Microchip Technology SST26VF016B-104I/W70S

Overview

SST26VF016B-104I/W70S from Microchip Technology is a 16 Mbit Serial Quad I/O (SQI) flash memory IC supporting dual-voltage operation (2.3–3.6 V), 104 MHz SPI read speed, and 4 KByte uniform sector erase. It delivers high reliability (100,000 program/erase cycles, >100 years data retention) and flexible protection for industrial embedded boot code storage in space-constrained designs.

For engineers reviewing the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S datasheet, SST26VF016B-104I/W70S pinout, SST26VF016B-104I/W70S application, or SST26VF016B-104I/W70S equivalent, key selection considerations include SQI vs. SPI mode compatibility, 8-contact WDFN (6 mm × 5 mm) package footprint, individual block write-protection with OTP lock-down, Security ID programmability, and AEC-Q100 qualification for automotive use.

Technical Context

The SST26VF016B-104I/W70S implements a six-wire, 4-bit multiplexed I/O interface (SIO[3:0]) enabling SQI protocol operation at up to 104 MHz, quadrupling throughput versus standard SPI at identical clock frequency. Its SuperFlash® split-gate cell architecture enables fast erase (18 ms sector, 35 ms chip) and low active current (15 mA @ 104 MHz).

It supports both SPI Mode 0 and Mode 3, with configurable I/O configuration (IOC bit) to enable/disable HOLD#/WP# pins or switch to quad I/O functionality. The device integrates a 48-bit Block-Protection Register, non-volatile Write-Lock Lock-Down Register (nVWLDR), and 2 KByte Security ID with factory-programmed 64-bit unique identifier and user-programmable area.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

Package: 8-contact WDFN (6 mm × 5 mm), RoHS-compliant, moisture sensitivity level (MSL) 3.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with W25Q16JVSIM and S25FL116K0XMFI011, SST26VF016B-104I/W70S uniquely combines AEC-Q100 qualification, SQI throughput advantage, integrated Security ID with OTP lock-down, and flexible non-volatile block protection - making it optimal for automotive, medical, and secure industrial firmware storage where reliability, security, and interface efficiency are jointly critical.

Availability

SST26VF016B-104I/W70S is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for automotive ECU boot code storage, industrial OTA firmware updates, secure medical device configuration, and precision calibration data retention requiring stable component supply across extended temperature ranges.

Supply support for SST26VF016B-104I/W70S 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 is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog, FPGA, and memory solutions, delivering differentiated silicon and development tools for embedded control applications.

The SST26VF016B-104I/W70S belongs to Microchip's Serial Quad I/O™ (SQI™) flash family, engineered specifically for high-reliability, low-pin-count, high-throughput code and data storage in automotive, industrial, and medical systems demanding AEC-Q100 compliance and robust security features.

FAQ

What voltage range does the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S support, and how does it affect maximum clock speed?

The SST26VF016B-104I/W70S operates from 2.3 V to 3.6 V. At 2.7–3.6 V, it achieves its rated 104 MHz maximum clock frequency for SPI and SQI read operations. When supplied from 2.3–3.6 V, the maximum clock frequency is reduced to 80 MHz to ensure timing margin and reliability. This dual-voltage capability allows direct integration with both 2.5 V and 3.3 V system rails without level-shifting circuitry. The SST26VF016B-104I/W70S datasheet specifies these limits in Section 1.0 and Table 5-1.

Does the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S support true quad I/O (QIO) mode, and what configuration is required?

Yes, the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S supports true quad I/O (SQI) mode using all four SIO[3:0] pins for simultaneous bidirectional data transfer. To enable SQI mode, the IOC bit (Bit 1) in the Configuration Register must be set to '1' before issuing SQI-specific commands such as SQOR (6BH) or SQIOR (EBH). The device powers up in SPI mode by default; switching to SQI requires explicit software configuration. This behavior is documented in Sections 4.6.1 and 5.0 of the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S datasheet.

How is hardware write protection implemented on the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S, and what pins are involved?

Hardware write protection on the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S is implemented via the WP# pin (SIO2), controlled by the WPEN bit (Bit 7) and IOC bit (Bit 1) in the Configuration Register. WP# only functions in SPI single/dual-bit modes when IOC = 0 and WPEN = 1. When asserted low, it prevents writes to the Block-Protection and Configuration Registers - not the main memory array. Permanent lock-down requires programming the non-volatile Write-Lock Lock-Down Register (nVWLDR). These mechanisms are detailed in Sections 4.2 and 4.1.3 of the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S datasheet.

What is the purpose and structure of the Security ID feature in the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S?

The SST26VF016B-104I/W70S includes a 2 KByte Security ID (Sec ID) space divided into a factory-programmed 64-bit unique identifier (immutable) and a user-programmable segment. The Sec ID supports authentication, device binding, and secure provisioning. It can be programmed using the PSID command and permanently locked using the LSID command, after which no further writes are possible. Neither segment supports erasure. This feature is described in Section 4.3 and Table 5-5 of the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S datasheet.

Is the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S pin-compatible with other members of the SST26VFxxxB family, and what package does it use?

Yes, the SST26VF016B-104I/W70S uses the 8-contact WDFN (6 mm × 5 mm) package and shares identical pinout and electrical characteristics with other SST26VFxxxB variants in the same package option (e.g., SST26VF032B, SST26VF064B). Pin assignments match Figures 2-2 and Table 2-1 in the datasheet. This enables scalable memory capacity upgrades within the same PCB footprint. The "W70S" suffix explicitly denotes the WDFN package variant, confirming mechanical and signal compatibility across the family.