Partnership to cut the cost of SoC programming

Kilopass and Data I/O Corporation are working to provide standardised programming solutions that meet the requirements of cost-sensitive SoC applications.

Kilopass Technology has enlisted the help of Data I/O Corporation to provide affordable, mass-production programming solutions for all Kilopass XPM (Extra-Permanent Memory) IP products.

Working together, Kilopass and Data I/O Corporation will provide standardised programming solutions that meet the requirements of cost-sensitive SoC applications such as those in the consumer marketplace.

Using traditional automated test equipment (ATE) to program embedded nonvolatile memory (NVM) in an SoC is very capital intensive, adding to the device's unit cost.

As the trend toward embedding NVM IP inside SoC architectures increases, Kilopass' high-volume customers are looking for additional opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs.

The partnership announced today aims at ensuring quality and reducing manufacturing cost.

Kilopass' silicon-proven, low-cost and highly secure XPM technology offers the benefits of post-manufacturing programming of NVM implemented in standard- logic CMOS processes.

Applications for embedded XPM memories include analogue trimming and calibration, chip IDs, security keys, DRM (digital rights management), HDMI, memory repair, CMOS image sensors, digital logic configuration, and secure firmware storage.

Kilopass' unique NVM technology, combined with Data I/O's 35 years of expertise in device programming solutions and IP delivery for manufacturing applications, offers a full solution to their customers by reducing manufacturing risks through the use of proven names and solutions.

"Kilopass is seeing tremendous growth driven by SoC application requirements for audio-video media content security", says Craig Rawlings, Director of Marketing at Kilopass.

"These types of consumer electronic applications drive requirements for embedded nonvolatile memory that is very low-cost, including the cost of programming", he adds.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to offer our expertise and 35 years of experience to Kilopass' customers", says Kennan Yilmaz, Semiconductor Market Segment Manager at Data I/O Corporation.

"Device manufacturers, OEM, ODM and EMS partners of Data I/O will use and benefit from Kilopass' XPM technology".

"At the same time this partnership introduces Data I/O to new customers and applications, it also benefits Kilopass customers by reducing programming costs and manufacturing risks through access to Data I/O's global support team".

"Since ATE machines used for SoC testing can cost in the millions of dollars, device programming on these machines is very expensive and may create manufacturing disruptions and bottlenecks".

"With its new focus on system-level application solutions, Data I/O can also offer device testing and custom device programming solutions to Kilopass' customers worldwide", adds Yilmaz.

The companies are planning joint training sessions, webinars and seminars during the coming months to educate their mutual customers about the available solutions.

Back to top