Intel TE28F160S570: A Deep Dive into the 16Mb Flash Memory Chip
In the landscape of digital memory, Intel's TE28F160S570 stands as a significant milestone from the era when NOR Flash was the cornerstone of firmware storage. This 16-megabit (2MB) chip, part of the renowned Advanced+ Boot Block family, was engineered for high-performance, reliability, and flexibility in embedded systems. This deep dive explores its architecture, key features, and the legacy it established.
Architecture and Core Technology
The TE28F160S570 is organized as 2,097,152 words x 8 bits or 1,048,576 words x 16 bits, providing design flexibility for both 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessor systems. Its core is built on Intel's advanced NOR Flash technology. Unlike NAND Flash, which is optimized for dense storage, NOR Flash offers true random access and execute-in-place (XIP) capabilities, making it ideal for storing boot code and operating systems that require immediate and reliable execution.
A defining architectural feature is its asymmetrical boot block architecture. The memory array is divided into multiple erase blocks, but one specific block—the boot block—is sized and positioned to contain the most critical system initialization code. This block is typically smaller and can be locked down to prevent accidental corruption, a crucial safeguard for system integrity.
Key Features and Performance
The "570" in its part number signifies a key performance characteristic: access times as fast as 70ns, enabling efficient operation even with high-speed processors without introducing significant wait states. The chip operates on a single 3.3V VCC supply voltage, which was a forward-looking feature that supported lower power consumption in emerging electronic designs.
Its command set is built around the JEDEC-standard common flash interface (CFI), which allows system software to automatically query the flash chip to determine its manufacturer, memory size, erase block layout, and electrical timing parameters. This greatly simplified the design of universal firmware that could work across different flash vendors.
For in-system programming and erasure, the chip utilizes a 12V VPP voltage supplied to a dedicated pin. This allows for fast programming and sector erasure while the device is mounted on the circuit board, streamlining the manufacturing and field update processes.
Applications and Legacy
The TE28F160S570 was a workhorse in a vast array of late-1990s and early-2000s electronics. Its primary applications included:
Networking Equipment: Storing firmware in routers, switches, and hubs.
Telecommunications Systems: Holding code for cellular base stations and other critical infrastructure.
Automotive Electronics: Powering engine control units (ECUs) and infotainment systems where reliability was paramount.
Set-Top Boxes and Modems: Serving as the foundational storage for the device's operating software.
While surpassed in density and cost-effectiveness by NAND Flash for mass storage, the legacy of the TE28F160S570 and its siblings is profound. They established design patterns for reliable firmware storage that are still relevant today. Their robust feature set, including block locking and fast read performance, set a high standard for the embedded industry.
ICGOOODFIND
The Intel TE28F160S570 is a quintessential example of a highly integrated, reliable NOR Flash memory solution. Its asymmetrical block architecture, support for 3.3V operation, 70ns high-speed access, and CFI compliance made it a versatile and trusted component for a generation of embedded systems designers. It represents a critical period in the evolution of non-volatile memory, bridging the gap between older EPROM technology and the modern flash landscape.
Keywords:
1. NOR Flash Memory
2. Execute-in-Place (XIP)
3. Boot Block Architecture
4. Common Flash Interface (CFI)
5. 3.3V Supply Voltage
