Intel TE28F160C3BA90: A Deep Dive into the 16Mb Flash Memory Chip
In the landscape of digital memory, Intel's TE28F160C3BA90 stands as a significant milestone from the era when NOR Flash was the dominant technology for code storage and execution. This 16-megabit (2MB) chip, a member of Intel's renowned Advanced+ Boot Block family, was engineered for high-performance, reliable operation in a wide array of embedded systems, from networking equipment and set-top boxes to automotive electronics.
At its core, the TE28F160C3BA90 is organized as 2,097,152 words x 8 bits or 1,048,576 words x 16 bits, providing designers with critical flexibility for interfacing with both 8-bit and 16-bit microprocessors. This dual data width capability was a key feature, enabling efficient system design and memory utilization. Its architecture is based on the innovative Boot Block design, which partitions the memory array into multiple independently erasable blocks. This includes smaller, protected boot blocks at the top or bottom of the address space, crucial for storing and safeguarding the primary system boot code, and larger parameter and main blocks for storing the operating system and application data.
Performance-wise, this chip was a workhorse. It offered fast read access times as low as 90ns, allowing processors to fetch and execute code directly from the flash memory (execute-in-place, or XIP) without the need for slower shadowing in RAM. For write operations, it utilized an intelligent 12V VPP write and erase voltage, managed through a command-driven interface. This interface allowed the host system to issue standardized commands for erasing blocks or programming data, a significant improvement over the earlier, more complex programming algorithms.
A critical aspect of its design was robust data integrity and protection. The chip incorporated several hardware and software features to prevent accidental corruption. This included a hardware-based write protection that could be activated by asserting the `WP` pin, effectively locking down the boot blocks. Furthermore, software command lockation features added another layer of security, ensuring that stored firmware remained intact even in the event of system noise or software malfunctions.
Fabricated on Intel's advanced ETOX™ II (EPROM Tunnel Oxide) process technology, the TE28F160C3BA90 represented a blend of density, performance, and reliability that powered a generation of electronic devices. Its legacy lies in its role as a dependable, high-performance solution for firmware storage, embodying the engineering principles that made NOR Flash indispensable.
ICGOODFIND: The Intel TE28F160C3BA90 is a classic example of highly optimized NOR Flash memory. Its enduring value for engineers and collectors alike stems from its flexible x8/x16 organization, superior Boot Block architecture for code protection, and high-reliability features that ensured the stability of countless embedded systems. It remains a benchmark for understanding the evolution of non-volatile memory technology.
Keywords: NOR Flash Memory, Boot Block Architecture, Execute-in-Place (XIP), Intel Advanced+ Boot Block, Non-Volatile Storage
