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Serial Code Storage

Parallel Flash memories have 22 to 44 address, data and control pins that allow code to be executed directly from a processor. Most standard processors and microcontrollers must boot from a parallel memory making Parallel Flash a necessity for these systems.

System-on-a-chip ASIC controllers, however, can realize significant benefits if designed to boot from a four-pin spiFlash memory. Upon power-up, code is transferred from the 4-pin spiFlash serial memory to internal or external RAM using a single read command. Code is then executed from higher performance parallel RAM. Code segments can also be transferred dynamically as needed after power-up. Systems that accommodate this technique can realize significant benefits:

  • Controller pins are reduced or used for other purposes
  • PCBs are smaller and simpler
  • Code can be compressed for greater storage
  • Performance is increased using faster RAM
  • Capacitive loading is decreased (for external RAM)
  • Transient switching noise reduced
  • Power consumption is less
  • Overall system costs are lower
  
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