Embedded non-volatile memory has significant application in most
integrated circuit designs.
It can be used as a field-programmable solution for firmware storage to
support any embedded microprocessors and
microcontrollers, embedded security ID, encryption code for digital
media content protection,
field trimming and calibration for any kinds of analog circuits, and
flexible configuration
of customer-specific IC product features. However, non-volatile memory
usage has been hampered from serving these applications by a major
shortcoming: NVM technology is not compatible with standard logic CMOS
processes. NVM has traditionally added cost to a logic process because
it adds processing steps. As a result, Flash, EPROM, and EEPROM
processes typically lag leading CMOS logic process geometries by
multiple generations. Charge storage technologies are also inherently
insecure and very difficult to manufacture, resulting in lower
manufacturing yields and premiums of up to 50% more per wafer. In an
era of increasing concerns over intellectual property theft, embedded
NVM susceptibility to being
read by microscopy has become a strong concern regarding its content
security.
Our talk is to introduce to SOC designers a new alternative to
expensive off-chip EPROM/Flash
for their non-volatile memory applications with support for CMOS
process technologies
down to 90nm already. This new type of non-volatile memory, XPMTM
Memory, has zero process
and zero mask changes to standard logic CMOS design. In addition, this
memory addresses
the need for an increased data and software IP security, expanding
non-volatile storage,
and lower cost. This type of memory has already been used and tested by
industrial users.
"The XPM memory technology was determined to have the best combination
of functionality, area, manufacturability and ease of production flow",
said David Auld, Vice President Technology, Zoran Corporation.
Mr. Ng has more than 22 years of experience in the semiconductor industry. Prior to joining Kilopass, Mr. Ng held senior management and executive-level positions with Cadence Design Systems, Inc., Compass Design Automation, and VLSI Technology Inc. Mr. Ng was the key contributor in establishing and expanding the business for these companies in North America, Japan, and Asia Pacific. He graduated from California Institute of Technology with a Master degree in Computer Science and a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Engineering, and he also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from University of California at Berkeley.
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