Nonvolatile memory shrinks to 90nm SoC process

XPM nonvolatile memory technology is now available for use in ASICs and SoCs using standard logic CMOS 90nm silicon processes in addition to 0.18, 0.15 and 0.13-micron processes.

XPM nonvolatile memory technology is now available for use in ASICs and SoCs using standard logic CMOS 90nm silicon processes in addition to 0.18, 0.15 and 0.13-micron processes.

XPM, a unique embedded one-time-programmable (OTP) NVM technology, offers the combination of scalability to advanced silicon processes such as 90nm, low standard logic CMOS fabrication cost, storage density from a few bits to up to multiple megabits and highly secure storage.

With its complete range of bit sizes and its wide variety of applications XPM can enhance almost any chip design.

Dr Jack Peng, CEO, Kilopass Technology, noted: "We have shipped our patented XPM technology to over a dozen customers, and are very pleased to announce that we have tested and verified silicon, in 90nm, with 1000 hours of burn-in, and that our customers expect to move from silicon prototypes to high volume manufacturing in the next few months".

As a replacement for external memory chips XPM technology can be used in high density embedded memory applications for publishing games, movies and other multimedia content, as well as for secure firmware storage in embedded MCU and DSP-based systems.

XPM can also be used for secure ID and data storage for smart cards, for embedded ID and parameter storage, for storing encryption keys, for analogue trimming and calibration parameter storage, for storing unique configuration codes and for embedded memory repair.

XPM's patented fuse-programmable technology uses 1.5 transistors per memory cell, is programmable with a low program current by either an external or internal voltage source, and offers a fast read access time of 40-70ns (for 1Mbit, 0.18 micron process).

Applications requiring more than one-time programming can use a multiple sector approach with a minimal die area penalty.

For example sizing up from 1 to 8Kbit of XPM-based memory offers eight sectors for limited-time reprogrammability and it adds a negligible amount of die area.

XPM technology is highly secure.

Data are permanently retained for the life of most systems (over 20 years), and are protected from reverse engineering, as it is not possible to detect the stored data with a microscope or by voltage contrast testing.

Licences for XPM memory technology are available now, and include GDSII layouts as well as simulation and timing models.

Back to top