16-07-2019 | Microchip Technology | Semiconductors
Microchip has introduced the SST26VF Serial Quad I/O (SQI) 3V Flash family, claimed to be the industry’s first NOR Flash devices offering integrated MAC address options. Pre-programmed with EUI-48 and EUI-64 addresses, there is no minimum order condition for these devices, giving cost-effective, plug-and-play storage solutions for connected applications that use Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, IEEE 802.15.4 and FireWire.
This family of flexible MAC address chips assist designers in saving time and costs while expediting time to market for low- to mid-sized volume production. MAC address options are offered at Flash densities of 16Mb, 32Mb and 64Mb.
The fast growth of the IoT means that embedded system designers must source, programme and serialise MAC addresses from the IEEE-RA for all connected products. Only sold from the IEEE-RA in blocks ranging from 4,000 to 16 million, small-to medium-size businesses have to pay higher costs for low-volume services. The family help to remove the requirement for companies to self-procure and maintain these unique identifiers from the IEEE-RA.
Both the pre-programmed EUI-48 and EUI-64 node addresses consist of an OUI and an EI. While the OUI is bought from the IEEE by individual companies, the EI is assigned and managed through each company by creating a unique EI into every product, thereby securing a globally unique EUI node address for every device used or shipped.
Integrated with the company's proprietary SuperFlash technology, the family provides high endurance, low operating currents and low power draw, making these devices excellent for industrial and consumer cloud-connected applications, such as smart hubs for homes, smart home appliances, factory automation, building control equipment, security and surveillance equipment.
The company also offers pre-programming services for customer firmware.
