STMicroelectronics Claims Memory Density Record with 2-Mbit Serial EEPROM

The M95M02 provides ultra-high-density storage in the same package outline as lower density alternatives. It also has the same connections and an industry-standard SPI high-speed serial interface, allowing use as a direct replacement or upgrade in established system designs. It can be operated at voltages as low as 1.8V and has a standby mode drawing less than 5uA, making it ideal for use in low-power or battery-operated equipment. Additionally, the SPI interface enables fast communication at up to 5MHz at 2.5V. A second new 2-Mbit device, the M24M02, communicates via an industry-standard I2C high-speed interface, operating up to 1MHz.

Thanks to ST’s advanced proprietary EEPROM process technology, both devices are available in the cost-effective SO8N package, allowing full footprint compatibility with lower equivalent memory densities. Both devices also offer an additional page, named the Identification Page (256 bytes), which can be written and, later, permanently locked in read-only mode. This Identification Page offers flexibility in the application board production line, as it can be used to store unique identification parameters, and/or parameters specific to the production process.

These two new serial ICs join ST’s established EEPROM portfolio, which includes the M95 series (SPI) and M24 series (I2C) offering densities from 1-kbit to 1-Mbit. The 2-Mbit density M95M02 and M24M02 in the SO8N package are sampling now to lead customers, and will be orderable from April 2011 at $1.80 for 1000 units. Alternative pricing options are available for larger quantities.