Winbond Electronics Corporation W25Q40BWUXIE TR

Overview

W25Q40BWUXIE TR from Winbond is a 4M-bit (512KB) serial NOR flash memory IC designed for code storage and XIP (execute-in-place) in space-constrained embedded systems. It operates on a single 1.65–1.95V supply, supports Standard/Dual/Quad SPI interfaces, delivers up to 320MHz equivalent data rates via Quad I/O, and features uniform 4KB sector erase with 100,000 program/erase cycles and 20-year data retention.

For engineers reviewing the W25Q40BWUXIE TR datasheet, W25Q40BWUXIE TR pinout, W25Q40BWUXIE TR application, or W25Q40BWUXIE TR equivalent, key selection considerations include its USON 2×3-mm package, 1.8V operation, Quad Enable (QE) bit dependency for full I/O mode, and hardware write protection via /WP and /HOLD pins in non-Quad configurations.

Technical Context

The W25Q40BWUXIE TR implements a SPI-compatible command set with three operational modes: Standard SPI (DI/DO), Dual SPI (IO0/IO1), and Quad SPI (IO0–IO3), where the latter requires the non-volatile Quad Enable (QE) bit in Status Register-2 to be set. Its architecture includes a 256-byte page buffer, 128 uniform 4KB sectors, and eight 64KB blocks, enabling flexible partitioning for firmware, parameter, and security data storage.

It integrates dual-level write protection: hardware-based via active-low /WP and /HOLD pins (functional only in Standard/Dual modes), and software-configurable via Status Register bits (BP2–BP0, TB, SEC, CMP, SRP0/SRP1). The device also supports Erase/Program Suspend & Resume, 64-bit unique serial number, and four 256-byte OTP-lockable security registers.

Key Specifications

Pinout & Package

W25Q40BWUXIE TR is packaged in an 8-pad USON (Ultra Thin Small Outline No-lead) 2×3-mm body with 0.5-mm pitch and 0.6-mm height (package code UX), optimized for high-density PCB layouts and automated assembly.

Key Features

Applications

Equivalent & Alternatives

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

Compared with W25Q40EWUXIE, the W25Q40BWUXIE TR offers proven industrial qualification at lower cost but with reduced endurance and retention; versus AT25SF041-SSHD-B, it delivers faster XIP performance, stronger security, and finer erase granularity - making it more suitable for firmware-centric, security-aware applications.

Availability

W25Q40BWUXIE TR is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for industrial PLCs, IoT edge devices, and medical diagnostics equipment requiring stable component supply, long-term lifecycle support, and RoHS-compliant packaging.

Supply support for W25Q40BWUXIE 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 memory solutions, including SPI NOR/NAND flash, RAM, and mobile DRAM.

The W25Q series is engineered for embedded code storage and XIP execution in resource-constrained systems, emphasizing high-speed Quad SPI performance, robust data integrity, and compact packaging for modern IoT and industrial electronics.

FAQ

What is the package type and dimensions of the W25Q40BWUXIE TR?

The W25Q40BWUXIE TR uses an 8-pad USON (Ultra Thin Small Outline No-lead) package measuring 2.0 mm × 3.0 mm × 0.6 mm (L×W×H), with 0.5-mm pad pitch. This ultra-compact, lead-free, RoHS-compliant package supports high-density PCB layouts and reflow soldering per J-STD-020 standards. Its low profile makes it ideal for space-constrained portable and wearable electronics where board area is at a premium.

Does the W25Q40BWUXIE TR support Quad SPI operation out of the box?

No - the W25Q40BWUXIE TR requires the Quad Enable (QE) bit in Status Register-2 to be set (to '1') before Quad SPI instructions like Fast Read Quad I/O (EBh) become functional. By default, QE = 0, so the /WP and /HOLD pins operate as hardware write protect inputs. Setting QE permanently reassigns those pins to IO2 and IO3, disabling hardware write protection unless software-based protection is used instead.

What is the minimum and maximum supply voltage for reliable operation of the W25Q40BWUXIE TR?

The W25Q40BWUXIE TR operates reliably across a supply voltage range of 1.65 V to 1.95 V. Operation below 1.65 V may cause undefined behavior or failure to accept commands; above 1.95 V risks permanent damage. The device includes built-in power-on reset circuitry that holds the chip in reset until VCC exceeds the threshold VWI (~1.5 V), and enforces a tPUW delay (~100 µs) before accepting write-enable or programming commands after power-up.

How many program/erase cycles and what data retention does the W25Q40BWUXIE TR guarantee?

The W25Q40BWUXIE TR guarantees a minimum of 100,000 program/erase cycles per sector and 20 years of data retention at +85°C ambient temperature. These specifications are validated per JEDEC standards and apply across the full industrial temperature range (−40°C to +85°C). Endurance is measured using standard sector erase and page program sequences; retention assumes no further cycling after initial programming.

Can the W25Q40BWUXIE TR be used for execute-in-place (XIP) applications?

Yes - the W25Q40BWUXIE TR supports true XIP via its Continuous Read Mode, which reduces instruction overhead to just 8 clock cycles for 24-bit address access and enables seamless sequential reads. Combined with Fast Read Quad I/O (EBh) delivering up to 320 MHz effective throughput, it allows microcontrollers to execute code directly from flash without copying to RAM - reducing system memory footprint and boot latency in resource-limited embedded designs.