spansion S25FL256S
-0.5V (min.) / 0.8 (max.)
0.7VCC (min.) / VCC+0.4V (max.)
0.2V (max.)
VCC-0.2 (min.)
1.65V ~ VCC+200mV
-0.5V (min.) / 0.2VIO(max.)
0.7VIO (min.) / VIO+0.4V (max.)
0.15VIO (max.)
0.85VIO (min.)
3
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
5. Hardware Consideration
The pin assignments of the 16-SOP and 8-WSON are identical, with the exception of the VIO
and HOLD# pin functions which are unavailable on the Macronix chips. The figures below show the
common packages and the pin assignments for the Macronix and Spansion devices.
16-SOP (300mil)
NC/SIO3
VCC
RESET#
1
2
3
HOLD#/IO3
1
16
SCK
VCC
2
15
SI/IO0
NC
RESET#/RFU
3
14
VIO/RFU
13
NC
DNU
4
13
NC
12
NC
DNU
5
16
SCLK
15
14
SI/SIO0
NC
4
NC
5
12
DNU
NC
6
11
NC
RFU
6
11
DNU
CS#
7
10
GND
CS#
7
10
VSS
SO/SIO1
8
9
SO/IO1
8
9
MX25L_35F
WP#/SIO2
Reset# signal is internal pull high
S25FL_S
WP# /IO2
DNU means Do Not Use
RFU means Reserve for Future Use
Reset# and Hold# signals are internal pull high
WSON (8x6mm)
CS#
1
SO/SIO1
2
WP#SIO2
3
GND
4
MX25L_35F
8
VCC
7
Reset#/SIO3
6
SCLK
5
SI/SIO0
CS#
1
SO/SIO1
2
WP#/SIO2 p
3
VSS
Reset# signals is internal pull high
P/N: AN-0232
4
S25FL_S
8
VCC
7
HOLD#/SIO3
6
SCK
5
SI/SIO0
Hold# signals are internal pull high
4
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
6. Software Considerations
The basic command set and 4-Byte command set of both flash families are similar. Status Register and
Configuration Register definitions are slightly different. Minor algorithm modifications may be necessary depending
on your application. The most common commands are the same as shown in Tables 6-1 and 6-2. Notable
differences are highlighted in blue in Table 6-3.
Table 6-1: Core Command Set Comparison
Instruction
Type
Read
Write
Read ID
Register
Instruction
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L25635F S25FL256S
READ
READ
FAST_READ FAST_READ
DREAD
DOR
2READ
DIOR
QREAD
QOR
4READ
QIOR
WREN
WREN
WRDI
WRDI
PP
PP
SE 4K
P4E
BE
SE
CE
BE
RDID
RDID
RDSR
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)
Write Enable
Write Disable
Page Program
Sector Erase
(1)
Block Erase 64KB/256KB
Chip Erase / Bulk Erase
Read Identification
Read Status Register
Write Status & Configuration
Registers
Op-code
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L25635F S25FL256S
03h
03h
0Bh
0Bh
3Bh
3Bh
BBh
BBh
6Bh
6Bh
EBh
EBh
06h
06h
04h
04h
02h
02h
20h
20h
D8h
D8h
60h or C7h
60h or C7h
9Fh
9Fh
05h
05h
01h
01h
Notes:
1. Block Erase command D8h erases 64KBytes on the MX25L25635F and S25FL256S Hybrid Sector devices, but
erases 256KBytes on S25FL256S Uniform Sector devices.
Table 6-2: 4-Byte Command Set Comparison
Instruction
Type
Write
P/N: AN-0232
Instruction
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L25635F
S25FL256S
READ4B
4READ
Fast Read4B 4FAST_READ
DREAD4B
4DOR
2READ4B
4DIOR
QREAD4B
4QOR
4READ4B
4QIOR
PP4B
4PP
QPP4B
4PP4B
SE4B
4P4E
BE4B
4SE
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)
Page Program (1-1-1)
Quad Page Program (1-1-4)
Quad Input Page Program (1-4-4)
Sector Erase
Block Erase 64KB
5
Op-code
Macronix
Spansion
MX25L25635F S25FL256S
13h
13h
0Ch
0Ch
3Ch
3Ch
BCh
BCh
6Ch
6Ch
ECh
ECh
12h
12h
34h
3Eh
21h
21h
DCh
DCh
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Table 6-3: Command Comparison
Instruction
Instruction
Type
Other
Macronix
MX25L25635F
Spansion
S25FL256S
EN4B
EX4B
RSTEN
RST
EQIO
PGM/ERS
Suspend
PGM/ERS
Resume
PGM/ERS
Suspend
PGM/ERS
Resume
RDSFDP
REMS
RES
4PP
RESET
MBR
(1)
CLSR
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
(2)
30h
PGSP
Program Suspend
B0h
85h
PGRS
Program Resume
ERSP
Erase Suspend
ERRS
Erase Resume
ENSO
EXSO
RDCR
RDSCUR
WRSCUR
ESFBR
RDFBR
WRFBR
RDDPB
WRDPB
RDSPB
WRSPB
ESSPB
RDDPB
REMS
RES
QPP
OTPP
OTPR
RDSR2
RDCR
ABRD
ABWR
DYBRD
DYBWR
PPBRD
PPBP
PPBE
DYBRD
WRLR
ASPP
RDLR
ASPRD
RDPASS
WRPASS
PASSULK
WPSEL
PASSRD
PASSP
PASSU
-
Read SFDP
Read Electronic Manufacturer Signature
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 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)
Read DPB (DYB) Register
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
Write
Register
Advanced
Sector
Protection
Op-code
Description
Macronix
MX25L25635F
Spansion
S25FL256S
30h
(2)
B0h
30h
8Ah
75h
(2)
5Ah
90h
ABh
(2)
38h
B1h
C1h
(2)
15h
(2)
2Bh
(2)
2Fh
18h
(2)
16h
(2)
17h
E0h
E1h
E2h
E3h
E4h
E0h
7Ah
90h
ABh
(2)
32h or 38h
42h
4Bh
07h
(2)
35h
14h
(2)
15h
E0h
E1h
E2h
E3h
E4h
E0h
2Fh
2Dh
2Bh
27h
28h
29h
68h
E7h
E8h
(2)
E9h
-
1.
MX25L25635F devices automatically clear the program or erase fail flags and do not have an explicit command to do so.
2.
MX25L25635F and S25FL256S devices share the same command opcode, but the command function is different.
P/N: AN-0232
6
(2)
2Ch
(2)
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
6-1. Page Program Length Alignment
The MX25L25635F and Hybrid Sector S25FL256S share the same 256-Byte maximum Page Program
length. However the Uniform Sector S25FL256S has a 512-Byte Page Program length. 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 MX25L25635F has uniform 64KB blocks that are each subdivided into two 32KB blocks and sixteen
4KB sectors. The S25FL256S is offered in either Hybrid Sector Structure (a hybrid mix of non-overlapping
4KB parameter sectors and 64KB main blocks) or Uniform Sector Structure (uniform 256KB blocks). Please
refer to the datasheets listed in Section 9 for memory organization details.
For Spansion Hybrid Sector devices, no software adjustment will be required. The MX25L25635F sector and
block organization is a superset of the Spansion hybrid memory organization and can match sector for sector
and block for block. Spansion devices using uniform 256KB blocks will require software adjustments to
accommodate the smaller blocks provided by the MX25L25635F.
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 S25FL256S 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 MX25L25635F 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 MX25L25635F 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 S25FL256S and the MX25L25635F use Status Register BP (Block Protect) bits to software write protect
areas of memory. The S25FL256S only has three BP bits (BP2-BP0) and the granularity of the protected
areas is very large. The MX25L25635F uses four BP bits (BP3-BP0) and provides a finer protection area
granularity.
6-5. Advanced Sector Protection Mode
Both devices offer an Advanced Sector Protection mode used to provide volatile and nonvolatile
individual sector (or block) protection and an optional password protection mode, but there are
differences that need to be accommodated if this feature is used.
P/N: AN-0232
7
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
6-6 Status Register, Configuration Register, and Security Register
Both devices use registers to configure the flash for operation modes, but there are some differences that
designers need to be aware of as software modifications may be needed. 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.
Table 6-4: Status Register
Register Bit
Bit0
Bit1
Bit2
Bit3
Bit4
Bit5
Bit6
Bit7
Macronix MX25L25635F
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 S25FL256S
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 MX25L25635F 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 MX25L25635F
Spansion S25FL256S
ODS0; Output driver strength
FREEZE; 1=BPx write disable
ODS1; Output driver strength
QUAD; 1=Quad mode enable
ODS2; Output driver strength TBPARM; 1= Top parameter sector(1)
TB; 1=Bottom area protect
BPNV; 1=BPx is Volatile
Reserved
RFU
4 BYTE; 1=4byte address
TBPROT; 1=boot array protect
DC0; Dummy cycle
LC0; Latency cycle
DC1; Dummy cycle
LC1; Latency cycle
Note:
1. Bit2 of Configuration Register is RFU for S25FL256S with uniform 256KB sector structure.
Table 6-6: Security Register
Register Bit
Macronix MX25L25635F
Bit0
4Kb Secured OTP; 1=factory lock
Bit1
LDSO; 1=OTP lock down
Bit2
PSB; 1=Program suspend
Bit3
ESB; 1=Erase suspend
Bit4
Reserved
Bit5
P_FAIL; 1=Program fail
Bit6
E_FAIL; 1=Erase fail
Bit7
WPSEL; 1=Individual WP
P/N: AN-0232
8
Spansion S25FL256S
PS; 1=Program suspend
ES; 1=Erase suspend
RFU
RFU
RFU
RFU
RFU
RFU
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
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
Macronix MX25L25635F
RDID 9Fh
C2h/20h/19h
REMS 90h
C2h/18h
Spansion S25FL256S
01h/02h/19h
01h/18h
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: AN-0232
9
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
8. Summary
The Macronix MX25L25635F and Spansion S25FL256S have similar commands, functions, and features.
Additionally, the supported package types have identical footprints and nearly identical pin out definitions. If
common features are used in standard traditional modes, the replacement may need only minimal software
modification due to differences in status and configuration register bit assignments and the commands used to
access them. A more detailed analysis should be done if functions such as Advanced Sector Protection,
HOLD# pin, VIO voltage, DDR, or AutoBoot 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 http://www.macronix.com
Table 9-1: Datasheet Version
Datasheet
MX25L25635F
S25FL128S/256S
Location
Website
Data Issued
DEC. 26, 2012
Version
Rev. 1.1
Website
JUL. 12, 2012
Rev. 05
10. Appendix
Table 10-1 shows the basic part number and package information cross reference between
Macronix MX25L25635F and Spansion S25FL256S parts.
Table 10-1: Part Number Cross Reference
Density
Macronix Part No.
MX25L25635FMI-10G
256Mb
MX25L25635FZ2I-10G
Spansion Part No.
S25FL256SAGMFI00/G0/R0(1)/(2)
S25FL256SAGMFI01/G1/R1(1)/(3)
S25FL256SDPMFIG0/G1(1)/(2)/(3)
S25FL256SAGNFI00/01(1)/(2)/(3)
S25FL256SDPNFI00/01(1)/(2)/(3)
Package
Dimension
16-SOP
300 mil
8-WSON
8x6mm
Note:
1. AG: 133MHz; DP: DTR 66MHz;
2. 00: 16-SOP/8-WSON with 64KB sector; G0: 16-SOP with Reset# & 64KB sector; R0: 16-SOP with Reset#, VIO &
64KB sector.
3. 01: 16-SOP/8-WSON with 256KB sector; G1: 16-SOP with Reset# & 256KB sector; R1: 16-SOP with Reset#, VIO &
256KB sector.
P/N: AN-0232
10
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013
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. 2013. 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: AN-0232
11
Ver 01. Apr. 15, 2013