Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F

APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
1. Introduction
This application note serves as a guide to replace Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F 1.8V
128Mb SPI flash. The 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, command codes, and other differences.
If common features are used in standard traditional modes, the replacement may need only minimal
software modification.
The information provided in this document is based on datasheets listed in Section 9. Newer versions of
the datasheets may override the contents of this document.
2. Features
Both flash device families have similar features and functions as shown in Table 2-1 and 2-2. Significant
differences are highlighted in blue and may require special consideration.
Table 2-1: Feature Comparison
Type / Function
Macronix MX25U12835F Micron N25Q128A
VCC Voltage Range
1.65V-2.0V
1.7V-2.0V
Normal Read Clock Frequency
55MHz
54MHz
(1)
Maximum Clock Frequency
104MHz
108MHz
Configurable Dummy Cycle
YES
YES
Sector Size
4KB/32KB/64KB
4KB/64KB
Program Buffer Size
256Byte
256Byte
Security OTP
512Byte
64Byte
(3)
XIP / Performance Enhanced Mode
YES
YES
(3)
XIP / Performance Enhanced Mode Set at Power-on
YES
Program/Erase Suspend & Resume
YES
YES
Wrap Around Read Mode
YES
YES
Adjustable Output Drivers
YES
YES
Deep Power Down
YES
YES
S/W Reset Command
YES
YES
HOLD#/RESET# Pin
Reset#
Hold#/Reset#
Block Protection Mode (BP bits)
Top/Bottom
Top/Bottom
(2)
Individual Sector Protection (Volatile)
YES
YES
Program/Erase Cycles
100K
100K
Notes:
1. 133Mhz is the maximum clock frequency with 8 dummy cycles for the MX25U12835FZNI-08G only.
2. Please see App Note section 4-4 for detailed comparison of Individual Sector Protection.
3. Macronix supports 1-4-4 and 4-4-4 mode XIP; Micron supports XIP in all fast read modes.
P/N: AN-0244
1
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
Table 2-2: Read Performance
Macronix MX25U12835F
Default
Max Speed
I/O Mode
Dummy
Cycles
@ Default
Dummy Cycles
Micron N25Q128A
Default
Dummy
Cycles
Max Speed
@ Default
Dummy Cycles
Fast Read
8
104MHz
8
108MHz
(1-1-1)
Dual Output (DREAD)
8
108MHz
(1-1-2)
Dual I/O (2READ)
4
84MHz
8
108MHz
(1-2-2)
Dual Peripheral Interface
9
108MHz
(2-2-2)
Quad Output (QREAD)
8
108MHz
(1-1-4)
Quad I/O (4READ)
6
104MHz(1)
10
108MHz
(1-4-4)
Quad Peripheral Interface (QPI)
6
104MHz(1)
11
108MHz
(4-4-4)
Notes:
1. 133Mhz is the maximum clock frequency with 8 dummy cycles for the MX25U12835FZNI-08G only.
3. Package and Pinout
Both devices are available in 16-pin SOP and 8-WSON packages with similar footprints. Pinout
definitions are identical with the two exceptions shown in Table 3-2. Where Macronix has a
RESET#/SIO3 pin, Micron has either a HOLD#/DQ3 or a RESET#/DQ3 pin. If the Micron device has a
RESET# pin, then the devices are pin compatible. If the Micron device has a HOLD# pin, but the HOLD#
function is not used, then the devices are also pin compatible. Macronix does not support the VPP (10V
Fast Programming Voltage) function available on Micron’s W#/VPP/DQ2 pin. This function is normally
only used on external programmers to accelerate Program/Erase operations and is generally not used
for “in-circuit” programming.
Please consult the latest Macronix datasheet new package additions.
Table 3-1: Packages
Packages
8-WSON (6x5mm)
8-WSON (8x6mm)
16-SOP (300mil)
8-SOP
24TPBGA
P/N: AN-0244
Macronix MX25U12835F
YES
YES
YES
-
2
Micron N25Q128A
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
Figure 3-1: 16- PIN SOP (300mil)
16-PIN SOP (300mil)
Macronix
MX25U12835F
Micron N25Q128A
Macronix
MX25U12835F
Micron N25Q128A
RESET#/SIO3
VCC
NC
NC
NC
NC
CS#
SO/SIO1
HOLD#/DQ3
VCC
DNU
DNU
DNU
DNU
S#
DQ1
SCLK
SI/SIO0
NC
NC
NC
NC
GND
WP#/SIO2
C
DQ0
DNU
DNU
DNU
DNU
VSS
W#/ VPP /DQ2
Macronix
MX25U12835F
VCC
RESET#/SIO3
SCLK
SI/SIO0
Micron N25Q128A
Figure 3-2: 8-WSON
8-WSON
Macronix
MX25U12835F
CS#
SO/SIO1
WP#/SIO2
GND
Micron N25Q128A
S#
DQ1
W#/ VPP /DQ2
VSS
VCC
HOLD#/DQ3
C
DQ0
Table 3-2: Pin Definition Comparison
Package / Pin#
Macronix
MX25U12835F
Micron
N25Q128A
Comments
8-WSON
Pin #3
WP#/SIO2
W#/ VPP /DQ2
Macronix does not support VPP
Pin #7
RESET#/SIO3
HOLD#/DQ3
HOLD# not supported by Macronix.
Dedicated Micron part numbers offer RESET#
instead of HOLD#.
DNU#/SIO3
HOLD#/DQ3
NC
DNU
WP#/SIO2
W#/ VPP /DQ2
16-SOP
Pin #1
Pin #3, 4, 5, 6,
11, 12, 13, & 14
Pin #9
P/N: AN-0244
3
HOLD# not supported by Macronix. Dedicated
Micron part numbers offer RESET# instead of
HOLD#.
NC means “No Connect”
DNU means “Do Not Use”
Macronix does not support VPP
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
4. Key Feature and Operational Differences
4-1 Status Register and Configuration Register Differences
Both devices use status and configuration registers to control device behavior and report status. The
registers and bits used are similar but not identical. Micron also has Non-Volatile registers not shown.
Both the Micron and Macronix devices use BP[3:0] bits to select the same memory areas for protection.
The N25Q128A Block Protection bits BP[3:0] are located in Status Register (bits 6 and [4:2]). The
Top/Bottom bit is located in Status Register bit 5 and selects whether block protection starts at the top or
bottom of memory. The BP[3:0] and Top/Bottom bits are nonvolatile and reprogrammable.
The MX25U12835F Block Protection bits BP[3:0] are located in Status Register bits [5:2]. The top/bottom
starting point is controlled by the TB bit, which is located in Configuration Register bit 3. The default
setting of the TB bit starts block protection at the top of memory. If the ‘bottom’ starting point is selected,
it can never be returned to the ‘top’ starting point. The BP[3:0] bits are all nonvolatile and
reprogrammable. The TB bit is nonvolatile and one-time-programmable.
Table 4-1: Status Register Bits
Register Bit
Bit0
Bit1
Bit2
Bit3
Bit4
Bit5
Bit6
Bit7
Macronix MX25U12835F
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
Micron N25Q128A
WIP; 1=write operation
WEL; 1=write enable
BP0; BP protection
BP1; BP protection
BP2; BP protection
T/B; Top/Bottom Protect
BP3; BP protection
SRWD; 1=SR write disable
Table 4-2: Volatile Configuration Register Bits
Register Bit
Bit0
Bit1
Bit2
Bit3
Bit4
Bit5
Bit6
Bit7
P/N: AN-0244
Macronix MX25U12835F
ODS0 (Output Driver Strength)
ODS1 (Output Driver Strength)
ODS2 (Output Driver Strength)
TB; 1=Bottom area protect
Reserved
Reserved
Reserved
Dummy cycle
4
Micron N25Q128A
Wrap
Wrap
Reserved
XiP
Dummy cycle
Dummy cycle
Dummy cycle
Dummy cycle
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
Table 4-3: Macronix Security Register vs. Micron Flag Status Register
Register Bit
Macronix MX25U12835F
Bit0
4Kb Secured OTP; 1=factory lock
Bit1
LDSO; 1=OTP lock down
Bit2
PSB (Program/Suspend bit)
Bit3
ESB (Erase/Suspend bit)
Bit4
Reserved
Bit5
P_FAIL; 1=Program fail
Bit6
E_FAIL; 1=Erase fail
Bit7
WPSEL; 1=Individual WP
Micron N25Q128A
Reserved
Protection
PSB (Program/Suspend bit)
Vpp
P_FAIL; 1=Program fail
E_FAIL; 1=Erase fail
ESB (Erase/Suspend bit)
Program/Erase Status bit
4-2 QPI Differences
Micron’s Quad I/O mode is entered by setting a bit in the Nonvolatile Configuration Register, which
remembers this mode after power cycles, or by setting a bit in the Enhanced Volatile Configuration
Register and is reset after a power cycle.
The MX25U12835F requires an EQIO (35h) command to enter the equivalent QPI mode. This mode can
be terminated by a RSTQIO (F5h) command or by a power cycle or software reset.
4-3 XIP Differences
The XIP (eXecute In Place) feature (Macronix refers to this as Performance Enhance Mode) is only used
during Fast Read operations and eliminates the need to input read commands prior to entering an
address and reading data. This is an overhead reduction feature that increases data throughput. Both
devices offer this feature, but entry and exit methods are different. The MX25U12835F enters XIP mode
whenever all four bits of the first and second dummy cycles of a 4READ (EBh) instruction are not equal
and will exit XIP mode if any of the bits of the first and second dummy cycles are equal. Macronix only
supports XIP in Quad I/O (1-4-4) and QPI (4-4-4) modes. Micron supports XIP in all Fast Read I/O
modes.
P/N: AN-0244
5
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
4-4 Individual Sector Protection Differences
Both devices have the ability to write protect individual 64KB sectors/blocks of memory. Individual Sector
Protection does not use the nonvolatile BP bits in the Status Register. With the Micron flash, it is possible
to use both methods of write protection (BP bits and Individual Sector Protection) simultaneously, and the
protected area is the combination of the two. When using the Macronix flash, either BP bit Protection or
Individual Block Protection can be selected exclusively, with the default being the use of the BP bits.
The N25Q128A has one volatile Lock Register for each 64KB sector to control the sector’s
program/erase protection status. The protection can be turned on or off at any time unless the sector’s
Lock Register has been locked by the application. Once locked, its associated sector will remain in the
protected or unprotected state until the next power cycle or reset. All sectors not protected by the Status
Register BP configuration will be unprotected after power up and all Lock Registers will be unlocked.
The MX25U12835F has one volatile protection register for each of the top sixteen 4KB sectors, bottom
sixteen 4KB sectors, and 254 middle 64KB blocks of memory. These protection registers can only be
used after permanently disabling the Status Register BP protection bits. This is done by executing the
WPSEL instruction once. Please note that this irreversible and the individual sector/block protection
method will be permanently selected.
After permanently selecting the individual sector/block protection method for the MX25U12835F, all
sectors and blocks will be locked by default on power up. Sectors/blocks must be unlocked before they
can be programmed or erased. Unlocking sectors/blocks can be done on an individual basis with the
SBULK (Single Block Unlock) command or on all sectors/blocks with the GBULK (Global Block Unlock)
command. Sectors and blocks can be relocked as necessary with the SBLK (Single Block Lock)
command or GBLK (Global Block Lock) command.
Since the smallest individual sector protection size in the N25Q128A is 64KB, if an application is
currently locking/unlocking the top and/or bottom 64KB sector(s), it will need to lock/unlock each of the
16 top and/or bottom 4KB sectors in the MX25U12835F for equivalent results.
P/N: AN-0244
6
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
5. Performance
Tables 5-1 and 5-2 show that the two devices have similar AC and DC performance.
Table 5-1: AC Parameter Comparison
Clock High Time
Clock Low Time
Symbol
Macronix
Micron
tCH
tCH
tCL
tCL
Clock Low to Output Valid
tCLQV
tCLQV
Data In Setup Time
Data In Hold Time
tDVCH
tCHDX
tDVCH
tCHDX
VCC(min) to CS# low
tVSL
tVTW
Page Program Time
(256 Bytes)
tPP
tPP
Erase 4KB Subsector/Sector
tSSE
tSE
Erase 32KB Sector
tBE32
-
Erase 64KB Sector/Block
tBE
tSE
Bulk Erase / Chip Erase
tCE
tBE
Parameter
Condition
min
min
max @10pF
max @15pF
max @30pF
min
min
min
max
typ
max
typ
max
typ
max
typ
max
typ
max
Macronix
MX25U12835F
4.5ns
4.5ns
6ns
7ns
2ns
3ns
500us
1.2ms
3ms
60ms
200ms
250ms
1s
500ms
2s
72s
160s
Micron
N25Q128A
4ns
4ns
5ns
7ns
2ns
3ns
150us
0.5ms
5ms
250ms
800ms
700ms
3s
120s
240s
Table 5-2: DC Parameter Comparison
Leakage Current
Symbol
Macronix
Micron
ILI/ILO
ILI/ILO
Standby Current
ISB1
Parameter
VCC Read Current
(Fast Read)
VCC Program Current
VCC Write Status
Register Current
VCC Erase Current
P/N: AN-0244
ICC1
ICC1
ICC3
Condition
max
typ
max
max @ 108MHz
(Quad I/O)
max @ 104MHz
(Quad I/O)
max @ 84MHz
Macronix
MX25U12835F
+/- 2uA
30uA
80uA
Micron
N25Q128A
+/- 2uA
100uA
-
20mA
20mA
-
15mA
-
25mA
6mA
20mA
ICC2
ICC4
max @ 54MHz
max
ICC3
ICC5
max
20mA
20mA
ICC4,5
ICC6
max
25mA
20mA
7
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
6. Command Code
Both devices use the same basic command set, but there are a few minor differences highlighted in
Table 6-1.
Table 6-1: Command Code Comparison
Instruction
Type
Read ID
Read
Write
Register
OTP
P/N: AN-0244
Instruction
Description
RDID
Read Identification
REMS
Read Electronic Manufacturer ID &
READ
Read Data Bytes
FAST_READ Read Data Bytes at Higher Speed
DOFR
Dual Output Fast Read
DIOFR
Dual Input/Output Fast Read
QOFR
Quad Output Fast Read
QIOFR
Quad Input/Output Fast Read
W4READ Quad Input/Output Fast Read (4 dummy)
Read Serial Flash Discoverable
RDSFDP
Parameters
WREN
Write Enable
WRDI
Write Disable
PP
Page Program
Dual Input Fast Program (1-1-2)
Dual I/O Fast Program (1-2-2)
Quad Input Fast Program (1-1-4)
4PP
Quad Page Program (1-4-4)
SE
Sector Erase 4KB
BE 32K Block Erase 32KB
SE 64K Block Erase 64KB
CE
Chip Erase
RDSR
Read Status Register
RDCR
Read Configuration Register
WRSR
Write Status Register
RDSCUR Read Security Register
WRSCUR Write Security Register
RDLR
Read Lock Register
WRLR
Write to Lock Register
RFSR
Read Flag Status Register
CLFSR
Clear Flag Status Register
Read Non-volatile Configuration Register
Write Non-volatile Configuration Register
Read Volatile Configuration Register
Write Volatile Configuration Register
Read Enhance Volatile Configuration
Write Enhance Volatile Configuration
ENSO
Enter Secured OTP
EXSO
Exit Secured OTP
ROTP
Read OTP Area
POTP
Program OTP Area
8
Macronix
MX25U12835F
9Fh
90h
03h
0Bh
BBh
EBh
E7h
Micron
N25Q128A
9Eh/9Fh
03h
0Bh
3Bh
BBh
6Bh
EBh
-
5Ah
5Ah
06h
04h
02h
38h
20h
52h
D8h
60 or C7h
05h
15h
01h
2Bh
2Fh
06h
04h
02h
A2h
D2h
32h
12h
20h
D8h
C7h
05h
01h
E8h
E5h
70h
50h
B5h
B1h
85h
81h
65h
61h
4Bh
42h
-
B1h
C1h
-
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
Table 6-1: Command Code Comparison - Continued
Instruction
Type
QPI
Others
Instruction
Description
Macronix
MX25U12835F
35h
F5h
AFh
B0h
Micron
N25Q128A
AFh
75h
EQIO
RSTQIO
QPIID
PGM/ERS Suspend
Enable QPI
Reset (Exit) QPI
QPI ID Read
Program or Erase Suspend
PGM/ERS Resume
RSTEN
RST
DP
RDP
Program or Erase Resume
Reset Enable
Reset Memory
Deep Power Down
Release from Deep Power Down
30h
66h
99h
B9h
ABh
7Ah
66h
99h
B9h
ABh
WPSEL
Write Protect Selection (OTP)
68h
-
SBLK
Single Block Lock
36h
-
SBULK
Single Block Unlock
39h
-
RDBLOCK
Block Protect Status Read
3Ch
-
GBLK
Gang Block Lock
7Eh
-
GBULK
Gang Block Unlock
98h
-
Note 1
SBL
Set Burst Length
C0h
Note 1: Micron uses their Volatile Configuration Register to control this function.
7. Manufacturer and Device ID
Table 7-1: Manufacturer and Device ID Comparison
ID Type
Manufacturer ID
Device ID
Macronix MX25U12835F
C2h
Micron N25Q128A
20h
Memory Type
25h
BBh
Memory Capacity
38h
N/A
18h
17 Bytes
Unique ID
8. Summary
The Macronix MX25U12835F and Micron N25Q128A have similar commands, functions, and features.
The devices are command compatible for basic read, program, and erase (4KB and 64KB) operations.
The devices are essentially pin compatible if the HOLD# function is not used. A more detailed analysis
should be done if “special” functions such as XIP or Individual Sector Write Protection are used. If
common features are used in standard traditional modes, the replacement may need only minimal
software modification.
P/N: AN-0244
9
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
9. References
Table 9-1 shows the datasheet versions used for comparison in this application note. For the most
current, detailed Macronix specification, please refer to the Macronix Website at
http://www.macronix.com.
Table 9-1: Datasheet Version
Datasheet
MX25U12835F
n25q_128mb_1_8v_65nm
Location
Macronix Website
Micron Website
Date Issued
Dec. 17, 2012
Jan. 2013
Version
1.2
L
10. Appendix
Table 10-1 shows the basic part number and package information cross reference between Macronix
MX25U12835F and Micron N25Q128 parts.
Table 10-1: Part Number Cross Reference
Macronix Part No.
MX25U12835FMI-10G
MX25U12835FMI-10G
MX25U12835FMI-10G
MX25U12835FMI-10G
MX25U12835FZNI-10G
MX25U12835FZNI-10G
MX25U12835FZNI-10G
MX25U12835FZNI-10G
MX25U12835FZ2I-10G
MX25U12835FZ2I-10G
MX25U12835FZ2I-10G
MX25U12835FZ2I-10G
Micron Part No.
N25Q128A11ESF40
N25Q128A21ESF40
N25Q128A31ESF40
N25Q128A41ESF40
N25Q128A11EF740
N25Q128A21EF740
N25Q128A31EF740
N25Q128A41EF740
N25Q128A11EF840
N25Q128A21EF840
N25Q128A31EF840
N25Q128A41EF840
Package
16-SOP
16-SOP
16-SOP
16-SOP
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-WSON
Dimension
300 mil
300 mil
300 mil
300 mil
6 x 5 mm
6 x 5 mm
6 x 5 mm
6 x 5 mm
8 x 6 mm
8 x 6 mm
8 x 6 mm
8 x 6 mm
Note
Hold# pin, Micron XIP
Hold# pin, basic XIP
Reset# pin, Micron XIP
Reset# pin, basic XIP
Hold# pin, Micron XIP
Hold# pin, basic XIP
Reset# pin, Micron XIP
Reset# pin, basic XIP
Hold# pin, Micron XIP
Hold# pin, basic XIP
Reset# pin, Micron XIP
Reset# pin, basic XIP
11. Revision History
Revision
1.0
P/N: AN-0244
Description
Initial Release
10
Date
June 18, 2013
Ver.01, July 05, 2013
APPLICATION NOTE
Replacing Micron N25Q128A with Macronix MX25U12835F
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-0244
11
Ver.01, July 05, 2013