Infineon Technologies CY7C4241V-15AXC

Overview

CY7C4241V-15AXC from Cypress Semiconductor is a 4K × 9-bit synchronous FIFO memory with 3.3 V supply, 66 MHz operation (15 ns cycle time), programmable Almost Empty/Almost Full flags, and dual-clock asynchronous read/write capability. It serves as a high-speed data buffer in multi-processor interconnects and serial protocol bridging where deterministic latency and flow control are critical.

For engineers reviewing the CY7C4241V-15AXC datasheet, CY7C4241V-15AXC pinout, CY7C4241V-15AXC application, or CY7C4241V-15AXC equivalent, key selection criteria include its 4096-word depth, 9-bit bus width, 5 V-tolerant inputs, synchronous flag timing, and TQFP-32 package compatibility with space-constrained PCB layouts.

Technical Context

The CY7C4241V-15AXC implements a dual-port SRAM array with independent read (RCLK/REN1/REN2) and write (WCLK/WEN1/WEN2/LD) clock domains, enabling true asynchronous buffering. Its flag logic is fully synchronous: EF and PAE update on RCLK edges; FF and PAF update on WCLK edges - eliminating metastability in handshake signaling.

Programmable flag offsets (default Empty-7/Full-7) are stored in four 8-bit registers accessed via WEN2/LD-controlled load/read mode. Width expansion is supported by tying D/Q buses across multiple devices while sharing RCLK/WCLK and generating composite EF/FF signals - preserving timing integrity across 18+ bit interfaces.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 32-pin Thin Quad Flat Package (TQFP), 7 mm × 7 mm, 0.8 mm pitch, RoHS-compliant Pb-free variant (AXC suffix).

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with IDT72V2115L15PF and NB3N401MNG, the CY7C4241V-15AXC uniquely supports runtime flag offset programming, dual-clock domain isolation, and width expansion - making it the only choice for adaptive, multi-rate, and scalable buffering architectures.

Availability

CY7C4241V-15AXC is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for high-speed data acquisition systems, multi-processor interconnects, serial protocol bridges, and industrial Ethernet node buffering requiring stable component supply across extended production lifecycles.

Supply support for CY7C4241V-15AXC 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-performance memory and programmable logic solutions for industrial, automotive, and communications infrastructure.

The CY7C42X1V family was engineered specifically for deterministic, low-latency data buffering in mixed-clock-domain systems - emphasizing synchronous flag reliability, 5 V-tolerant interfacing, and scalable width/depth configurations.

FAQ

Is CY7C4241V-15AXC pin-compatible with other CY7C42X1V variants?

Yes - all CY7C42X1V devices (CY7C4421V through CY7C4251V) share identical 32-pin TQFP and PLCC footprints and pinouts. Only memory depth differs; software/hardware design can scale depth without layout change, provided flag thresholds and timing margins are verified per density.

How is the Almost Empty flag (PAE) synchronized, and what determines its assertion point?

PAE is updated exclusively on the rising edge of RCLK and goes LOW when unread words ≤ n (where n = programmed empty offset value). By default n = 7, so PAE asserts when ≤7 words remain. The offset is loaded into an 8-bit register pair via WEN2/LD-controlled WCLK pulses - no external configuration device needed.

What happens if RS (reset) is not asserted before first use?

Without RS assertion, pointer states are undefined and EF/FF flags may float or assert incorrectly. The FIFO will not reliably indicate Empty or Full conditions, risking data corruption from over-read or over-write. A minimum 20 ns active-low RS pulse is required at power-up to initialize pointers and set EF = LOW.

Can WCLK and RCLK run at different frequencies, and what are the timing constraints?

Yes - WCLK and RCLK may operate asynchronously at any frequency up to 66 MHz. Critical constraints include: tENS (enable setup) ≥ 4 ns before clock edge, tENH (enable hold) ≥ 1 ns after clock edge, and tWCH/tRCH high-time ≥ 4 ns. No phase relationship is required between clocks.