Howdy. Kevin Self (the shadowy Dallas Semi applications engineer mentioned in the previous post) here to set the record straight.

The previous post was a little off the mark. Earlier revs (420 B4, and 430/440/450 A3 and earlier) of the DS89C4x0 had flash memory issues; not one of our shining moments we admit, but these things happen. But we did make sure it was clearly noted on the errata sheets. The link to the errata sheets is at the bottom of every data sheet.

(Rule #279: Good engineers never trust the lying, thieving chip makers and always read the errata sheets. :)

The errata sheet also states that if you have any more questions to email micro.support@dalsemi.com (which happens to go direct to me, BTW).

The previous post tended to leave one with the impression that this was breaking news. It isn't. It's been out in the open. Only a very small amount of affected material was ever shipped, and we have been shipping the new revision material for some time. It's easy to spot the affected material, and you won't ever see it if you're currently buying material through an authorized Dallas Semiconductor distributor. If you do somehow find you've got affected material, let me know and I'll tell you the procedure to return it ASAP.

Please please, if you have any questions about Dallas Semiconductor micros, you can fire off an email to me at micro.support@dalsemi.com. Especially if they're questions that make our micros smell bad; 8-bit odor control is one of my responsibilities here.

On this issue it isn't some faceless entity you're dealing with; it's me, it's my job, and this time it's personal. :)

Regards,
Kevin Self
Sr. Apps Engr, Dallas Semiconductor
micro.support@dalsemi.com