Microchip Technology SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE
- Part No.:
- SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 8-WDFN Exposed Pad
- Datasheet:
-
SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 2MBIT SPI 20MHZ 8WSON
- Quantity:
- Payment:

- Shipping:

Inventory:2,484
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Product details
Overview
SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE from Microchip Technology is a 2 Mbit SPI serial flash memory IC used for non-volatile code and data storage in embedded microcontroller systems. It operates from a single 2.7–3.6 V supply, supports up to 20 MHz clock frequency, features uniform 4 KByte sectors and 32 KByte overlay blocks, and delivers 100,000 program/erase cycles with >100 years data retention - deployed in industrial control firmware storage and boot code retention.
For engineers reviewing the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE datasheet, SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE pinout, SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE application, or SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE equivalent, key selection considerations include SPI Mode 0/3 compatibility, HOLD#/WP# hardware protection support, AAI programming efficiency, industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C), and SOIC-8 package footprint constraints.
Technical Context
The SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE implements a four-wire SPI interface (SCK, SI, SO, CE#) with dual-mode timing compliance (SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3), enabling interoperability with diverse host controllers. Its SuperFlash technology uses a split-gate cell and thick-oxide tunneling injector to achieve faster erase times (18 ms sector-erase, 70 ms chip-erase) and lower active current (7 mA typical) versus conventional NOR flash.
Hardware-level protection is implemented via dedicated HOLD# (suspend ongoing serial sequence without deselecting) and WP# (enable/disable status register lock-down), while software protection relies on programmable BP0/BP1 bits and BPL bit in the status register. The device supports Auto Address Increment (AAI) programming to reduce sequential byte-program overhead.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 2 Mbit (262,144 bytes), organized as 64 × 4 KByte sectors or 8 × 32 KByte overlay blocks - defines firmware partitioning granularity and update unit size. |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7–3.6 V single supply - compatible with 3.3 V logic domains and eliminates need for level-shifting in most MCU interfaces. |
| Max Clock Frequency | 20 MHz - enables read throughput up to ~2.5 MB/s (with continuous read mode), suitable for fast boot loading. |
| Endurance | 100,000 program/erase cycles (typical) - supports field firmware updates over product lifetime in industrial gateways. |
| Data Retention | >100 years at +25°C - ensures long-term reliability of stored calibration data or configuration parameters. |
| Operating Temp | –40°C to +85°C (Industrial grade) - validated for deployment in motor drives, PLCs, and outdoor IoT edge nodes. |
| Active Read Current | 7 mA (typical) - minimizes power impact during firmware execution from XIP-capable MCUs. |
| Standby Current | 8 µA (typical) - enables low-power sleep modes in battery-backed applications like smart sensors. |
Pinout & Package
Package: 8-lead SOIC, 150 mil body width (SA suffix), RoHS-compliant, lead-free.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| CE# | Chip Enable | Active-low device select; must remain low throughout command sequence - controls SPI transaction boundaries and enables multi-device bus sharing. |
| SCK | Serial Clock | Timing reference for all SPI transfers; rising edge latches input (SI), falling edge outputs data (SO) - supports both Mode 0 (SCK idle low) and Mode 3 (SCK idle high). |
| SI | Serial Data Input | Command, address, and data input path - accepts opcodes (e.g., 03H for Read, 02H for Byte-Program) and payload MSB-first. |
| SO | Serial Data Output | Read data and status register output - tri-stated during HOLD# assertion or when CE# is high. |
| WP# | Write Protect | Enables/disables lock-down of Block-Protection-Lock (BPL) bit; when pulled low, prevents modification of BP0/BP1 unless BPL=0 - provides hardware-fused write protection. |
| HOLD# | Hold | Suspends ongoing SPI communication without resetting internal state or clock phase - allows host to service higher-priority interrupts mid-transfer. |
| VDD | Power Supply | 2.7–3.6 V core and I/O supply - requires local decoupling (0.1 µF ceramic) near pin for stable operation at 20 MHz. |
| VSS | Ground | Reference return path for all signals and power - must be low-impedance connection to minimize noise coupling into SO/SI lines. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| SuperFlash Technology | Split-gate cell architecture reduces erase time by >50% vs. standard NOR flash, lowering total energy per erase cycle and improving system responsiveness during firmware updates. |
| Auto Address Increment (AAI) | Eliminates repeated address transmission for sequential byte programming - cuts programming time by ~40% for full-array writes compared to standard Byte-Program mode. |
| Dual SPI Mode Support | Native compatibility with both SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3 eliminates need for clock polarity/inversion configuration in host drivers - simplifies integration across ARM Cortex-M, PIC, and RISC-V platforms. |
| Flexible Block Protection | BP0/BP1 bits allow software-selectable protection of 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory array - enables secure bootloader regions and user-configurable parameter partitions. |
| HOLD# and WP# Pins | Dedicated hardware control lines enable real-time transaction suspension and irreversible status register lock-down - critical for functional safety compliance in industrial equipment. |
Applications
| Firmware Storage | Boot Code Retention |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing application firmware images for microcontrollers in programmable logic controllers (PLCs) where field updates occur infrequently but require guaranteed integrity. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-volatile storage medium accessed via SPI during MCU reset or OTA update initiation - holds executable binary and version metadata. Use Value: 100,000-cycle endurance and >100-year retention ensure firmware remains valid across 15+ year product lifecycles without degradation. |
Use Scenario: Holding primary boot loader code in network routers that must recover from corrupted main application partitions. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: First-read memory mapped at reset vector; provides verified, unmodifiable startup instructions before RAM initialization. Use Value: Hardware WP# pin and BPL-enabled status register lock-down prevent accidental overwrite of boot code during system maintenance. |
| Configuration Parameter Storage | Calibration Data Archiving |
Use Scenario: Saving user-defined settings (e.g., I/O mapping, communication baud rates) in HVAC controllers after commissioning. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Persistent storage node updated only on explicit save commands - accessed asynchronously via SPI during runtime. Use Value: Sector-erase granularity (4 KByte) allows isolated updates without disturbing adjacent firmware or calibration zones. |
Use Scenario: Recording sensor calibration coefficients in medical diagnostic devices requiring traceable, tamper-resistant history. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Write-once archival section protected via BP1/BP0 bits - accessed during factory calibration and read-only thereafter. Use Value: Industrial temperature rating (–40°C to +85°C) guarantees coefficient validity across operating environments without drift-induced errors. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial flash memory applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winbond W25Q20JV-IQ | 2 Mbit density, 104 MHz quad SPI (QPI) capable, 1.65–1.95 V or 2.7–3.6 V dual supply - lacks HOLD# pin and AAI mode. | Higher bandwidth for XIP-capable hosts; not drop-in compatible due to different instruction set and missing HOLD# functionality. | Select when migrating to QPI interface or requiring lower voltage operation; redesign required for HOLD#/AAI-dependent firmware. |
| Macronix MX25L2006E-M1I | 2 Mbit density, 80 MHz max clock, SPI Mode 0/3 compatible, includes HOLD#/WP#, but specifies only 50,000 endurance cycles and 20-year retention. | Same pinout and basic feature set; lower endurance and retention limit suitability for long-lifecycle industrial deployments. | Acceptable for cost-sensitive consumer applications with shorter field life; verify retention requirements against 20-year spec. |
Compared with SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE, W25Q20JV-IQ offers higher speed and voltage flexibility but removes HOLD# and AAI - increasing firmware complexity. MX25L2006E-M1I matches pinout and protection features but trades off endurance and retention - requiring lifecycle validation for mission-critical use.
Availability
SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial control firmware storage, boot code retention, and calibration data archiving requiring stable component supply across extended product lifecycles.
Supply support for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE 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
Microchip Technology acquired Silicon Storage Technology (SST) in 2010 and integrates its SuperFlash IP into a broad portfolio of microcontrollers, analog, and memory products.
The SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE belongs to SST's legacy serial flash family designed specifically for cost-sensitive, space-constrained embedded systems needing reliable non-volatile storage with minimal external components.
FAQ
What is the maximum clock frequency supported by the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE?
The SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE supports a maximum serial clock frequency of 20 MHz under standard operating conditions. This timing specification applies across the full industrial temperature range (–40°C to +85°C) and 2.7–3.6 V supply, enabling high-speed read operations and efficient firmware loading. Exceeding this frequency may result in command rejection or data corruption.
Does the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE support both SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3?
Yes, the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE natively supports both SPI Mode 0 (CPOL = 0, CPHA = 0) and Mode 3 (CPOL = 1, CPHA = 1). The device samples SI on the rising edge and drives SO on the falling edge of SCK in both modes, differing only in the idle state of SCK - allowing seamless integration with diverse host controllers without clock polarity inversion.
What is the purpose of the HOLD# pin on the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE?
The HOLD# pin on the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE suspends an ongoing SPI transaction without deselecting the device or resetting internal state. When asserted low (with CE# active), it places SO in high-impedance and pauses clock synchronization - enabling the host MCU to service urgent interrupts while preserving command context for resumption.
How does the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE implement write protection?
The SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE implements dual-layer write protection: hardware via the WP# pin (enabling/disabling status register lock-down) and software via BP0/BP1 bits in the status register. When WP# is low and BPL = 1, BP0/BP1 become read-only; otherwise, they can configure protection for 0%, 25%, 50%, or 100% of memory - ensuring robust firmware partitioning.
Is the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE recommended for new designs?
No, the SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE is marked "Not Recommended for New Designs" by Microchip. The pin-compatible and enhanced replacement is SST25VF020B, which improves timing margins, adds deeper power-down modes, and extends qualification testing. For new projects, SST25VF020B should be selected; SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE remains supported for legacy BOM continuity and repair.
SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Microchip Technology
- Series:
- SST25
- Package/Case:
- 8-WDFN Exposed Pad
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Active
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- FLASH
- Technology:
- FLASH
- Memory Size:
- 2Mbit
- Memory Organization:
- 256K x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 20 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 20µs
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 85°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 8-WSON
SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE reliable?
The price and inventory of SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE?
SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE?
For technical support, including SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE?
All SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for SST25VF020-20-4I-QAE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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