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What is an sSpec?
The sSpec number is also known as the specification number and SL code. It is a five character string (SL36W, XL2XL, etc.) that is printed on and used to identify the processor.
Do all processor numbers have the same sSpec?
The same processor number can have different sSpecs. The reason is because when a processor stepping change occurs, a new sSpec is generated for that stepping. It is also true that the same stepping level can also have more than one sSpec associated with it.
What is a stepping?
In it's simplest form, it is a revision of the processor silicon. These are divided into two types. One type is called a full-layer stepping in which all the masks used to create the silicon can change. The other type is called a metal-layer stepping in which only the masks which are regenerated are the metal layers, allowing for fewer possible changes.
When steppings change, what is the naming convention?
Each stepping gets a different name. The usual naming convention is to change the letter of a stepping on each full-layer stepping and change the number of a stepping on the metal-layer stepping. As an example, the first full-layer stepping from A0 would typically be B0 and the first metal-layer stepping from A0 would be A1.
Where can the sSpec be found?
You can find this number by looking at the markings on the processor top-side (see Figure 1), or on the label that came with your boxed processor (see Figure 2). The location may vary on the processor top-side and label, however, those are the two locations where the sSpec will reside.
Figure 1
Figure 2
When I choose a product family and the tool displays the product families list page, can I sort on a category such as processor number or package type?
You can sort on each category in either ascending or descending order.
Does PSF support partial searches?
PSF supports partial searches on processor numbers only. The reason for this is because partial searches on product order codes and sSpecs would usually return too many selections to narrow down the search.
Where does the link that is listed under product documentation go?
This goes to the product family technical documention site. Documents available at this site can include application notes, datasheets, manuals, specification updates, product briefs, design guides, etc.
What are the main screens in the PSF tool?
The main screens consist of the default screen, list screen, and details screen. One way to determine which screen you are currently on is to examine the address or URL box which should contain a reference to default.aspx, list.aspx, or details.aspx.
The default screen contains the search box and product family selection. The list screen list all sSpecs associated with a product family when you choose a product family off of the default screen. Individual sSpec information is displayed on the details page when you search on a sSpec from the default screen or when you click on the sSpec from the list page.
If you choose the PSF tool off of a processor product support page, it will go to the list page since it knows what product you are inquiring about. If you choose the processor product order code link from the product support page it will take you to the details page, unless there is more than one sSpec associated with that product order code in which case it will take you to a list page for that product code. This functionality was only implemented for more recent processor families.
This applies to:
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