Cypress architects Semper NOR flash family with Arm Cortex-M0
Believed to be the first NOR flash device to bring trusted intelligence to automotive and industrial applications, Cypress Semiconductor has announced it has embedded compute capabilities into its next-generation Semper memory platform.
The Semper family includes Cypress’ EnduraFlex architecture, which uses the Arm core to independently optimise the memory array for frequent data writing or for long data retention. The family also supports instant-on applications with up to 400Mbytes per second of read bandwidth.
It is designed to address the need for trusted intelligence and fail-safe storage in applications such as advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and smart factories, the platform includes standardised intellectual property (IP) that can be reconfigured quickly to address emerging applications.
Cypress’ Semper NOR flash family is architected with an Arm Cortex-M0 processor to meet industry standards for building fail-safe embedded automotive systems, says the company. It also provides reliable, high-endurance data retention at extreme operating temperatures common in automotive and industrial applications, says the company.
Self-driving cars and factory equipment handling costly materials require smarter system memory that is long-lasting, dependable and designed for functional safety compliance, explains Cypress. Its Semper devices were designed to achieve the ISO 26262 functional safety standard using the Cortex-M0 processor to enable safe boot, processing of complex embedded algorithms, and functional safety diagnostics.
The Semper Flash family includes AEC-Q100 automotive-qualified devices with densities up to 4Gbit and an extended temperature range of -40 to +125 degree C. The EnduraFlex architecture simplifies system design by enabling a Semper Flash device to be divided into multiple partitions. For frequent data writes, a partition can be configured to deliver up to 2.56 million cycles for 1Gbit parts, while for code and configuration storage, a partition can be configured to retain data for 25 years.
Cypress provides embedded system, microcontrollers, wireless and USB-based connectivity solutions, analogue ICs and memories for automotive, industrial, smart home appliances, consumer electronics and medical products.
