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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