Intel DT28F160S570 16Mbit Flash Memory: A Deep Dive into Specifications and Applications
In the landscape of non-volatile memory solutions, Intel's DT28F160S570 stands as a significant component from the era when parallel NOR Flash was the cornerstone of firmware storage. This 16-megabit (2MB) memory device, organized as 2M x 8 bits or 1M x 16 bits, was engineered for high-performance, reliable code storage in a wide array of computing and embedded systems.
Architectural and Operational Specifications
The DT28F160S570 is built on a symmetric memory array architecture, which simplifies design by allowing uniform erase and programming operations across all sectors. This 16Mbit chip is divided into thirty-two 64-Kbyte sectors, providing flexible sector erase capabilities—a critical feature for storing and updating boot code, operating system kernels, and application firmware without needing to rewrite the entire memory contents.
A key characteristic of this device is its 5.0 Volt single power supply operation for read, erase, and program functions. This simplified power requirement made it a convenient choice for systems already operating on standard 5V logic. Its access time is rated at a swift 70ns, enabling efficient zero-wait-state operation with many contemporary microprocessors and microcontrollers of its time, such as the Intel 1960 or early ARM cores.
The device supports a standard JEDEC-approved pinout, ensuring a high degree of compatibility with other memories in its class and simplifying board design. For in-system programming and erase, it utilizes a command-driven protocol where specific write sequences to the command interface initiate internal algorithms, automating the complex processes of programming and erasure.
Enduring Applications and Use Cases
The primary strength of the DT28F160S570 lay in its reliability and speed, making it a preferred choice in applications where data integrity was non-negotiable.
Embedded Systems: It was extensively used as firmware storage (boot ROM) in networking equipment (routers, switches), telecommunications infrastructure, and industrial control systems. Its ability to execute code directly (XIP) from the memory array was a major advantage for fast system startup.
Automotive Electronics: In early automotive engine control units (ECUs) and infotainment systems, this Flash memory provided the necessary durability and temperature tolerance to store critical operating parameters and application code.
Computer Peripherals: Devices like printers, scanners, and hard disk drives utilized it to hold their internal firmware, allowing for potential field upgrades.
Military and Aerospace: Its reliability and ability to operate over a wide industrial temperature range made it suitable for use in demanding environments where mission-critical code needed to be permanently and securely stored.
ICGOODFIND: The Intel DT28F160S570 exemplifies the critical role parallel NOR Flash played in the evolution of modern electronics. While largely superseded by higher-density, lower-voltage, and serial-interface memories like SPI NOR and NAND Flash today, its design principles of speed, reliability, and direct code execution set the standard for future memory innovations. It remains a testament to an era of design that prioritized robust performance for critical embedded applications.
Keywords: NOR Flash Memory, Firmware Storage, Embedded Systems, XIP (Execute-In-Place), Sector Erase Architecture.
