Standard and customized embedded flash solutions
available for system-on-silicon
MILPITAS, Calif. -- April 20, 1999 -- Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing
and NexFlash Technologies, Inc. have announced that they are extending their
two-year collaboration on 0.5- and 0.35-micron embedded flash memories to
jointly develop 0.25-micron embedded flash technologies for the design
requirements of systems on silicon. The joint development will combine the
NexFlash patented Fowler-Nordheim (FN) NOR Flash technology with Chartered’s
baseline 0.25-micron CMOS logic manufacturing platform.
The agreement provides design and manufacturing services for a range of
embedded flash memory solutions tailored to foundry customers with a systems
approach to IC development.
A trio of offerings include standard off-the-shelf flash blocks in a
variety of organizations ranging from 64K-bit to 32M-bit in x8, x16, x32 bus
widths; customized flash blocks created through NexFlash design services; and,
individual bit cells that allow customers maximum flexibility when designing
their own proprietary memories. All of the above designs and
bit-cells are tuned for low power (1.8 volt), high density, and high
performance requirements.
In combination with the NexFlash embedded flash memories, customers can
also use Chartered-proven 0.25-micron baseline logic standard cell libraries
and intellectual property (IP) developed through its partnerships with
electronic design automation (EDA) providers and IP companies. Cells for these
libraries include analog IP, digital IP, RAM, ROM, and other device types.
Ana Hunter, vice president of Chartered's worldwide EDA services, said,
"Chartered continues to build partnership networks that provide customers
added-value services in addition to our core competency in wafer fabrication.
The alliance with NexFlash lets us offer a continuous Embedded Flash roadmap,
beginning at 0.5-micron and continuing to smaller geometries as the technology
evolves. For our foundry customers, Chartered acts as the conduit to advanced
manufacturing technologies and design services necessary for clearly
differentiated systems on silicon."
"The NexFlash technology and IP licensing model is ideal for companies that
want to develop flash-based digital signal processors (DSPs), microcontrollers
(MCUs), programmable logic and application specific ICs," said Mo Bandali,
President of NexFlash. "We are extremely pleased with the partnership we have
established with Chartered and look forward to continued success in our 0.25
micron embedded flash program."
"Embedded Flash memories are essential elements for silicon systems and, as
such, are growing at a faster pace than the rest of the flash memory market,"
stated Alan Niebel, director of non-volatile memories at Phoenix,
Arizona-based Semico Research. Mr. Niebel estimates that 1998 embedded flash
memory revenues will represent $850 million aside from the $2.49 billion
generated in the discrete flash memory market last year. "By 2002, we expect
that embedded flash memory revenues will reach $4.5 billion," he said.
- Availability
- Test-chip tapeouts for 0.25-micron embedded flash have been completed
and first silicon is expected within the second quarter. Full production is
anticipated early next year.
- About Chartered
- Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing (www.charteredsemi.com) is a
leading dedicated foundry, offering advanced wafer-manufacturing processes
for a broad range of CMOS logic, memory and mixed-signal technologies.
Through alliances with complementary service providers, Chartered helps
customers gain access to best-in-class services ranging from design to
assembly and final test of packaged chips.
Known for quality processes and exceptional customer service, Chartered is
a recipient of Semiconductor International Magazine's Top Fab award.
Headquartered in Singapore, the Company operates sales and service offices
worldwide. Chartered is a member company of Singapore Technologies, a
technology-based multinational conglomerate with 1997 revenues of S $5.4
billion (US $3.4 billion).
