Cypress’ High Performance Low Power NOR Flash Solves Your IoT Memory Problems

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a global ecosystem of various types of devices with embedded electronics connected to each other via the Internet. With more sensors connected to the environment the amount of data gathered at the IoT edge nodes is growing. This drives the need for high performance processors that are capable of real-time decision making. These processors depend on reliable, secure and high-performance non-volatile memory (NVM) for storing critical data and application code.

Several factors to consider when choosing an external non-volatile memory are:

• Power Consumption. IoT devices are likely to be battery powered and hence it is important to choose a memory with low power consumption.
• Size. One of the critical requirements for IoT applications is to design a small form factor product that is robust and aesthetic. This requires memories with a simple interface like Quad SPI or HyperBus^TM in a small package footprint (USON, 8-SOIC, 24-BGA) that meets the performance requirements.  
• Reliability. Some applications, such as industrial and automotive applications, require operation under extreme conditions. Therefore, it is critical to select memories that are proven to work at extreme temperatures (125C) and provide data retention for 20 years.
• Fast Read. Many high performance applications require fast startup time. For this reason, the memory should offer high read bandwidth which can support code execution in place (XIP) for instant-on applications.
• Secure Access. Some applications involve sensitive data that must be protected against unauthorized access and unintended modification. The memory used in such applications need to offer security features that can prevent memory corruption from unauthorized access.

Cypress addresses loT design memory problems through its extensive portfolio of NOR Flash Memory products. Cypress’ portfolio of 1.8V and 3.0V Flash memory devices come in densities of 64Mb to 2Gb, are AEC-Q100 compliant, and support a temperature range of -40°C to 125°C. High read bandwidth and fast program and erase times makes them ideal for high-performance applications, while their low pin count and small packages enable simplified layout and board design. Low power consumption of Cypress NOR Flash Memory products helps provide long-life for battery powered devices. Cypress’ NOR Flash memory products offer various data protection schemes, such as password protection and array protection, which enable secure access and data storage.

Cypress NOR Flash Memory Products are the ideal solution for code and data storage in IoT designs

• Simple interface and low-pin-count = Small footprint
• Low power consumption = Ideal for battery powered applications
• Long data retention and internal ECC = High-reliability
• 100K Program/Erase cycles = High data integrity
• High read bandwidth and various read burst lengths = Ideal for high-performance applications
• Extended temperature = Operating temperature range of -40°C to 125 °C
• Multiple data protection schemes = Secure access and data storage

Cypress' NOR Flash is available for purchase NOW from RS-Components.

For more information on Cypress’ NOR Flash products please refer to the table below.

Authors from Cypress:

Tony Cussary, Senior Staff Product Marketing Engineer 

Navid Akhavantafti, Senior Product Marketing Engineer 

Sandeep Krishnegowda, Director of Product Marketing