58.6.8.3 Instruction Frame

In order to control serial Flash memories, the QSPI is able to send instructions via the SPI bus (READ, PROGRAM, ERASE, LOCK, etc.). Because the instruction set implemented in serial Flash memories is memory-vendor dependent, the QSPI includes a complete Instruction Frame register (QSPI_IFR) to ensure compatibility with all serial Flash memories.

An instruction frame includes:

• (Optional) An instruction code (see Continuous Read Mode).
• An address (size: 8, 16, 24 or 32 bits). The address is optional but is required by instructions such as READ, PROGRAM, ERASE, LOCK. By default, the address is 8 bits long, but can be increased up to 32 bits to support serial Flash memories larger than 128 Mbits.
• An option code (size: 1/2/4/8 bits). The option code is used to activate the XIP mode or the Continuous Read mode (see Continuous Read Mode) for READ instructions, in some serial Flash memory devices. These modes improve the data read latency.
• Dummy cycles. Dummy cycles are optional but required by some READ instructions.
• Data bytes are optional. Data bytes are present for data transfer instructions such as READ or PROGRAM.

The instruction code, the address/option and the data can be sent with Single-bit SPI, Dual SPI or Quad SPI protocols.