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Winbond Electronics Corporation W25Q256FVFJQ
- Part No.:
- W25Q256FVFJQ
- Manufacturer:
- Winbond Electronics Corporation
- Category:
- Memory
- Package:
- 16-SOIC (0.295", 7.50mm Width)
- Datasheet:
-
W25Q256FVFJQ.pdf
- Description:
- IC FLASH 256MBIT SPI/QUAD 16SOIC
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:2,859
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Product details
Overview
W25Q256FVFJQ 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, 104MHz max clock, and single 2.7–3.6V supply - used for code execution (XIP), firmware storage, and parameter retention in embedded boot loaders and IoT edge nodes.
For engineers reviewing the W25Q256FVFJQ datasheet, W25Q256FVFJQ pinout, W25Q256FVFJQ application, or W25Q256FVFJQ equivalent, key selection criteria include 4-byte addressing support, Quad Enable (QE) bit configuration, /HOLD or /RESET dual-function pin behavior in WSON-8 package, and JEDEC SFDP register compatibility for auto-configuration.
Technical Context
The W25Q256FVFJQ implements a multi-mode SPI interface with hardware-selectable operation: Standard SPI uses DI/DO unidirectionally; Dual/Quad SPI repurpose /WP and /HOLD as IO2/IO3 when QE=1 in Status Register-2; QPI mode enables 2-clock instruction cycles and reduces command overhead for true execute-in-place (XIP) access. It supports both 3-byte and 4-byte address modes, with Enter/Exit 4-Byte Address Mode instructions (B7h/E9h).
Internally, it features volatile/non-volatile status registers controlling block protection (BP3–BP0), top/bottom lock (TB), complement protect (CMP), security register locks (LB3–LB1), and output driver strength (DRV1/DRV0). Erase/program suspend/resume (75h/7Ah) enables concurrent background operations, while the 64-bit unique ID and three 256-byte OTP-locked security registers provide device-level authentication and secure firmware partitioning.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Memory Density | 256 M-bit (32 MB), organized as 131,072 × 256-byte pages |
| Interface Modes | Standard SPI, Dual I/O SPI, Quad I/O SPI, and QPI - requires QE bit set for Quad I/O functionality |
| Max Clock Frequency | 104 MHz (Standard/Dual/Quad SPI); enables 416 MB/s effective throughput in Quad I/O Fast Read mode |
| Erase Granularity | Uniform 4 KB sectors (8,192 total), 32 KB blocks (4,096), 64 KB blocks (2,048), and full chip erase |
| Supply Voltage | 2.7 V to 3.6 V - compatible with 3.3 V logic systems without level shifting |
| Data Retention | 20 years at +25°C - validated for long-term firmware and calibration data storage |
| Endurance | 100,000 program/erase cycles per sector - sufficient for field-upgradable firmware partitions |
| Operating Temp | −40°C to +85°C - qualified for industrial and automotive under-hood control modules |
Pinout & Package
W25Q256FVFJQ is packaged in an 8-pad WSON 8×6 mm (Package Code E), with exposed thermal pad (non-electrical). Pin functions are defined per JEDEC MS-012 and Winbond specification, and pin 7 serves dual role as /HOLD or /RESET depending on Status Register configuration and QE bit state.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (/CS) | Chip Select Input | Active-low enable; high-impedance DO/IO pins when deasserted; must transition high→low after power-up before accepting commands |
| 2 (DO / IO1) | Data Output / Quad I/O 1 | Unidirectional output in Standard SPI; bidirectional in Dual/Quad SPI; used for read data and status register reads |
| 3 (/WP / IO2) | Write Protect Input / Quad I/O 2 | Hardware write-protection for status register when QE=0; becomes IO2 in Quad SPI mode (QE=1) |
| 4 (GND) | Ground Reference | Primary signal and power return path; must be low-inductance connection for stable timing and noise immunity |
| 5 (DI / IO0) | Data Input / Quad I/O 0 | Unidirectional input in Standard SPI; bidirectional in Dual/Quad SPI; carries instructions, addresses, and program data |
| 6 (CLK) | Serial Clock Input | Edge-triggered timing reference for all SPI/QPI transfers; max 104 MHz; requires clean, monotonic transitions |
| 7 (/HOLD or /RESET / IO3) | Hold or Reset Input / Quad I/O 3 | Pauses ongoing SPI transfer when active low (if QE=0); functions as /RESET if configured via HOLD/RST bit (SR-3); becomes IO3 in Quad mode (QE=1) |
| 8 (VCC) | Power Supply | 2.7–3.6 V main supply; decoupling capacitor (≥1 µF ceramic) required within 5 mm of pin for transient current handling |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Quad Peripheral Interface (QPI) | Reduces instruction overhead to 2 clocks per command, enabling deterministic XIP latency and eliminating opcode byte transmission in burst reads |
| Erase/Program Suspend & Resume | Allows interruption of long erase/program operations to service time-critical reads or writes, then resume without data loss or timeout risk |
| JEDEC SFDP Register | Provides standardized, read-only parameter table (5Ah) for automatic controller configuration of timing, voltage, and command sets without hard-coded assumptions |
| 64-bit Unique Serial Number | Factory-programmed, read-only identifier (4Bh) enabling secure device binding, anti-cloning, and firmware licensing per physical unit |
| Three 256-byte Security Registers | OTP-lockable storage for cryptographic keys, certificates, or calibration data - protected by LB1–LB3 bits and write-disable mechanisms |
| Continuous Read with Wrap | Supports 8/16/32/64-byte wrap modes (77h) to eliminate address increment overhead during sequential buffer fills, improving DMA efficiency |
Applications
| Boot Code Storage | Firmware Over-the-Air (OTA) |
|---|---|
Use Scenario: Storing primary bootloader and initial application image in microcontroller-based edge devices requiring cold-start reliability and fail-safe recovery. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Non-volatile code storage with XIP-capable Quad I/O interface, delivering sub-100 ns instruction fetch latency via continuous read mode. Use Value: Eliminates external RAM copy step during boot, reducing BOM count and power-on time by >30% versus parallel flash alternatives. |
Use Scenario: Hosting dual-bank firmware images in connected medical sensors, enabling atomic updates with rollback capability upon validation failure. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-endurance, sector-protected memory partitioning with individual block lock (36h/39h) and suspend/resume for safe background programming. Use Value: Supports verified in-field updates without interrupting sensor sampling, meeting IEC 62304 Class C software update requirements. |
| Industrial HMI Configuration | Automotive Telematics Logging |
Use Scenario: Retaining display assets, language packs, and user preferences across power cycles in factory-floor HMIs with limited PCB space. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Parameter and asset storage with 4KB sector granularity, enabling selective rewrites without erasing full firmware image. Use Value: Enables localized UI updates via field service tools without full firmware reflashing, reducing downtime and logistics complexity. |
Use Scenario: Capturing CAN bus diagnostic logs and GPS metadata in vehicle telematics gateways operating in extended temperature environments. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: High-reliability data logger with 20-year retention and −40°C to +85°C qualification, using security registers for encrypted log headers. Use Value: Meets UNECE R155 cybersecurity management system (CSMS) evidence retention requirements for incident forensics. |
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MX25L25635F | Same density and SOIC/WSON packages; supports DTR (Double Transfer Rate) mode but lacks QPI and SFDP register | Requires controller-side timing configuration; no auto-discovery - increases bring-up effort for new platforms | Prefer when legacy SPI controller lacks QPI support and SFDP parsing is not implemented |
| S25FL256S | Includes built-in ECC and configurable sector protection; supports 133 MHz Quad SPI but uses different status register layout and QE activation method | Higher data integrity assurance for safety-critical logging; requires firmware adaptation for status register bit mapping | Choose when end-system certification (e.g., ISO 26262 ASIL-B) mandates error correction and hardened write protection |
Compared with MX25L25635F and S25FL256S, W25Q256FVFJQ delivers standardized auto-configuration via SFDP, deterministic QPI command timing, and unified security register architecture - simplifying cross-platform firmware reuse and reducing qualification testing scope.
Availability
W25Q256FVFJQ is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial HMIs, automotive telematics gateways, and IoT edge node boot code storage requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle availability, and traceable sourcing.
Supply support for W25Q256FVFJQ 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 SPI NOR/NAND flash, RAM, and mobile DRAM, serving industrial, automotive, and consumer markets since 1987.
The W25Q series targets high-performance embedded systems needing reliable, low-power, pin-efficient code and data storage - designed specifically for XIP, OTA updates, and secure firmware partitioning in resource-constrained devices.
FAQ
What is the package type and footprint of W25Q256FVFJQ?
W25Q256FVFJQ uses an 8-pad WSON 8×6 mm package (Package Code E) with exposed thermal pad. Its pinout matches JEDEC MO-241AC, and it shares footprint compatibility with other Winbond W25Q family members in the same package code - enabling drop-in replacement within the same density and voltage grade.
Does W25Q256FVFJQ support 4-byte addressing, and how is it enabled?
Yes, W25Q256FVFJQ supports 4-byte addressing for access beyond 16 MB. It is enabled via the Enter 4-Byte Address Mode instruction (B7h); the setting persists until Exit 4-Byte Address Mode (E9h) is issued or power is cycled. The ADP bit in Status Register-3 determines power-up default address mode.
How does the /HOLD pin function differ between Standard SPI and Quad SPI modes on W25Q256FVFJQ?
In Standard SPI mode (QE=0), pin 7 functions as /HOLD to pause ongoing transfers. In Quad SPI mode (QE=1), that same pin becomes IO3 for bidirectional data, and /HOLD functionality is disabled. The HOLD/RST bit in Status Register-3 controls whether pin 7 acts as /HOLD or /RESET in 8-pin packages when QE=0.
Can W25Q256FVFJQ be used for Execute-in-Place (XIP) applications, and what interface mode is optimal?
Yes, W25Q256FVFJQ supports true XIP via its Continuous Read mode with wrap and Quad I/O Fast Read instructions (6Bh/6Ch). QPI mode is optimal for XIP due to reduced instruction overhead and deterministic 2-clock cycle command execution, minimizing fetch latency compared to Standard SPI.
What security features are implemented in W25Q256FVFJQ for firmware protection?
W25Q256FVFJQ includes hardware write protection via /WP pin, programmable block/sector lock (36h/39h), global lock (7Eh/98h), 64-bit unique ID (4Bh), three 256-byte OTP-locked security registers (42h/44h/48h), and status register protection bits (SRP0/SRP1) - collectively enabling layered firmware integrity, anti-cloning, and secure key storage.
W25Q256FVFJQ 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
W25Q256FVFJQ FAQ
1.How can I place an order for W25Q256FVFJQ through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for W25Q256FVFJQ 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 W25Q256FVFJQ reliable?
The price and inventory of W25Q256FVFJQ are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for W25Q256FVFJQ is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for W25Q256FVFJQ?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for W25Q256FVFJQ transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for W25Q256FVFJQ?
W25Q256FVFJQ orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your W25Q256FVFJQ 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 W25Q256FVFJQ?
For technical support, including W25Q256FVFJQ datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your W25Q256FVFJQ requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that W25Q256FVFJQ is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All W25Q256FVFJQ 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 W25Q256FVFJQ meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of W25Q256FVFJQ?
All W25Q256FVFJQ units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with W25Q256FVFJQ, 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 W25Q256FVFJQ part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for W25Q256FVFJQ:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
W25Q256FVFJQ Tags
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M24C02-WMN6TP
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