• W25Q16 SpiFlash Memory Offers Single, Dual, Quad I/Os in Space-Saving 8-Pin Package
• 320Mhz-Equivalent Clock Rate Gives More than 6X Performance Boost
• Cost-Effective, Code-Execution Alternative to Parallel NOR Flash

Winbond Electronics Corporation announced at the Flash Memory Summit the industry’s first Serial Flash memory with Quad-SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface).  The W25Q16 16-megabit SpiFlash® Memory is the first in a family of high-performance memories ranging from 8 to 64 megabits, and features single, dual and quad I/Os in space- and cost-saving 8-pin packaging.  The W25Q16’s Quad-SPI architecture allows for greater than six times the performance of the current generation of Serial Flash memories and offers a true code-execution (XIP) alternative to Parallel-NOR Flash.

Prior to the introduction of the W25Q family, Serial Flash memories were used primarily for simple non-volatile storage of code that is downloaded to SDRAM at power-up (code-shadowing).  With Quad-SPI performance, application-specific controllers can now execute code directly from Serial Flash, minimizing pin-count and SDRAM usage, and significantly reducing system costs. Quad–SPI can also dramatically improve boot time for traditional code-shadow applications. The W25Q16 is ideal for a variety of consumer and industrial applications, including Blu-Ray™ Disc systems, DVD-HD and DVD-W drives, DVD players/recorders, WLAN and DSL equipment, PCs, digital-TV and set-top-boxes, printers, Bluetooth-based products, and FPGAs.

The complete press release, with some more details, can be found at Winbond.