Infineon Technologies CY15B016Q-SXA

Overview

CY15B016Q-SXA from Cypress Semiconductor is a 16-Kbit (2K × 8) serial SPI F-RAM nonvolatile memory with automotive-grade qualification (–40 °C to +85 °C), 20 MHz max SPI clock, NoDelay™ write capability, and 10¹⁴ read/write endurance. It serves as a hardware-compatible replacement for serial EEPROM/flash in data-logging and real-time control systems where rapid, reliable nonvolatile writes are critical.

For engineers reviewing the CY15B016Q-SXA datasheet, CY15B016Q-SXA pinout, CY15B016Q-SXA application, or CY15B016Q-SXA equivalent, key selection criteria include guaranteed automotive temperature operation, zero-write-latency behavior, SPI mode 0/3 compatibility, WP/HOLD pin functionality, and 2.7–3.6 V supply range - all verified per Document Number 002-10216 Rev. *B.

Technical Context

The CY15B016Q-SXA implements ferroelectric memory technology enabling true RAM-like write performance without erase cycles or write delays. Its internal architecture includes an 11-bit address decoder, 8-bit status register with WPEN and block protection bits, and dedicated hardware write-protection logic tied to the WP pin.

It operates as a synchronous SPI slave supporting modes 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1), with data latched on SCK rising edge and output on falling edge. All instructions begin with a falling edge on CS, and the device ignores SI when CS is HIGH or during HOLD assertion.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

8-pin Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC) package with standard 150-mil body width and gull-wing leads.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with AT25DF041A-SSH-T and BR24G16FJ-WE2, the CY15B016Q-SXA uniquely delivers simultaneous high speed (20 MHz), extreme endurance (10¹⁴ cycles), and automotive qualification - making it the sole choice for real-time, mission-critical nonvolatile data buffering.

Availability

CY15B016Q-SXA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive telematics, engine control units, and industrial PLC modules requiring stable component supply under AEC-Q100-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for CY15B016Q-SXA 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 emphasis on memory, PSoC, and connectivity products.

The CY15B016Q-SXA belongs to Cypress's automotive-qualified F-RAM product line, engineered specifically to replace serial EEPROM and flash in applications demanding ultra-high write endurance, zero-latency writes, and extended data retention under harsh environmental conditions.

FAQ

Is CY15B016Q-SXA pin-compatible with standard 8-pin SOIC SPI EEPROMs?

Yes - it uses identical 8-pin SOIC footprint and SPI signal mapping (CS, SCK, SI, SO, WP, HOLD, VDD, VSS). No PCB redesign is needed when replacing devices like the AT25040 or M95040, though firmware must disable EEPROM-specific polling sequences due to NoDelay™ writes.

Does CY15B016Q-SXA require external high-voltage programming circuitry?

No - unlike EEPROM or flash, it performs writes at standard VDD (2.7–3.6 V) with no charge pump or elevated voltage generation. All operations execute using only the core supply, simplifying power design and reducing EMI risk in sensitive analog subsystems.

How does the HOLD pin behave during an active write operation?

When HOLD is pulled LOW during a write, the device suspends the current transaction mid-byte and tri-states SO. SCK and CS are ignored until HOLD returns HIGH, then the operation resumes from the exact bit position - preserving data integrity without restart overhead or address loss.

Can CY15B016Q-SXA be used in SPI Mode 1 or Mode 2?

No - it only supports SPI Mode 0 (CPOL=0, CPHA=0) and Mode 3 (CPOL=1, CPHA=1). Attempting Mode 1 or 2 results in incorrect sampling of SI or invalid SO timing; configuration must match one of these two modes per the datasheet timing diagrams on pages 5–6.