TG7121B Flash Upgrade PCN

PCN Upgrade Solutions

1. Chip Validation

   The hardware and software development kit (SDK) for the new Flash version of the chip has passed all internal testing and validation.

2. Upgrade Solutions

   This upgrade only involves an update to the Flash version. No changes are required for your hardware design.

   After the update, the AC characteristics of the Flash change in two main ways:

   • The Flash erase time increases. The erase/write time increases from 8 ms to 16 ms.

   • The time interval for Flash erase/write suspend and resume operations increases. The interval increases from 0.3 µs to 20 µs.

   To address these changes, we provide patch files to prevent potential application issues. The patch files are available in the attached compressed file (Flash_Update_Patch-20240401.7z). Apply the patch that corresponds to your SDK version.

   Note the following information about this patch:

   • What issues will occur if you do not apply the patch and use the original SDK firmware on the new chip?

     • During a Flash erase operation, the program takes an additional 9 ms to disable global interrupts compared to the old chip version.

     • If high-priority interrupts frequently interrupt Flash erase/write operations, and the interval between two suspend and resume operations is less than 20 µs, program errors may occur.

   • Will applying the patch affect existing projects? Can the patched firmware run on old chips?

     No, the patch does not affect existing projects. The patched firmware can also run on old chip versions. The patch reads the Flash information to determine if the chip is 55 nm or 40 nm and then follows the appropriate process.

   • How do I apply the patch?

     The compressed file contains patch files for different SDK versions that you can use to view the modifications to the original SDK. It also provides replaceable .c and .h files. Replace the original files with these new files according to the paths specified in the instructions within the compressed file.

   • How can I distinguish between 40 nm and 55 nm chips?

     You can distinguish the chips by the suffix on the third line of the chip's marking: NBA indicates a 55 nm chip, and NDA indicates a 40 nm chip.

     For more information, see the attached document: <TG7121B Chip Marking to Distinguish Different Flash Methods.doc

New Chip Version Transition Schedule

1. The new Flash version chip is currently in mass production.

2. The estimated End-of-Life (EOL) date for the old Flash version chip is June 30, 2024. For the exact date, contact your sales Business Architect (BA).

You must apply this patch to all existing customer projects because 55 nm Flash chips will no longer be produced. After you apply the patch and complete a small-batch validation, you can proceed with mass production.