Save important data easily with S25FL512S and PIC18LF45K22

Flash 4 Click is based on Infineon's S25FL512S, a 512 Mbit SPI Flash memory module. The Flash memory density is usually expressed in bits, so 512 Mbit of memory aligned in 8 bits long words translates to a capacity of 64 megabytes (MB). This memory module contains 256 sectors of 256 KB each. Furthermore, the memory is organized in 256KB sectors, allowing users to erase the whole sector only and write up to 512 bytes at a time. The advanced MirrorBit® technology allows storing two data bits in each memory array transistor (memory cell), effectively doubling the capacity of a single storage cell. The Eclipse™ architecture is responsible for the greatly improved erase and programming performance compared to other Flash modules of the previous generation. Due to a higher speed, an execute-in-place (XIP) and data shadowing are possible with the Flash 4 Click. The S25FL512S flash module supports the standard SPI interface, but it can also optionally use the Dual and Quad SPI interface, allowing the full data transfer rate of 80MB/sec. In addition, the flash module supports DDR read commands in all SPI modes, using both clock edges to transfer the data (data transfer is performed on both the rising and the falling edge of the clock). A typical communication procedure consists of sending a proper instruction (command) from the host MCU via the SPI interface, followed by either an address,

data, or both, and a response from the S25FL512S flash module, which can be either a stream of data or a single byte, depending on the command received. One of the key features of the S25FL512S is certainly the AutoBoot feature. It allows the module to automatically initiate the memory transfer from the predefined location (memory read operation) after the reset cycle. Considering a typical communication scenario, where the READ command followed by one or more address bytes need to be used, AutoBoot allows the host MCU to pull down the #CS (Chip Select) pin and start receiving a data stream over the SPI interface for as long as the #CS pin is held LOW, without any wasted cycles. As soon as the #CS pin is released, the S25FL512S returns to normal operation. The #WP write protect pin puts the device into the hardware write protect mode. A LOW logic level on this pin prohibits writing operations to the Block-Protection bits of the Status register. Locking down the Status Register will block changes of the Status Register Write Disable (SRWD) bit, which is required for the Write and Erase operations, effectively preventing the memory content changes. The pin is multiplexed with the IO2 function. Therefore, it is not available when Quad SPI is used. The #HOLD pin is used to hold the data transfer. When the Chip Select pin (#CS, routed to the mikroBUS™ CS pin) is set

to a LOW logic level, the data transfer will be put on hold when the LOW logic level of the serial clock coincides with the falling edge of the #HOLD pin. Similarly, resuming the data transfer will happen when the LOW logic level of the serial clock coincides with the rising edge of the #HOLD pin. The pin is multiplexed with the IO3 function. Therefore it is not available when Quad SPI is used. The SPI interface pins are routed to the mikroBUS™ so that the interfacing with the microcontroller unit (MCU) is easy and straightforward. Additional pins routed to the mikroBUS™ include the #WP/IO2 pin routed to the mikroBUS™ PWM pin and labeled as IO2 and the #HOLD/IO3 pin routed to the mikroBUS™ INT pin and labeled as IO3. There is also the RESET pin, routed to the RST pin of the mikroBUS™, which performs a reset of the Flash module, initiating an AutoBoot sequence if enabled. This Click board™ can operate with either 3.3V or 5V logic voltage levels selected via the VCC SEL jumper. This way, both 3.3V and 5V capable MCUs can use the communication lines properly. Also, this Click board™ comes equipped with a library containing easy-to-use functions and an example code that can be used, as a reference, for further development.

EasyPIC v8 is a development board specially designed for the needs of rapid development of embedded applications. It supports many high pin count 8-bit PIC microcontrollers from Microchip, regardless of their number of pins, and a broad set of unique functions, such as the first-ever embedded debugger/programmer. The development board is well organized and designed so that the end-user has all the necessary elements, such as switches, buttons, indicators, connectors, and others, in one place. Thanks to innovative manufacturing technology, EasyPIC v8 provides a fluid and immersive working experience, allowing access anywhere and under any

circumstances at any time. Each part of the EasyPIC v8 development board contains the components necessary for the most efficient operation of the same board. In addition to the advanced integrated CODEGRIP programmer/debugger module, which offers many valuable programming/debugging options and seamless integration with the Mikroe software environment, the board also includes a clean and regulated power supply module for the development board. It can use a wide range of external power sources, including a battery, an external 12V power supply, and a power source via the USB Type-C (USB-C) connector.

Communication options such as USB-UART, USB DEVICE, and CAN are also included, including the well-established mikroBUS™ standard, two display options (graphical and character-based LCD), and several different DIP sockets. These sockets cover a wide range of 8-bit PIC MCUs, from the smallest PIC MCU devices with only eight up to forty pins. EasyPIC v8 is an integral part of the Mikroe ecosystem for rapid development. Natively supported by Mikroe software tools, it covers many aspects of prototyping and development thanks to a considerable number of different Click boards™ (over a thousand boards), the number of which is growing every day.