Hyperstone has introduced the F4 family of flash memory controllers. Targeting applications such as CFC (compact flash cards), SSD (solid state disks), IDE DoM (disk-on-modules), MCP (multi-chip-package) and embedded flash or disk-on-board, the controllers along with the firmware provides high reliability, endurance and rigorous fail-safe features for all SLC (single level cell) and many MLC (multi level cell) based flash memory solutions. Based on the company's 32bit RISC core including the instruction set extensions that are optimised for flash handling, this flash memory controller is fully compliant with CompactFlash 3.0 and is compatible with 4.1 specifications.
The product offers fast ATA supporting PIO mode 6, MDMA mode 4 and UDMA mode 4 in true-IDE mode. UDMA 5 is possible in fixed board implementations. The memory controller features a sustained read up to 50Mbyte/s and random read up to 40Mbyte/s. The sustained write exceeds 40Mbyte/s with interleaving and random write up to 9Mbyte/s. There are two DFA (direct flash access) channels with sector buffers and interleaving capability. The controller has an ECC (error correcting code) that is capable of correcting 4 symbols in a 512byte sector with additional CRC. The data transfer rate to flash memories is up to 80Mbyte/s. The host data transfer rate in UDMA mode 4 is up to 66Mbyte/s and in PIO mode 6 or MDMA mode 4 it is up to 25Mbyte/s. Custom optimisations for specified file sizes are possible. As firmware is stored in the flash memory, all future flashes can be supported by simple firmware upgrades. The product features a built-in voltage regulator and detector, thereby reducing the bill of material to a few additional capacitors and resistors. The memory controller features an automatic power-down during wait periods. This enables power savings, including automatic wake-up and sleep mode with Icc less than 250μA.
The controller provides safe power-fail handling, error detection and correction and advanced static wear levelling, thus satisfying the demanding requirements regarding data traffic and power fail situations. The company offers the ASSP including firmware, manufacturing kit, test and development hardware, as well as reference schematics.
