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Winbond Electronics Corporation W25Q256FVFJF
- Part No.:
- W25Q256FVFJF
- Manufacturer:
- Winbond Electronics Corporation
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
W25Q256FVFJF.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 256MBIT SPI/QUAD 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:3,423
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Product details
Overview
W25Q256FVFJF from Winbond is a 256M-bit (32MB) serial NOR flash memory IC supporting Standard/Dual/Quad SPI and QPI interfaces, organized into 131,072 × 256-byte pages with 4KB uniform sector erase granularity, operating at 2.7–3.6V and delivering up to 104MHz SPI clock rate (416MHz equivalent Quad I/O), used for code storage, XIP execution, and firmware update in embedded controllers.
For engineers reviewing the W25Q256FVFJF datasheet, W25Q256FVFJF pinout, W25Q256FVFJF application, or W25Q256FVFJF equivalent, key selection criteria include 4-byte addressing support, JEDEC SFDP register compliance, programmable output drive strength (DRV1/DRV0), volatile/non-volatile status register protection (SRP0/SRP1), and hardware write-protect (/WP) and hold (/HOLD) functionality in standard SPI mode.
Technical Context
The W25Q256FVFJF implements a flexible SPI command architecture supporting 3- and 4-byte address modes, with Quad Enable (QE) bit in Status Register-2 controlling IO2 (/WP) and IO3 (/HOLD) reassignment for Quad I/O operation. It features dual-mode reset capability: software reset via 66h/99h instructions and hardware /RESET pin on SOIC-16 package.
Its memory architecture enables concurrent erase/program suspend/resume operations, individual sector/block lock/unlock (36h/39h), and security register programming (42h/44h/48h) with OTP locking. The device supports continuous read with wrap (77h) and burst read (0Ch), enabling true execute-in-place (XIP) with ≤8-clock instruction overhead for address setup.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 256 M-bit (32 MB), organized as 131,072 × 256-byte pages |
| Operating Voltage | 2.7 V to 3.6 V - compatible with 3.3V logic systems without level shifting |
| SPI Clock Rate | Up to 104 MHz - enables 50 MB/s continuous data transfer in Quad I/O mode |
| Erase Granularity | 4 KB sectors (8,192 total), 32 KB blocks (1,024), 64 KB blocks (512) - supports fine-grained firmware partitioning |
| Data Retention | 20 years - validated under industrial temperature conditions (-40°C to +85°C) |
| Endurance | 100,000 program/erase cycles per sector - suitable for field-updatable boot code storage |
| Interface Modes | Standard SPI, Dual I/O, Quad I/O, QPI - selectable via QE bit and instruction set |
| Security Features | 64-bit unique ID, three 256-byte OTP-lockable security registers, SFDP register - enables secure boot and device authentication |
Pinout & Package
W25Q256FVFJF is packaged in an 8-pad WSON 8×6-mm (Package Code E) with exposed thermal pad. Pin functions are defined per SPI mode: in Standard/Dual SPI, pins 2–3–7 serve as DO, /WP, and /HOLD respectively; in Quad SPI (QE=1), those same pins become IO1, IO2, and IO3.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 /CS | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; high-impedance DO when deasserted; must transition high→low after power-up to accept commands |
| 2 DO (IO1) | Data Output / I/O1 | Unidirectional output in Standard SPI; bidirectional I/O in Dual/Quad SPI; high-Z during /HOLD assertion |
| 3 /WP (IO2) | Write Protect Input / I/O2 | Hardware lock for status register when QE=0; becomes IO2 in Quad SPI (QE=1) |
| 4 GND | Ground Reference | Primary return path for VCC and I/O signals; requires low-impedance PCB connection |
| 5 DI (IO0) | Data Input / I/O0 | Unidirectional input in Standard SPI; bidirectional I/O in Dual/Quad SPI; latched on CLK rising edge |
| 6 CLK | Serial Clock Input | Master-controlled timing signal; defines setup/hold windows for all I/O transfers |
| 7 /HOLD or /RESET (IO3) | Hold or Reset Input / I/O3 | Pauses ongoing SPI transaction when low; becomes IO3 in Quad SPI; independent /RESET only on SOIC-16 |
| 8 VCC | Power Supply | 2.7–3.6V supply; decoupling capacitor required within 5 mm of pin per layout guidelines |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad Peripheral Interface (QPI) | Reduces instruction overhead to 2 clocks per command, enabling deterministic XIP latency and eliminating mode-switching delays |
| 4-Byte Address Mode | Supported via B7h/E9h instructions - essential for accessing full 32MB address space beyond 16MB limit of 3-byte addressing |
| Erase/Program Suspend | 75h/7Ah instructions allow background erase to pause while servicing time-critical reads or writes - critical for real-time firmware updates |
| Volatile & Non-Volatile Status Bits | BP0–BP3, TB, CMP, SRP0/SRP1 configurable in both volatile and non-volatile forms - enables dynamic protection during debug and permanent lockdown in production |
| Output Driver Strength Control | DRV1/DRV0 bits adjust slew rate and drive current - optimizes signal integrity across varying trace lengths and capacitive loads |
| JEDEC SFDP Register | Standardized parameter table accessible via 5Ah instruction - enables automatic configuration by host bootloader without hard-coded timing values |
Applications
| Industrial PLC Firmware Storage | Automotive ADAS Boot Memory |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing and executing boot loader and safety-critical control firmware in programmable logic controllers with extended temperature requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary non-volatile code storage with XIP capability; provides deterministic read latency via Continuous Read Mode and 4-byte addressing for >16MB images. Use Value: 20-year data retention and 100K endurance ensure reliable operation over 15+ year product lifecycle without field replacement. | Use Scenario: Hosting boot code and calibration data for radar/EPS ECUs requiring AEC-Q100 Grade 2 compliance and secure firmware validation. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Secure boot memory with 64-bit unique ID and OTP-locked security registers; supports authenticated boot via SFDP-defined timing parameters. Use Value: Hardware write-protection (/WP pin) and top/bottom array lock prevent unauthorized firmware modification during vehicle service or diagnostics. |
| Medical Imaging System Configuration | Edge AI Gateway Firmware |
Use Scenario: Storing DICOM configuration profiles, calibration tables, and regulatory-compliant audit logs in portable ultrasound devices. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parameter and data storage with individual sector lock (36h/39h); uses 4KB sectors to isolate patient-specific data from system firmware. Use Value: Erase/program suspend allows uninterrupted image acquisition while updating calibration data in background sectors. | Use Scenario: Holding Linux kernel, device tree, and ML inference models in battery-powered smart gateways with OTA update capability. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-bank firmware storage using sector protection; leverages Quad I/O (6Bh/6Ch) for fast model loading during cold boot. Use Value: 50 MB/s read throughput reduces boot time by >300 ms versus legacy SPI flash, improving responsiveness in time-sensitive deployments. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar serial NOR flash memory applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX25L25635FMI-10G | Same density, 104MHz max clock, but lacks QPI mode and SFDP register; uses different status register bit mapping (QE bit at SR2[1] vs W25Q256FV's SR2[1]) | No native QPI support limits XIP efficiency; no SFDP requires hardcoded timing in bootloader | Choose if QPI and SFDP are unnecessary and cost sensitivity outweighs configurability |
| S25FL256SAGMFI000 | 256Mb density, supports Octal DTR mode (up to 80MB/s), includes built-in ECC and sector protection lock bits with different command set (0x7E/0x9F) | Higher bandwidth and hardware ECC suit safety-critical storage; different lock mechanism requires firmware adaptation | Prefer for ASIL-B systems needing error correction; avoid if existing SPI driver relies on W25Q256FV's instruction set |
Compared with MX25L25635FMI-10G and S25FL256SAGMFI000, the W25Q256FVFJF offers superior interface flexibility (QPI + SFDP) and standardized security register access, making it optimal for scalable bootloader development and multi-vendor firmware ecosystems.
Availability
W25Q256FVFJF is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial automation, automotive electronics, medical imaging, and edge AI gateway designs requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for W25Q256FVFJF 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 memory solutions, including serial flash, mobile DRAM, and code storage products for embedded and industrial markets.
The W25Q256FVFJF belongs to Winbond's W25Q "SpiFlash" family, designed specifically for high-reliability code storage and execute-in-place applications in resource-constrained microcontroller systems.
FAQ
What is the package type and pin count of the W25Q256FVFJF?
The W25Q256FVFJF uses an 8-pad WSON 8×6-mm package (Package Code E) with exposed thermal pad. It has eight terminals: /CS, DO (IO1), /WP (IO2), GND, DI (IO0), CLK, /HOLD or /RESET (IO3), and VCC. Pin functions change between Standard/Dual SPI and Quad SPI modes based on the Quad Enable (QE) bit setting in Status Register-2.
Does the W25Q256FVFJF support 4-byte addressing, and how is it enabled?
Yes, the W25Q256FVFJF fully supports 4-byte addressing to access its full 32MB capacity. It is enabled via the Enter 4-Byte Address Mode instruction (B7h); the address mode is retained until Exit 4-Byte Address Mode (E9h) is issued or power is cycled. The ADP bit in Status Register-1 determines power-up default address mode.
How does the /WP and /HOLD functionality behave in Quad SPI mode?
In Quad SPI mode (QE=1), the /WP and /HOLD pins are reassigned as IO2 and IO3 respectively and cannot be used for hardware write protection or hold control. These functions are only available in Standard and Dual SPI modes (QE=0). The W25Q256FVFJF datasheet explicitly states that /WP and /HOLD are not functional when QE=1.
What is the purpose of the SFDP register in the W25Q256FVFJF?
The SFDP (Serial Flash Discoverable Parameters) register (accessed via instruction 5Ah) provides a standardized, vendor-agnostic method for the host controller to auto-detect timing parameters, erase block sizes, and feature support. This eliminates hardcoded timing values in bootloaders and enables interoperability across different flash vendors in modular firmware designs.
Can the W25Q256FVFJF be used for secure boot applications?
Yes, the W25Q256FVFJF supports secure boot through multiple mechanisms: a factory-programmed 64-bit unique ID (4Bh), three 256-byte security registers with OTP locking (42h/44h/48h), hardware write-protect (/WP pin), and configurable status register protection (SRP0/SRP1). These features enable cryptographic key storage, firmware signature verification, and tamper-resistant configuration storage.
W25Q256FVFJF Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Winbond Electronics Corporation
- Series:
- SpiFlash®
- Package/Case:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Packaging:
- Tube
- Product Status:
- Obsolete
- Programmable:
- Not Verified
- Memory Type:
- Non-Volatile
- Memory Format:
- FLASH
- Technology:
- FLASH - NOR
- Memory Size:
- 256Mbit
- Memory Organization:
- 32M x 8
- Memory Interface:
- SPI - Quad I/O, QPI
- Clock Frequency:
- 104 MHz
- Write Cycle Time - Word, Page:
- 50µs, 3ms
- Access Time:
- -
- Voltage - Supply:
- 2.7V ~ 3.6V
- Operating Temperature:
- -40°C ~ 105°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Surface Mount
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-SOIC
W25Q256FVFJF FAQ
1.How can I place an order for W25Q256FVFJF through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for W25Q256FVFJF 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 W25Q256FVFJF reliable?
The price and inventory of W25Q256FVFJF are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for W25Q256FVFJF is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for W25Q256FVFJF?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for W25Q256FVFJF transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for W25Q256FVFJF?
W25Q256FVFJF orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your W25Q256FVFJF 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 W25Q256FVFJF?
For technical support, including W25Q256FVFJF datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your W25Q256FVFJF requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that W25Q256FVFJF is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All W25Q256FVFJF 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 W25Q256FVFJF meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of W25Q256FVFJF?
All W25Q256FVFJF units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with W25Q256FVFJF, 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 W25Q256FVFJF part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for W25Q256FVFJF:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
W25Q256FVFJF Tags
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M24C02-WMN6TP
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