HOUSTON — BPM Microsystems announces that its Flashstream technology, which was first introduced in August 2007, has undergone many improvements since its original release.
Major improvements have been realized in the most important and changing aspects of flash memory technology, which is size and speed. With regard to size, Flashstream will support memories up to 32 Gigabit by the end of 2008, and will be hardware upgradeable as future device densities become reality in the marketplace. Speed of the Flashstream technology also has incorporated utilization of cache-programming modes in select devices that has pushed the top speed of the Flashstream on NAND memory to an amazing 8.23 Megabytes per second data transfer during programming.
In addition to the new size, Flashstream technology continues to incorporate new technologies in flash memory. Flashstream now supports MLC (Multi-Level Cell) flash memory utilizing a proprietary bit error rate tolerance method to support the unique requirements of this NAND technology without additional overhead. In addition, managed NAND architecture like eSD/eMMC such as Samsung MoviNAND, Micron e-MMC, and Sandisk iNAND are now also supported. Consequently, Flashstream is currently the only mass programming solution on the market for the Samsung MoviNAND family of devices. Also, Flashstream’s Vector Engine has been enhanced to achieve maximum performance with address-data multiplexed (A/D MUX) NOR devices, which are increasingly gaining design wins in mobile phones and other portable devices.
Several software improvements have made the Flashstream the easiest production-ready solution for flash memory. Bad block management options in the BPWin software that runs the Flashstream have been enhanced to the point that more than 90 percent of “standard” bad block management schemes can be addressed without the need for customization by BPM. Bad block parameters can be permanently recorded to the master-programming file and transferred to manufacturing facilities around the world with the same success that was achieved during original setup. This feature keeps bad block management consistent from conception to through manufacturing. The standard bad block tool set is included with the purchase of Flashstream programmers. Application of a unique serial number embedded during the programming cycle is an important tracking tool during manufacturing. Serialization of both simple and complex schemes is accomplished with the Flashstream on each individual socket in one programming pass.
Programming flash memory in volume to keep pace with the manufacturing process has always been difficult. First released in only the manual 2800F version, Flashstream technology is now available in multiple automated handling systems with throughputs up to 1100 devices per. The 3000FS is equipped with four Flashstream sites for the highest throughput while the smaller and lower cost Helix desktop handler contains two Flashstream programming sites. The Helix system has the ability to utilize two Flashstream sites or two universal programming sites for maximum flexibility.
Flashstream technology continues to gain acceptance with requests for new flash memory devices from real customers. Flashstream has literally turned minutes into seconds in regards to the programming of flash memory for many of its users. More than 800 NAND, NOR and EEPROM memory devices from 12 different manufacturers are now supported. BPM Microsystems has the ability to support a new device on any of its programming equipment in one week once samples and specifications are provided.
With ever increasing flash memory densities and designers eager to provide new applications to fill this memory, Flashstream is the right tool for production runs of electronic products with embedded flash memory.
