The Intel PH28F160C3TD70 16-Megabit (2M x 8) C3 Flash Memory Chip: A Technical Overview

In the landscape of non-volatile memory solutions, Intel's PH28F160C3TD70 stands as a significant milestone. This 16-megabit flash memory chip, organized as 2 megabits by 8, represents the advanced C3 technology generation, offering a blend of performance, reliability, and architectural refinement that cemented its role in numerous embedded systems of its era.

Fabricated with Intel's proprietary 0.25-micron ETOX™ VIII (Embedded Tunnel Oxide) process technology, the PH28F160C3TD70 is built for robustness and endurance. This process enables a minimum of 100,000 write/erase cycles per sector, a critical specification for applications involving frequent data updates. Data retention is rated at an impressive 20 years, ensuring long-term integrity of stored code or data.

A key feature of this device is its asymmetrically-blocked architecture. The 16 Mbit array is divided into multiple erase blocks: one 16-Kbyte parameter block, two 8-Kbyte parameter blocks, and one main block divided into thirty-one 64-Kbyte uniform sectors. This flexible partitioning is ideal for storing boot code, application firmware, and configuration parameters in distinct, protected regions.

The chip operates on a single 3.3-volt power supply (VCC) for all read, program, and erase operations, making it a low-power solution suitable for portable and battery-powered devices. Its command-set compatibility with the JEDEC standard ensures easy integration and software portability across different system designs. While it offers a fast 70ns initial access time for random reads, its write performance is enhanced through an internal write state machine. This intelligent feature automates the algorithm for programming and erasure, significantly reducing the complexity of the host processor's firmware by managing all timing pulses and verification operations internally.

The PH28F160C3TD70 also incorporates several data protection mechanisms. These include a hardware-based write protection pin (`WP`) that guards against accidental writes and a programmable block locking feature for permanent data protection.

ICGOOODFIND: The Intel PH28F160C3TD70 is a quintessential example of mature NOR flash technology, balancing high density, exceptional endurance, and intelligent integration. Its sector architecture and hardware protection features made it a versatile and reliable choice for a wide range of applications, from networking equipment and set-top boxes to industrial control systems.

Keywords:

1. Non-Volatile Memory

2. Asymmetrical Block Architecture

3. Write/Erase Endurance

4. ETOX™ Process

5. Hardware Write Protection