Flashstream offers the fastest flash programming of NAND and NOR flash memory at speeds as low as 2.5 percent over theoretical programming minimum. This industry leading speed is due to the creation of a proprietary co-processor technology developed by BPM called Vector Engine. This technology uses a proprietary co-processor design to hardware accelerate flash memory waveforms during the programming cycle. Faster speeds are achieved through synchronous operations that eliminate the dead times when the DUT waits on the programmer. The result is programming near the theoretical limits of the silicon design � the faster the device, the faster the device is programmed.
For example the Samsung 512 Mb OneNAND� KFG1216Q2A-DEB5 programs at 12 times faster than current flash programmer technology. The device was cycled through functions of erase, program, verify of a random full data pattern in an amazing 15.4 seconds while staying with in manufacturer specified programming requirements.
Designed for high-density flash, the Flashstream programs NAND and NOR Flash up to 32 Gb (gigabit) and has upgradeable RAM for future densities. It comes standard with 4191 Mb (32.7 Gb) memory per site that is upgradeable to handle future densities and communicates with USB 2.0 between the host PC and programmer. The programmer also includes bad block replacement scheme for NAND and low voltage support. A four-socket manual system, Flashstream is BPM�s first dedicated hardware design for flash memories, which results in a radical improvement in speed when compared to competitive flash programmers.
As an additional benefit, multiple Flashstream units can be connected to one computer to run the same programming job in concurrent programming� mode. Single units can be mechanically connected. Also, a LED display identifies the programmer number that corresponds to software instructions.
Featuring the capability to program with one, two, three or four socket cards, the Flashstream offers the only single socket card purchase for first article qualification. It is easy to remove and stores with little space. Additionally, it includes Active, Pass and Fail LED status indicators on each individual socket card, as well as the option of Auto-start on continuity check.
�The industry difference with Flashstream is the Vector co-processor, which does accelerate standard programming waveforms at a proprietary speed. We are proud that our engineers developed it in our Houston facility,� said Bill White, president and owner of BPM. �The Flashstream programming platform has been years in the making and we are happy with the results and the benefit to the electronics industry.�
Flash memory is the single largest growth sector in the Semiconductor industry for several years. Last year, 5 billion units of flash memory were used in the electronics industry with a future forecasted per year growth rate of 18 percent. Flashstream will contribute to the production of flash memory rich devices that require preloading during the manufacturing process of electronic products.
Flashstream will significantly help the production of embedded designs in electronic products by reducing ramp to volume production fears for products that integrate high-density flash memory such as wireless devices, navigation electronics and personal music systems. Now, it enables new applications, especially for very large patterns. Additionally, these systems can leave the factory with preloaded data or content instead of blank memory.
The Flashstream programmer has the capacity to support NAND and NOR flash memory devices as well as EPROMs. New device requests will be taken for Flashstream and distributed to all Flashstream customers under software contract.
The Flashstream�s significant speed reduces labor costs as well as the number of machines needed to perform the same function. The programmer is ready for both today�s and tomorrow�s most demanding flash devices and is available for purchase starting May 1, 2007.
About BPM Microsystems
Established in 1985, BPM Microsystems is a global supplier of electronic device programmers for all applications. The company is the leading supplier of vision-based automated programming systems and sets the standard in device support, performance, ease-of-use, and cost-of-ownership. The company offers a wide variety of device programmers including Universal Programmers, Concurrent Programming Systems� and Fine-Pitch Automated Programming Systems.
BPM Microsystems� financial statements are audited by Price Waterhouse Coopers LLP. BPM Microsystems is located at 5373 West Sam Houston Pkwy N, Suite 250, Houston, Texas USA 77041-5160. BPM Microsystems can be found on the Internet at http://www.bpmmicro.com.