Winbond Electronics Corporation W25Q16FWUXIE TR

Overview

W25Q16FWUXIE TR from Winbond is a 1.8V, 16M-bit serial NOR flash memory supporting Standard/Dual/Quad SPI and QPI interfaces, organized into 8192 × 256-byte pages with uniform 4KB sector erase, delivering up to 50 MB/s continuous read throughput and enabling execute-in-place (XIP) operation in space-constrained embedded systems.

For engineers reviewing the W25Q16FWUXIE TR datasheet, W25Q16FWUXIE TR pinout, W25Q16FWUXIE TR application, or W25Q16FWUXIE TR equivalent, key selection criteria include its 104 MHz SPI clock rating, quad-enable (QE) bit dependency for IO2/IO3 functionality, 1.65–1.95 V supply range, -40°C to +85°C industrial temperature grade, and USON 2x3-mm (UX) package compatibility with board-level thermal and density requirements.

Technical Context

The W25Q16FWUXIE TR implements a flexible SPI-compatible interface with mode-selectable operation: Standard SPI (DI/DO), Dual SPI (IO0/IO1), Quad SPI (IO0–IO3), and QPI (2-clock instruction fetch). Its architecture supports volatile/non-volatile status register configuration including Quad Enable (QE), Write Protect Selection (WPS), and HOLD/RESET function mapping via SR-2 bits.

It features hardware-based protection mechanisms - /WP and /HOLD pins active-low with configurable roles, top/bottom block protect (TB), sector lock/unlock instructions (36h/39h), and three 256-byte OTP-locked security registers - all operating within a single 1.65–1.95 V supply without level shifters.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

W25Q16FWUXIE TR is packaged in an 8-pad USON 2×3-mm body (package code UX), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and reflow-compatible assembly. Pin functions are shared across SPI modes, with /WP and /HOLD repurposed as IO2 and IO3 when Quad Enable (QE) is set in Status Register-2.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial NOR flash memory applications.

Compared with MX25L1606EM1I-12G and S25FL116K0XMFI011, the W25Q16FWUXIE TR uniquely balances 1.8 V native operation, QPI acceleration, SFDP discoverability, and USON 2x3-mm packaging - making it optimal for new designs prioritizing density, power, and interface flexibility without controller redesign.

Availability

W25Q16FWUXIE TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for IoT edge node firmware storage, industrial PLC boot memory, and medical diagnostic display bootloader applications requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle assurance, and RoHS-compliant sourcing.

Supply support for W25Q16FWUXIE TR 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

Winbond Electronics is a Taiwan-based semiconductor company specializing in specialty DRAM, mobile DRAM, and serial flash memory solutions for embedded, communications, and consumer markets.

The W25Q series was designed specifically for high-performance, low-voltage embedded systems needing reliable code storage, XIP capability, and advanced security - targeting applications where space, power, and interface efficiency are critical constraints.

FAQ

What is the package type and footprint of the W25Q16FWUXIE TR?

The W25Q16FWUXIE TR uses an 8-pad USON package measuring 2 mm × 3 mm × 0.6 mm (package code UX), with exposed pad thermal design and moisture sensitivity level 3. Its land pattern matches JEDEC standard MS-013AC, and it is compatible with standard reflow profiles for lead-free assembly. This compact footprint reduces PCB area by over 60% compared to SOIC-8 variants of the same family.

Does the W25Q16FWUXIE TR support execute-in-place (XIP) operation?

Yes, the W25Q16FWUXIE TR supports true XIP through its Continuous Read Mode and Quad SPI/QPI interfaces. With as few as 8 clocks to address memory and up to 50 MB/s sustained read throughput, it allows microcontrollers to execute code directly from flash without copying to RAM - reducing system memory cost and boot latency. The 4 KB sector architecture further enables fine-grained firmware updates without erasing unrelated code sections.

How is Quad SPI mode enabled on the W25Q16FWUXIE TR?

Quad SPI mode on the W25Q16FWUXIE TR is enabled by setting the Quad Enable (QE) bit in Status Register-2 using the Write Status Register-2 (31h) instruction. When QE = 1, the /WP and /HOLD pins become IO2 and IO3 respectively, completing the four-line bidirectional bus. This configuration is non-volatile unless cleared, and must be verified before issuing Quad I/O commands like Fast Read Quad I/O (EBh) or Page Program Quad Input (32h).

What security features does the W25Q16FWUXIE TR provide beyond basic write protection?

Beyond /WP pin and status register BP bits, the W25Q16FWUXIE TR includes three 256-byte OTP-lockable security registers, a 64-bit unique serial number, individual sector/block lock/unlock instructions (36h/39h), and SFDP register access for runtime parameter discovery. Its security register locks (LB[3:1]) prevent reprogramming once set, and the CMP bit enables complement-based protection schemes - collectively supporting secure boot, device identity, and firmware integrity verification.

Can the /HOLD and /RESET functions coexist on the W25Q16FWUXIE TR?

No - the W25Q16FWUXIE TR does not support simultaneous /HOLD and /RESET operation. In its 8-pin USON package, pin 7 serves as either /HOLD or /RESET depending on the HOLD/RST bit in Status Register-2, but only when QE = 0. When QE = 1 (Quad SPI/QPI active), pin 7 becomes IO3 and neither /HOLD nor /RESET is available. Hardware reset requires external circuitry or software reset (66h + 99h) in Quad-enabled configurations.