NOR flash device features pre-programmed MAC addresses

By Majeed Ahmad, contributing writer

Microchip Technology Inc. has released pre-programmed storage devices for the internet of things (IoT) designs that use Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.15.4, and FireWire connectivity platforms. The SST26VF  family of NOR flash devices offers media access control (MAC) addresses that IoT developers would otherwise need to source from the IEEE-Registration Authority (RA), and then program and serialize for connected products.

Claimed as the first NOR flash devices to offer integrated MAC address, the SST26VF Serial Quad I/O 3-V flash family comes pre-programmed with EUI-48 and EUI-64 addresses that each comprise an Organizational Unique Identifier (OUI) and an Extension Identifier (EI). While individual companies purchase the OUI from the IEEE, the EI is assigned and managed through each company by building a unique EI into every product. That is to ensure a globally unique Extended Unique Identifier (EUI) node address for every device.

Microchip’s SST26VF family of chips come with uniquely pre-programmed EUI-48 addresses and compatible EUI-64 addresses, which eliminates the need to procure and manage these unique identifiers from the IEEE-RA. And that turns these chips into plug-and-play storage devices for connectivity applications.

The SST26VF family — comprising the SST26VF064BEUI, SST26VF032BEUI, and SST26VF016BEUI devices — features a six-wire, 4-bit I/O interface to facilitate low-power designs. Microchip also claims that the use of the company’s SuperFlash technology leads to high endurance, low operating currents, and low power draw. The devices do not have a minimum order requirement, and MAC address options are available for 16-Mb, 32-Mb and 64-Mb flash densities.

That makes the SST26VF chips suitable for cloud-connected applications such as smart hubs for homes, smart home appliances, building control equipment, factory automation, and security and surveillance. Available in 8-pin SOIC and 8-contact WSON packages, the SST26VF064BEUI is priced at $2.37, the SST26VF032BEUI is available for $1.46 and the SST26VF016BEUI is priced at $1.13, each in 10,000-unit quantities.