28F001BX-T/28F001BX-B
Reprogrammable environments, such as the per-
sonal computer, are ideal applications for the
28F001BX. The internal state machine provides
SRAM-like timings for program and erasure, using
the Command and Status Registers. The blocking
scheme allows BIOS update in the main and param-
eter blocks, while still providing recovery code in the
boot block in the unlikely event a power failure oc-
curs during an update, or where BIOS code is cor-
rupted. Parameter blocks also provide convenient
configuration storage, backing up SRAM and battery
configurations. EISA systems, for example, can
store hardware configurations in a flash parameter
block, reducing system SRAM.
Laptop BIOSs are becoming increasingly complex
with the addition of power management software
and extended system setup screens. BIOS code
complexity increases the potential for code updates
after the sale, but the compactness of laptop de-
signs makes hardware updates very costly. Boot
block flash memory provides an inexpensive update
solution for laptops, while reducing laptop obsoles-
cence. For portable PCs and hand-held equipment,
the deep powerdown mode dramatically lowers sys-
tem power requirements during periods of slow op-
eration or sleep modes.
The 28F001BX gives the embedded system design-
er several desired features. The internal state ma-
chine reduces the size of external code dedicated to
the erase and program algorithms, as well as freeing
the microcontroller or microprocessor to respond to
other system requests during program and erasure.
The four blocks allow logical segmentation of the
entire embedded software: the 8-KByte block for the
boot code, the 112-KByte block for the main pro-
gram code and the two 4-KByte blocks for updatable
parametric data storage, diagnostic messages and
data, or extensions of either the boot code or pro-
gram code. The boot block is hardware protected
against unauthorized write or erase of its vital code
in the field. Further, the powerdown mode also locks
out erase or write operations, providing absolute
data protection during system powerup or power
loss. This hardware protection provides obvious ad-
vantages for safety related applications such as
transportation, military, and medical. The 28F001BX
is well suited for minimum-chip embedded applica-
tions ranging from communications to automotive.
290406–5
Figure 5. 28F001BX-T in a 80C188 System
290406–6
Figure 6. 28F001BX-B in a 80C51 System
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