Infineon Technologies CY15B116QN-40BKXA

Overview

CY15B116QN-40BKXA from Infineon is a 16-Mbit automotive-grade ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM) organized as 2048K × 8, supporting SPI up to 40 MHz, operating from 1.8 V to 3.6 V, and qualified to AEC-Q100 Grade 3 (–40°C to +85°C). It delivers instant non-volatile writes with 10¹⁴ endurance cycles and 151-year data retention-enabling reliable logging in engine control units without write delays or polling.

For engineers reviewing the CY15B116QN-40BKXA datasheet, CY15B116QN-40BKXA pinout, CY15B116QN-40BKXA application, or CY15B116QN-40BKXA equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI Mode 0/3 compatibility, hardware/software write protection (WP pin + WRDI instruction), 256-byte dedicated special sector survivability across three reflow cycles, and deep power-down current of 1.5 µA.

Technical Context

The CY15B116QN-40BKXA implements a true serial F-RAM architecture with zero-write-latency operation: data commits immediately upon byte transfer completion, eliminating the need for status polling or erase-before-write sequences required by flash or EEPROM. Its internal logic decodes standard SPI opcodes (e.g., Read, Write, WREN, WRDI) and manages a non-volatile status register controlling block protection granularity (1/4, 1/2, or full array).

It integrates dedicated circuitry for device identification-including manufacturer ID (0x01), product ID (0x16), unique device ID, and user-writable 8-byte serial number-and features a hardened 256-byte special sector that retains data through three standard Pb-free reflow cycles (JEDEC J-STD-020), critical for post-manufacturing traceability in automotive modules.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 24-ball fine-pitch ball grid array (24-ball FBGA), 4.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.65 mm body, 0.5 mm ball pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar non-volatile serial memory applications.

Compared with CY15B116QN-40ZSXA, the -40BKXA enables higher board density and thermal performance in automotive modules; versus FM25V10-G, it delivers 16× capacity, 1.6× speed, triple-reflow capability, and full AEC-Q100 compliance - essential for next-generation ECU and ADAS platforms.

Availability

CY15B116QN-40BKXA is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for engine control units, ADAS domain controllers, and electric power steering modules requiring stable component supply, long-term automotive qualification, and zero-latency non-volatile storage.

Supply support for CY15B116QN-40BKXA 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 German semiconductor leader specializing in power management, automotive microcontrollers, and non-volatile memory solutions for safety-critical systems.

The EXCELON™ Auto F-RAM product line targets automotive applications demanding ultra-high endurance, instant writes, and AEC-Q100 compliance - specifically engineered for ECU data logging, ADAS buffering, and safety system configuration storage.

FAQ

Is CY15B116QN-40BKXA pin-compatible with standard SPI flash or EEPROM devices?

No - while it uses the same 4-wire SPI interface (CS, SCK, SI, SO), its 24-ball FBGA package and pinout differ from common 8-pin SOIC flash/EEPROM devices. Direct replacement requires PCB redesign. However, its command set is SPI-standard (Read, Write, WREN, etc.), enabling firmware reuse with minimal driver adaptation.

Does the 256-byte special sector require separate addressing or initialization?

No - the special sector resides at fixed address range 0x1F8000–0x1F80FF and is accessed using standard Read/Write opcodes. It requires no initialization or configuration; its reflow survivability is inherent to the ferroelectric material and process, verified per JEDEC J-STD-020 conditions.

How does write protection behave when both WP pin and status register bits are active?

Hardware write protection via the WP pin takes precedence: when WP = LOW and WPEN = 1 in the status register, all status register writes are blocked regardless of software commands. Software protection (WRDI, block locks) remains active only when WP is HIGH or WPEN = 0, allowing layered security for different firmware update stages.

Can CY15B116QN-40BKXA operate reliably at 1.8 V while running at 40 MHz?

Yes - the datasheet specifies 40 MHz maximum clock frequency across the full 1.8 V to 3.6 V VDD range. At 1.8 V, typical active current is 2.7 mA, and timing parameters (tSU, tH, tV) remain within specification, enabling low-voltage, high-speed operation in 1.8 V domain controllers without derating.