Infineon Technologies CY15B204QI-20LPXI

Overview

CY15B204QI-20LPXI from Infineon Technologies (formerly Cypress) is a 4-Mbit serial SPI F-RAM memory organized as 512K × 8, operating at up to 20 MHz with 1.8–3.6 V supply, −40 °C to +85 °C industrial temperature range, and housed in an 8-pin GQFN package. It delivers NoDelay™ writes, 10¹⁵ endurance, and 151-year data retention for high-frequency logging in industrial controllers.

For engineers reviewing the CY15B204QI-20LPXI datasheet, CY15B204QI-20LPXI pinout, CY15B204QI-20LPXI application, or CY15B204QI-20LPXI equivalent, key selection criteria include SPI mode 0/3 compatibility, hardware/software write protection, dedicated 256-byte special sector, low-power Deep Power Down (1.0 µA), and RoHS-compliant GQFN packaging.

Technical Context

The CY15B204QI-20LPXI implements a ferroelectric memory array with zero-latency write architecture-data commits immediately upon byte transfer without polling or erase 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 nonvolatile status register, device ID/serial number registers, and a dedicated 256-byte special sector that survives three reflow cycles. Write protection is enforced via WP pin (hardware), WRDI instruction (software), and block-level software protection covering 1/4, 1/2, or full array.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-pin Grid-Array Quad Flat No-Lead (GQFN), 3 mm × 3 mm, 0.5 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with MB85RS4MT-FPNSE and AT25DF041A-SHB-T, the CY15B204QI-20LPXI uniquely combines 10¹⁵ endurance, 151-year retention, and reflow-survivable special sector-making it the sole option for mission-critical, high-write industrial and medical applications requiring zero-latency reliability.

Availability

CY15B204QI-20LPXI is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial data loggers, smart meter firmware storage, and medical diagnostic calibration systems requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant GQFN packaging.

Supply support for CY15B204QI-20LPXI 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 acquired Cypress Semiconductor in 2020 and now owns and supports the Excelon LP F-RAM product line, delivering high-reliability nonvolatile memory solutions for industrial, automotive, and medical markets.

The Excelon LP family was designed specifically to replace serial EEPROM and flash in applications demanding rapid, frequent, and reliable nonvolatile writes-leveraging ferroelectric technology to eliminate write latency and endurance limitations.

FAQ

What SPI modes does CY15B204QI-20LPXI support, and how does clock timing affect data transfer?

The CY15B204QI-20LPXI supports SPI Modes 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1). In both modes, SI data is sampled on the rising edge of SCK, and SO data is driven on the falling edge. This timing ensures deterministic setup/hold margins at up to 20 MHz, and allows seamless integration with STM32, Renesas RA, and NXP Kinetis MCUs without custom bit-banging.

How does the dedicated 256-byte special sector differ from main memory, and what use cases benefit most?

The dedicated 256-byte special sector retains data through up to three standard lead-free reflow soldering cycles (260 °C peak), unlike main array memory. It is ideal for storing factory calibration coefficients, security keys, or board-specific identifiers programmed during PCB assembly-enabling "program once, deploy anywhere" workflows without post-solder programming steps.

Can CY15B204QI-20LPXI operate reliably at 1.8 V while maintaining full 20 MHz SPI performance?

Yes-datasheet AC switching characteristics confirm 20 MHz operation across the full 1.8–3.6 V VDD range. At 1.8 V, t_CLK remains ≤50 ns, and t_PU (power-up to access) is 100 µs max. This enables direct interfacing with 1.8 V I/O domains in ultra-low-power microcontrollers like Silicon Labs EFM32PG12 without level translation.

Is hardware write protection active by default, and how is it configured?

No-hardware write protection is disabled by default. It activates only when the WPEN bit (bit 7) in the Status Register is set to '1', and the WP pin is driven LOW. The WP pin has an internal weak pull-up, so it defaults to HIGH (protection inactive) if left unconnected. Configuration requires issuing WREN, then WRITE STATUS REGISTER with WPEN = 1, followed by WP pin assertion.