Comparing Adesto AT45DB-D with Macronix MX25L-06E

APPLICATION NOTE
Comparing Adesto AT45DB_D with Macronix MX25L_06E
1. Introduction
Macronix offers Serial NOR Flash in densities ranging from 512Kb to 1Gb. This applications note will
recommend which Macronix device is best suited to be used as a compare for Adesto AT45DB_D Data
Flash which range in densities from 4Mb to 64Mb.
There are several compelling reasons (besides speed and cost) to compare the Adesto flash with a
Macronix flash, even though it is not a direct compare (the Macronix and Adesto flash have command sets,
Erase sizes, and pinouts that are significantly different, requiring both hardware and software
modifications). The Adesto 45-series products do not support an industry standard pin-out or software
commands. The extra effort needed to make the switch will pay-off in the long term by designing in a
multi-sourced, main-stream product - rather than being sole sourced with an Adesto product.
The information in this document is based on datasheets listed in Section 10. Newer versions of the
datasheets may override the contents of this document.
2. Feature Comparison
Tables 2-1 through 2-4 compare device features at different densities.
Table 2-1: 4Mb and 8Mb Features
Feature
VCC Voltage Range
Fast Read Speed*2 (max.)
Normal Read Speed (max.)
I/O Mode
Erase Size
Program Buffer Size
SRAM Page Buffers
Hold# or Reset# Pin
Security OTP / Unique ID
Block Protection
Deep Power Down
Manufacturer ID
JEDEC ID (4Mb / 8Mb)
Packages
Endurance / Data Retention
Macronix MX25L4006E
Macronix MX25L8006E
2.7V ~ 3.6V
2.35V ~ 3.6V*1
86MHz
33MHz
x1 / x2
4KB / 64KB
256 Byte
0
Hold#
64 Byte*4 / BP bit Group Protection
Yes
C2h
2013h / 2014h
8-pin SOP (150 mil)
8-pin SOP (209 mil) *5
8-WSON (6x5mm)
100K cycles / 20 years
Adesto AT45DB041D
Adesto AT45DB081D
2.7V ~ 3.6V
2.5V ~ 3.6V*1
66MHz
33MHz
x1
256B / 2KB / 64KB
256 Byte / 264 Byte
2*3
Reset#
64 Byte / 64 Byte
Individual 64KB Sector
Yes
1Fh
2400h / 2500h
8-pin SOP (150 mil)
8-pin SOP (209 mil)
8-WSON (6x5mm)
100K cycles / 20 years
Notes:
1. Adesto offers a 2.5V VCC option on special part numbers. Macronix also offers 2.5V serial NOR flash parts,
MX25V4006E (4Mb) and MX25V8006E (8Mb).
2. Maximum Fast Read clock frequency for 2.7-3.6V VCC part numbers.
3. Adesto has two independent SRAM page buffers that can be written or read during internally self-timed program
or erase operations.
P/N: AN0284
1
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
4. MX25L8006E has OTP area while MX25L4006E does not.
5. 209mil 8SOP package option currently only available in 2.7-3.6V part.
Table 2-2: 16Mb Features
Feature
VCC Voltage Range
Fast Read Speed (max.)
Normal Read Speed (max.)
I/O Mode
Erase Size
Program Buffer Size
SRAM Page Buffers
Hold# or Reset# Pin
Security OTP
Unique ID
Block Protection
Deep Power Down
Manufacturer ID
JEDEC ID
Packages
Macronix MX25L1606E
Adesto AT45DB161D
86MHz
33MHz
x1 / x2
4KB / 64KB
256 Byte
0
Hold#
64 Byte
BP bit Group Protection
Yes
C2h
2015h
8-pin SOP (209 mil)
8-WSON (6x5mm)
24-BGA (6x8mm)
100K cycles / 20 years
2.7V ~ 3.6V
*1
2.5V ~ 3.6V
66MHz
33MHz
x1
512B / 4KB / 128KB
512 Byte / 528 Byte
*2
2
Reset#
64 Byte
64 Byte
Individual 64KB Sector
Yes
1Fh
2600h
8-pin SOP (209 mil)
8-WSON (6x5mm)
24-BGA (6x8mm)
100K cycles / 20 years
Macronix MX25L3206E
Adesto AT45DB321D
2.7V ~ 3.6V
Endurance / Data Retention
Note:
1. Adesto offers a 2.5V VCC option on special part numbers.
2. Adesto has two independent SRAM page buffers that can be written or read during internally self-timed program
or erase operations.
Table 2-3: 32Mb Features
Feature
VCC Voltage Range
Fast Read Speed (max.)
Normal Read Speed (max.)
I/O Mode
Erase Size
Program Buffer Size
SRAM Page Buffers
Hold# or Reset# Pin
Security OTP
Unique ID
Deep Power Down
Block Protection
Manufacturer ID
JEDEC ID
Packages
P/N: AN0284
2.7V ~ 3.6V
86MHz
33MHz
x1 / x2
4KB / 64KB
256 Byte
0
Hold#
64 Byte
Yes
BP bit Group Protection
C2h
2016h
8-pin SOP (209 mil)
8-WSON (6x5mm)
24-BGA (6x8mm)
2
2.7V ~ 3.6V
*1
2.5V ~ 3.6V
66MHz
33MHz
x1
512B / 4KB / 64KB
512 Byte / 528 Byte
*2
2
Reset#
64 Byte
64 Byte
Yes
Individual 64KB Sector
1Fh
2700h
8-pin SOP (209 mil)
8-WSON (6x5mm)
24-BGA (6x8mm)
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
Endurance / Data Retention
100K cycles / 20 years
100K cycles / 20 years
Note:
1. Adesto offers a 2.5V VCC option on special part numbers.
2. Adesto has two independent SRAM page buffers that can be written or read during internally self-timed program
or erase operations.
Table 2-4: 64Mb Features
Feature
VCC Voltage Range
Fast Read Speed (max.)
Normal Read Speed (max.)
I/O Mode
Erase Size
Program Buffer Size
SRAM Page Buffers
Hold# or Reset# Pin
Security OTP
Unique ID
Block Protection
Deep Power Down
Manufacturer ID
JEDEC ID
Packages
Endurance / Data Retention
Macronix MX25L6406E
2.7V ~ 3.6V
86MHz
33MHz
x1 / x2
4KB / 64KB
256 Byte
0
Hold#
64 Byte
BP bit Group Protection
Yes
C2h
2017h
8-WSON (6x8mm)
24-BGA (6x8mm)
100K cycles / 20 years
Adesto AT45DB642D
2.7V ~ 3.6V
66MHz
33MHz
x1
1KB / 8KB / 256KB
1024 Byte / 1056 Byte
2*1
Reset#
64 Byte
64 Byte
Individual 64KB Sector
Yes
1Fh
2800h
8-WSON (6x8mm)
24-BGA (6x8mm)
100K cycles / 20 years
Note:
1. Adesto has two independent SRAM page buffers that can be written or read during internally self-timed program
or erase operations.
P/N: AN0284
3
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
3. Package and Pinout
Both devices are typically available in 8-pin SOP and 8-WSON packages. While all of the same signal
pins are available on both products (with the exception of Reset# on the Adesto flash and a Hold# on the
Figure 3-1: 8-SOP
CS#
SO/SIO1
1
2
WP#
3
GND
4
MX25L_E
8
VCC
7
6
HOLD#
5
SI/SIO0
SI
SCLK
SCK
1
2
RESET#
3
CS#
4
AT45DB_D
8
SO
7
6
GND
5
WP#
VCC
Macronix flash) the signals are on different pins (Figure 3-1) which will require hardware modification.
4. Key Feature and Operational Differences
4-1 Status Register
Both devices use a Status Register to control device behavior and report status. The register bit
assignments are completely different, and only a single function is the same (Macronix Status Register Bit
0 and Adesto Status Register Bit 7 both report flash programming status).
Table 4-1: Status Register
Register Bit
Bit 0
Bit 1
Bit 2
Bit 3
Bit 4
Bit 5
Bit 6
Bit 7
Macronix MX25L_06E
WIP; 1=write in progress
WEL; 1=write enable
BP0; BP protection
BP1; BP protection
BP2; BP protection
BP3; BP protection*1
0
SRWD; 1=SR write disable
Adesto AT45DB_D
Page Size
Memory Sector Protection
Memory size bit 0
Memory size bit 1
Memory size bit 2
Memory size bit 3
Compare Memory Page with Buffer
RDY/Busy
Note: 1.Macronix 4Mb and 8Mb devices have Status Register bit 5 = 0.
4-2. Read Differences
The AT45DB_D and Macronix MX25L_06E flash can read the whole memory with a single READ
instruction (03h) or Fast Read instruction (0Bh) and require the same number of dummy clocks after the
input address (0 dummy clocks for READ and 8 dummy clocks for Fast Read). The address counter rolls
over to 0 when the highest address has been reached. The AT45DB_D also includes additional Read
SDRAM commands not supported by the Macronix flash.
The Adesto Main Memory Page Read instruction (D2h) requires four dummy bytes (32 clock cycles)
immediately following the input address before valid data can be read. Macronix does not support this
instruction.
P/N: AN0284
4
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
4-3 Erase Block Size Differences
Both devices have different Block Erase sizes which can be individually erased. The AT45DB_D flash also
has a Page Erase (256B to 1024B depending on device density- see Erase sizes in Tables 2-1 to 2-4)
which is not supported by the Macronix flash. For safety (to avoid inadvertent writes and erases) the
Macronix flash require a Write Enable command be issued before accepting any Program or Erase
instruction. The Adesto flash does not have this feature.
4-4 Program Buffer Size And Operational Differences
The AT45DB_D flash contain 2 Program buffers with sizes which range from 256B/264B to 1024B/1056B
depending on device density and Configuration Register setting. Adesto also provides commands which
are able to input data into the SRAM buffers, instead of programming the flash main memory directly.
Programming occurs 1 page at a time.
Macronix flash have a single 256B program buffer and use normal page program commands
which write data into the flash main array directly. Programming occurs 1 to 256 bytes at a
time.
The Adesto SRAM buffers can operate independently of the main memory array, and can be
written or read during the self-timed portion of main memory array program/erase operations.
This allows the SRAM buffers to receive new page data while the last page data is still being
programmed into the main memory array. Macronix does not have independent SRAM
buffers. If the ability to capture new data in an SRAM buffer while a program operation is
active is required, then an external SRAM buffer must be used.
4-5 Block Write Protection Differences
The Adesto AT45DB_D uses an Individual Block Protection method to protect individual 64KB blocks of
memory from Write and Erase. Adesto uses software commands to define each 64KB sector
protection status. The write protection can be temporary or permanent.
The Macronix MX25L_06E devices use non-volitile BP bits in the Status Register to select groups of
memory areas for write protection. The BP bits can be set with the Write Status Register command
to define the protection area. Both devices have a WP# pin which functions as a Hardware Protect
to prevent Write protected blocks from being software unprotected.
P/N: AN0284
5
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
5. Performance Comparison
Tables 5-1 and 5-2 show similar MX25L_06E and AT45DB_D AC performance.
Table 5-1: Read Performance (max. @ VCC = 2.7V-3.6V, in x1 I/O mode)
Macronix
Parameter
MX25L_06E
Normal Read
33MHz
Fast Read
86MHz
tCLQV / tV (15pF)
6ns
Adesto
AT45DB_D
33MHz
66MHz
6ns
Table 5-2: Write Performance (typ. @ VCC = 2.7V-3.6V)
Macronix
Parameter
Density
MX25L_06E
4Mb - 8Mb
Page
16Mb - 64Mb
4Mb
2KB
8Mb
4Mb
40ms
8Mb
40ms
4KB
16Mb
40ms
32Mb
40ms
64Mb
40ms
Erase
8KB
64Mb
4Mb
0.4s
8Mb
0.4s
64KB
16Mb
0.4s
32Mb
0.4s
64Mb
0.4s
16Mb
128KB
32Mb
256KB
64Mb
4Mb
1.7s
8Mb
3.5s
Chip Erase
16Mb
6.5s
32Mb
12.5s
64Mb
25s
4Mb
0.6ms
8Mb
0.6ms
Page Program
16Mb
0.6ms
32Mb
0.6ms
64Mb
0.6ms
Adesto
AT45DB_D
13ms
15ms
30ms
30ms
45ms
45ms
45ms
0.7s
0.7s
0.7s
1.6s
0.7s
5s
7s
12s
TBD
TBD
2ms
2ms
3ms*1
3ms*1
3ms*1
Note:
1. Adesto 16Mb and 32Mb flash Page Buffer size =512 bytes and at 64Mb = 1024 bytes, while
bytes for all densities.
P/N: AN0284
6
Macronix is 256
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
6. DC Characteristics Comparison
Tables 6-1 and 6-2 show that both flash families have similar DC characteristics.
Table 6-1: Read / Write Current (max. @ VCC = 2.7V-3.6V)
Parameter
Read Current @
1xI/O
Standby Current
Deep Power Down
Write Current Program/Erase
Macronix
MX25L_06E
12mA @ 86MHz
12mA @ 86MHz
25mA @ 86MHz
25mA @ 86MHz
25mA @ 86MHz
25uA
25uA
25uA
40uA
50uA
10uA
10uA
20uA
20uA
20uA
20mA/15mA
20mA/15mA
20mA/20mA
20mA/20mA
20mA/20mA
Density
4Mb
8Mb
16Mb
32Mb
64Mb
4Mb
8Mb
16Mb
32Mb
64Mb
4Mb
8Mb
16Mb
32Mb
64Mb
4Mb
8Mb
16Mb
32Mb
64Mb
Adesto
AT45DB_D
15mA @ 66MHz
15mA @ 66MHz
15mA @ 66MHz
15mA @ 66MHz
15mA @ 33MHz
50uA
50uA
50uA
50uA
50uA
25uA
25uA
25uA
25uA
25uA
17mA/17mA
17mA/17mA
17mA/17mA
17mA/17mA
25mA/25mA
Table 6-2: Input / Output Voltage
Parameter
Input Low Voltage
Input High Voltage
Output Low Voltage
Output High Voltage
P/N: AN0284
Macronix
MX25L_06E
-0.5 (min.) / 0.3VCC (max.)
0.7VCC (min.) / VCC+0.4 (max.)
0.4V (max.)
VCC-0.2 (min.)
7
Adesto
AT45DB_D
0.3Vcc (max.)
0.7Vcc (min.)
0.4V (max.)
Vcc-0.2 (min.)
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
7. Software Considerations
The devices use different command code to access flash for most basic functions and special features
Table 7-1). See the Macronix datasheet for a complete list of commands.
Table 7-1: Command Code
Type
Read ID
Read
Write
Protection
Other
Instruction
Description
Macronix
MX25L_06E
Adesto
AT45DB_D
RDID
READ
FAST_READ
DOFR
RDSR
WREN
WRDI
WRSR
PP
-
Read Identification
Read Data Bytes
Read Data Bytes at Higher Speed
Dual Output Fast Read
Main Memory Page Read
Buffer 1 Read ( Low Frequency)
Buffer 2 Read ( Low Frequency)
Buffer 1 Read
Buffer 2 Read
Read Status Register
Write Enable
Write Disable
Write Status Register
Page Program
Buffer 1 Write
Buffer 2 Write
Buffer 1 to Main Memory PP w/ build-in Erase
Buffer 2 to Main Memory PP w/ build-in Erase
Buffer 1 to Main Memory PP w/o build-in Erase
Buffer 2 to Main Memory PP w/o build-in Erase
Page Erase
Erase 4KB
Erase 64KB
Chip Erase
Main Memory Page Program through Buffer 1
Main Memory y Page Program through Buffer 2
Enable Sector Protection
Disable Sector Protection
Erase Sector Protection Register
Program Sector Protection Register
Read Sector Protection Register
Main Memory Page to Buffer 1 Transfer
Main Memory Page to Buffer 2 Transfer
Main Memory Page to Buffer 1 Compare
Main Memory Page to Buffer 2 Compare
Auto Page Rewrite through Buffer 1
Auto Page Rewrite through Buffer 2
Deep Power Down
Release From Deep Power Down
Program Security Register
Read Security Register
Enter Secure OTP
Exit Secure OTP
9Fh
03h
0Bh
3Bh
05h
06h
04h
01h
02h
20h
52h/D8h
60 / C7h
B9h
ABh
*3
B1h
*3
C1h
9Fh
03h
0Bh
D2h
D1h
D3h
D4h
D6h
D7h
84h
87h
83h
86h
88h
89h
81h
*1
50h
*2
7Ch
C7 / 94 / 80 / 9Ah
82h
85h
3D+2A+7F+A9 h
3D+2A+7F+9A h
3D+2A+7F+CF h
3D+2A+7F+FC h
32h
53h
55h
60h
61h
58h
59h
B9h
ABh
9B+00+00+00
77h
SE
BE
CE
DP
RDP
ENSO
EXSO
---
Notes:
1. Adesto 50h is used for 2KB Erase at 4Mb and 8Mb densities and 8KB Erase at 64Mb density flash.
2. Adesto 7Ch is used for 128KB Erase at 16Mb/32Mb density and 256KB Erase at 64Mb density flash.
3. MX25L/V4006E does not support security OTP area.
P/N: AN0284
8
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
8. Manufacturer ID and Device ID
Manufacturer IDs are different. This permits software to identify the device manufacturer. The Device IDs
are different between both families. The same command is used to read the different IDs.
Table 8-1: Manufacturer and Device ID
Command Type
4Mb
8Mb
16Mb
RDID 9Fh
32Mb
64Mb
Macronix MX25L_06E
C2h / 20h / 13h
C2h / 20h / 14h
C2h / 20h / 15h
C2h / 20h / 16h
C2h / 20h / 17h
Adesto AT45DB_D
1Fh / 24h / 00h
1Fh / 25h / 00h
1Fh / 26h / 00h
1Fh / 27h / 00h
1Fh / 28h / 00h
9. Summary
Even though they share similar pin functions and are available in many of the same packages, the
Macronix MX25L_06E serial NOR flash is not a direct compare the Adesto AT45DB_D. The Macronix and
Adesto flash have command sets, Erase sizes, and pinouts that are significantly different, and the Adesto
45-series products do not support an industry standard pin-out or software commands, requiring both
hardware and software modifications. The extra efforts needed to make the switch will pay-off in the long
term by designing in a multi-sourced, main-stream Macronix product - rather than being sole sourced with
an Adesto product.
10. References
Table 10-1 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 10-1: Datasheet Version
Datasheet
MX25L4006E
MX25V4006E
MX25L8006E
MX25V8006E
MX25L1606E
MX25L3206E
MX25L6406E
AT45DB041D
AT45DB081D
AT45DB161D
AT45DB321D
AT45DB642D
Location
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Website
Data Issued
NOV. 2013
NOV. 2013
NOV. 2013
FEB. 2012
NOV. 2013
DEC. 2013
NOV. 2013
AUG. 2013
JAN. 2013
MAY 2013
NOV. 2013
NOV. 2012
Version
Rev. 1.5
Rev. 1.4
Rev. 1.4
Rev. 1.2
Rev. 1.5
Rev. 1.5
Rev. 1.8
Rev. 3595T
Rev. 3596O
Rev. 3500P
Rev. 3597T
Rev. 3542M
11. Appendix
Basic part number and package information cross reference between Macronix MX25_06E and Adesto
AT45DB_D parts are shown in the tables below.
P/N: AN0284
9
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
Table 11-1: 4Mb Part Number Cross Reference
Macronix Part No.
MX25L4006EZNI-12G
MX25V4006EZNI-13G
MX25L4006EM1I-12G
MX25V4006EM1I-13G
MX25L4006EM2I-12G
Adesto Part No.
AT45DB041D-MU
AT45DB041D-MU-2.5
AT45DB041D-SSU
AT45DB041D-SSU-2.5
AT45DB041D-SU
Package
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-SOP
8-SOP
8-SOP
Dimension
6x5mm
6x5mm
150 mil
150 mil
209 mil
Note
Vcc = 2.5V
Vcc = 2.5V
-
Package
8-WSON
8-WSON
8-SOP
8-SOP
8-SOP
Dimension
6x5mm
6x5mm
150 mil
150 mil
209 mil
Note
Vcc = 2.5V
Vcc = 2.5V
-
Package
8-WSON
24-BGA
8-SOP
Dimension
6x5mm
8x6mm
209 mil
Note
-
Package
8-WSON
8-SOP
24-BGA
Dimension
6x5mm
209 mil
8x6mm
Note
-
Package
8-WSON
24-BGA
Dimension
8x6mm
8x6mm
Note
-
Table 11-2: 8Mb Part Number Cross Reference
Macronix Part No.
MX25L8006EZNI-12G
MX25V8006EZNI-13G
MX25L8006EM1I-12G
MX25V8006EM1I-13G
MX25L8006EM2I-12G
Adesto Part No.
AT45DB081D-MU
AT45DB081D-MU-2.5
AT45DB081D-SSU
AT45DB081D-SSU-2.5
AT45DB081D-SU
Table 11-3: 16Mb Part Number Cross Reference
Macronix Part No.
MX25L1606EZNI-12G
MX25L1606EXCI-12G
MX25L1606EM2I-12G
Adesto Part No.
AT45DB161D-MU
AT45DB161D-CU
AT45DB161D-SU
-
Table 11-4: 32Mb Part Number Cross Reference
Macronix Part No.
MX25L3206EZNI-12G
MX25L3206EM2I-12G
MX25L3206EXCI-12G
Adesto Part No.
AT45DB321D-MU
AT45DB321D-SU
AT45DB321D-CU
Table 11-5: 64Mb Part Number Cross Reference
Macronix Part No.
MX25L6406EZNI-12G
MX25L6456EXDI-10G
P/N: AN0284
Adesto Part No.
AT45DB642D-CNU
AT45DB642D-CU
10
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014
APPLICATION NOTE
12. Revision History
Revision
1.0
P/N: AN0284
Description
Initial Release
Date
January 28, 2014
11
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 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
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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: AN0284
12
Ver. 1, Jan 28, 2014