Infineon Technologies CY15B116QI-20BKXC

Overview

CY15B116QI-20BKXC from Infineon Technologies (formerly Cypress) is a 16-Mbit serial SPI F-RAM organized as 2048K × 8, operating at 1.8–3.6 V with 20 MHz max clock speed. It delivers NoDelay™ writes, 10¹⁵ read/write endurance, and 151-year data retention. Used in industrial data loggers for real-time sensor storage where flash/EEPROM write latency causes data loss.

For engineers reviewing the CY15B116QI-20BKXC datasheet, CY15B116QI-20BKXC pinout, CY15B116QI-20BKXC application, or CY15B116QI-20BKXC equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI mode 0/3 compatibility, WP pin hardware write protection, 24-ball FBGA footprint, deep power-down current (1.10 µA), and dedicated 256-byte reflow-survivable sector.

Technical Context

The CY15B116QI-20BKXC implements a synchronous SPI slave interface with zero-latency write execution-data commits immediately after byte transfer without polling. Its ferroelectric memory array eliminates erase cycles and supports full-speed bus writes across all 2048K addresses.

It integrates dual-layer write protection: hardware-level via active-low WP pin (with internal weak pull-up), and software-configurable block protection (1/4, 1/2, or full array) controlled by the nonvolatile status register. The device also embeds manufacturer ID, product ID, unique device ID, and user-writable 8-byte serial number registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

24-ball Fine Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA), 6 mm × 8 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant. Package code "BKXC" denotes this specific FBGA variant with exposed thermal pad.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MB85RS1MT-FPN-G-JNE1 and AT25DF041A-SSH-T, CY15B116QI-20BKXC uniquely combines 16 Mbit density, 24-ball FBGA footprint, reflow-hardened special sector, and 10¹⁵ endurance-making it the sole option for high-reliability, high-write industrial logging in space-constrained designs.

Availability

CY15B116QI-20BKXC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data loggers, smart metering systems, and medical diagnostic sensor hubs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed RoHS-compliant FBGA packaging.

Supply support for CY15B116QI-20BKXC 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

Infineon Technologies is a global semiconductor leader headquartered in Munich, Germany, delivering power systems, sensors, and memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and IoT applications.

CY15B116QI belongs to the Excelon LP F-RAM product line, engineered specifically for mission-critical nonvolatile data logging where write speed, endurance, and reliability surpass flash and EEPROM in harsh or power-constrained environments.

FAQ

Is CY15B116QI-20BKXC pin-compatible with CY15V116QI-20BKXC?

Yes-both share identical 24-ball FBGA package, pinout, and SPI command set. The only difference is supply voltage range: CY15B116QI supports 1.8–3.6 V, while CY15V116QI is limited to 1.71–1.89 V. Hardware design can use either part interchangeably if VDD stays within both ranges; otherwise, voltage rail selection determines compatibility.

Does the WP pin require external pull-up resistors?

No-CY15B116QI-20BKXC includes an internal weak pull-up on the WP pin, holding it HIGH when unconnected. External pull-up is unnecessary unless stronger noise immunity is required in high-EMI environments; tying WP directly to VDD is also acceptable for permanent write-enable disable.

Can SI and SO be shorted for 3-wire SPI operation?

Yes-the datasheet explicitly permits connecting SI and SO together (with appropriate series resistor) when using microcontrollers with limited GPIO. This configuration requires software-driven half-duplex handling and disables simultaneous read/write, but maintains full functionality including NoDelay™ writes and status register access.

What is the purpose of the 256-byte special sector?

The dedicated 256-byte F-RAM sector is designed to retain data through ≥3 standard lead-free reflow soldering cycles (peak 260°C). It is intended for factory-programmed calibration constants, serial numbers, or security keys that must survive PCB assembly-eliminating post-solder programming steps and ensuring first-pass calibration accuracy.