Microchip Introduces SST26VF Series: NOR Flash with Integrated Pre‑Programmed MAC Addresses

Microchip has launched the SST26VF Serial Quad I/O 3‑V Flash family, the industry’s first NOR Flash devices that come with integrated, pre‑programmed MAC addresses.

Each device is pre‑loaded with either an EUI‑48 or EUI‑64 address, eliminating the need for designers to source, program, and serialize MAC addresses from the IEEE Registration Authority. With no minimum order requirement, the SST26VF series delivers a cost‑effective, plug‑and‑play storage solution for connected products that rely on Ethernet, Bluetooth, Wi‑Fi, IEEE 802.15.4, and FireWire.

Manufacturers can choose from 16‑Mb, 32‑Mb, or 64‑Mb densities, allowing the SST26VF family to fit a wide range of low‑ to mid‑volume production volumes while speeding time‑to‑market.

The growth of the Internet of Things has made on‑board MAC address provisioning a critical requirement. Small and medium‑sized companies traditionally purchase blocks of addresses from the IEEE—ranging from 4,000 to 16 million—at premium prices for low‑volume orders. By integrating unique EUI identifiers directly into the flash, Microchip removes the burden of external procurement and management.

Each pre‑programmed EUI address combines an Organizational Unique Identifier (OUI) bought from the IEEE with a company‑defined Extension Identifier (EI). The EI is embedded into every product, ensuring a globally unique address for every device shipped.

Key technical features include a six‑wire, 4‑bit I/O interface that delivers low‑power, high‑performance operation in a small pin‑count package. The devices are available in compact 8‑pin SOIC and 8‑contact WSON packages, reducing board space and overall system cost. They also offer rich SQI Flash with flexible write‑protect functionality to prevent accidental data loss.

Built on Microchip’s proprietary SuperFlash technology, the SST26VF series delivers high endurance, low operating currents, and low power draw—making it an ideal fit for industrial and consumer cloud‑connected applications such as smart home hubs, building‑control equipment, factory automation, and security systems. Microchip also provides pre‑programming services to embed customer firmware directly into the flash.