Release of 32M-bit Mask ROM World's Highest-speed operation at Low Voltage

32M-bit mask ROM

NEC has realized commercializing of 32M-bit mask ROM, which can be operated at 3.3 voltages while realizing the world's highest speed. With the normal access model called "µPD23C32000L" and the one with normal access and page access functions called "µPD23C32040L," acceptance of code orders is to be started from September.

Adopting the NOR-type memory cell structure and the low-voltage high-speed operation circuit technology, the new products are blessed with the normal access time of 100 nanoseconds, while the page access time of the µPD23C32040L is 40 nanoseconds. Both models realize the world-highest speed while maintaining their operability at 3.3 voltages, which is their major characteristic.

The sample price of the new products is ¥3,000 per unit. The production volume, which will start from October 1996, is planning to be 350,000 units per month.

Mask ROMs are used as memory for storing programs and fixed data in various fields ranging from FA and OA devices to game devices. Recently, they are mounted even on portable information terminal devices such as electronic pocketbooks, which symbolize the age of multimedia. More and more user's demand for these large-capacity, low-voltage but high-speed products has been boosted. The new products have come out in response to such needs.

Major features of the new product are described as follows.

(1) World-highest speed realized at low voltage: To realize a high-speed operation driven by 3.3 voltages, the memory cell structure is changed from the NAND type to the NOR type. Furthermore, by aiming at design optimization of the peripheral circuits, the world-highest speed of normal access time 100 nanoseconds and page access time 40 nanoseconds ( µPD23C32040L only ) are realized with a low-voltage product.
(2) Output bits can be selected: Because the 8-bit output and the 16-bit output can be interswitchable, the user can select an output bit structure optimum for the system.
(3) Three types of packages available: Three types of packages, i.e., the 44-pin SOP, the 48-pin TSOP type-I and the 44-pin TSOP type-II, which have become standards for mask ROMs are available.

By marketing the new products, NEC is aiming at upgrading of the application system. For fields that require the new products, NEC will actively carry out its marketing activities.

See the attachment for major specifications of the new products.