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Intel StrataFlash Wireless Memory (L18)
Intel StrataFlash Wireless Memory (L18) with A/D-Multiplexed I/O
Datasheet
July 2006
54
Order Number: 313295-002US
If an attempt is made to program past an erase-block boundary using the Buffered
Program command, the device aborts the operation. This generates a command
sequence error, and Status Register bits SR[5,4] are set.
If Buffered programming is attempted while VPP is below VPPLK, Status Register bits
SR[4,3] are set. If any errors are detected that have set Status Register bits, the
Status Register should be cleared using the Clear Status Register command.
11.3
Buffered Enhanced Factory Programming
Buffered Enhanced Factory Programing (Buffered EFP) speeds up Multi-Level Cell (MLC)
flash programming for today's beat-rate-sensitive manufacturing environments. The
enhanced programming algorithm used in Buffered EFP eliminates traditional
programming elements that drive up overhead in device programmer systems.
Buffered EFP consists of three phases: Setup, Program/Verify, and Exit (see
Figure 34,performance across 32 data words. Verification occurs in the same phase as
programming to accurately program the flash memory cell to the correct bit state.
A single command sequence is used to program a block of data. This enhancement
eliminates three write cycles per buffer: two commands and the word count for each
set of 32 data words. Host programmer bus cycles fill the device’s write buffer followed
by a status check. SR[0] indicates when data from the buffer has been programmed
into sequential flash memory array locations.
Following the buffer-to-flash array programming sequence, the Write State Machine
(WSM) increments internal addressing to automatically select the next 32-word array
boundary. This aspect of Buffered EFP saves host programming equipment the address-
bus setup overhead.
With adequate continuity testing, programming equipment can rely on the WSM’s
internal verification to ensure that the device has programmed properly. This eliminates
the external post-program verification and its associated overhead.
11.3.1
Buffered EFP Requirements and Considerations
Buffered EFP requirements:
Ambient temperature: TC = 25°C, ±5°C
VCC within specified operating range.
VPP driven to VPPH.
Target block unlocked before issuing the Buffered EFP Setup and Confirm commands.
The first-word address (WA0) for the block to be programmed must be held constant from the
setup phase through all data streaming into the target block, until transition to the exit phase is
desired.
WA0 must align with the start of an array buffer boundary1.
Buffered EFP considerations:
For optimum performance, cycling must be limited below 100 erase cycles per block2.
Buffered EFP programs one block at a time; all buffer data must fall within a single block
3.
Buffered EFP cannot be suspended.
Programming to the flash memory array can occur only when the buffer is full
4.