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3.0 Volt-only Technology Background
AMD’s 3.0 volt-only Flash devices read, program, and erase at a V
CC
 as low as 2.7 volts, 
using a single-power-supply pin, whereas so-called “3 volt” mixed-voltage, Flash devices read 
at 3.0 volts, but require either 5.0 V or 12.0 V to program and erase. Generating an additional 
voltage involves using another power supply or a DC/DC converter. With AMD’s single- 
power-supply Flash devices, battery-powered applications require only a single power supply 
to accomplish in-system reprogrammability. Eliminating the need for the additional power 
supply or converter conserves power and provides system-level cost savings. 
Optimized for Battery-Powered Applications
AMD’s 3.0 volt-only design is optimized for battery-powered systems. To provide 
performance equivalent to 5.0 volt devices and lower power consumption, the 3.0 volt-only 
devices are designed to interface with 2.7–3.6 volt levels only. Although some systems 
designers may desire 3.0 volt-only devices that can interface with 5.0 volt levels, providing 
this capability requires additional circuitry, which adds cost and extracts a performance 
penalty.
Some systems have both 5.0 volt and 3.0 volt components that share the same data bus. 
System designers can still use AMD’s 3.0 volt-only devices this type of design, but voltage 
translators must be used to buffer the devices from electrical over-stresses associated with 3.0 
volt devices sharing the same data bus with 5.0 volt devices.
2.7-3.6 Volt Extended Operating Range
The operating range normally associated with “3 volt” Flash devices is 3.3 
+
 0.3 V. AMD’s 
3.0 volt-only family of Flash devices have an operating range of 2.7 V to 3.6 V, which is ideal 
for battery-powered systems. This extended range allows portable systems to operate longer 
between battery replacement or recharging cycles.
AMD’s devices also operate over an extended temperature range, which is important in many 
battery-powered portable applications.
Low Power Consumption
AMD’s 3.0 volt-only devices operate with very low power consumption, while still providing 
performance equal to AMD’s 5.0 volt-only Flash devices. AMD’s 3.0 volt-only devices 
provide power savings in both the active as well as the inactive states.
In AMD’s 3.0 volt-only device active modes (read, program, and erase operations), the 
reduction in power consumption versus a 5.0 volt device totals approximately 60 percent. The