Cypress Semiconductor Corp CY15B004Q-SXE

Overview

CY15B004Q-SXE from Cypress Semiconductor is a 4-Kbit (512 × 8) serial SPI F-RAM nonvolatile memory IC designed for automotive-A applications. It delivers NoDelay™ writes, 10¹⁴ read/write endurance, 151-year data retention, and operates at up to 20 MHz SPI clock speed across –40 °C to +85 °C. It serves as a hardware drop-in replacement for serial EEPROM/flash in real-time data logging systems.

For engineers reviewing the CY15B004Q-SXE datasheet, CY15B004Q-SXE pinout, CY15B004Q-SXE application, or CY15B004Q-SXE equivalent, key selection criteria include write-speed-critical nonvolatile storage, automotive temperature compliance, SPI mode 0/3 interoperability, and hardware/software write protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array).

Technical Context

The CY15B004Q-SXE implements a ferroelectric memory array with zero-latency write architecture-data commits immediately after each byte transfer without polling or internal write cycles. Its SPI interface supports dual modes (0 and 3), with inputs latched on SCK rising edge and outputs driven on falling edge.

It integrates a 2-bit nonvolatile status register controlling write enable latch (WEL) and block protection bits, alongside dedicated hardware pins (WP, HOLD) for deterministic write inhibition and transaction suspension. The device lacks internal power management beyond POR, requiring strict VDD regulation between 2.7 V and 3.6 V.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin SOIC (Small Outline Integrated Circuit) package with standard 150-mil width and gull-wing leads; RoHS-compliant, surface-mountable, and compatible with automated reflow profiles per J-STD-020.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial nonvolatile memory applications.

Compared with FM25V04-G and AT25DF041A-SSH-T, CY15B004Q-SXE uniquely combines automotive temperature compliance, true zero-latency writes, and 10¹⁴ endurance-making it the sole choice for safety-critical, high-write-frequency automotive data recorders.

Availability

CY15B004Q-SXE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for telematics event logging, ADAS sensor calibration storage, and EV battery management system logs requiring stable component supply across extended automotive production lifecycles.

Supply support for CY15B004Q-SXE includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Cypress Semiconductor (now part of Infineon Technologies) designs high-reliability semiconductor solutions for automotive, industrial, and IoT applications, with expertise in nonvolatile memory and programmable systems.

The CY15B004Q-SXE belongs to Cypress's automotive-qualified F-RAM product line, engineered specifically to replace serial flash and EEPROM in write-intensive, mission-critical automotive subsystems where latency, endurance, and temperature resilience are non-negotiable.

FAQ

What is the function of the HOLD pin on CY15B004Q-SXE?

The HOLD pin suspends ongoing SPI transactions (read or write) when pulled LOW while SCK is LOW, allowing the host MCU to temporarily halt memory access without losing byte alignment or corrupting the internal address counter. It resumes automatically on the next SCK edge after HOLD returns HIGH, preserving full transaction integrity across CPU context switches.

Does CY15B004Q-SXE require special initialization before first use?

No initialization is required. The device powers up with Write Enable Latch (WEL) cleared and Status Register default values loaded. However, the errata note warns that WEL does not auto-clear after writes to addresses 0x100–0x1FF; firmware must explicitly issue WRDI after such operations to restore write protection state.

Can CY15B004Q-SXE be used with 5 V microcontrollers?

No. CY15B004Q-SXE is strictly a 2.7–3.6 V device. Direct connection to 5 V I/O violates absolute maximum ratings and risks permanent damage. Level-shifting circuitry (e.g., TXS0102 or discrete MOSFET translators) is mandatory for interfacing with 5 V SPI masters.

How does the WP pin interact with software write protection?

WP is dominant: when LOW, it overrides all software-based protections (status register block locks and WEL state), disabling all writes including status register modification. When HIGH, software protection settings apply normally-allowing selective locking of memory regions while permitting writes elsewhere.