Sidense OTP Memory IP Enables SpectraLinear Non-Volatile Programmable PC Clock Family

Update: Synopsys Expands DesignWare IP Portfolio with Acquisition of Sidense Corporation (Oct. 17, 2017)

8 Kbits of OTP provide fine programming granularity for critical performance parameters and rapid product time-to-market

Ottawa, Canada and Santa Clara, Calif. – June 9th, 2009 – Sidense Corp., a leading developer of Logic Non-Volatile Memory (LNVM) IP cores, and SpectraLinear, Inc., a leading provider of timing solutions for the consumer, computation, embedded, and communication markets, today announced that Sidense’s 1T-Fuse™ single-transistor bit cell non-volatile memory macros represented a key component in SpectraLinear’s recently announced PC EProClock® programmable PC clock family.

A Sidense low-power, small footprint 8-Kbit non-volatile memory (NVM) macro gives PC EProClock users unprecedented control over critical system parameters such as impedance matching, rise and fall times, skew and phase shifting, and differential clock matching, allowing them to more quickly achieve performance goals, meet compliance requirements and maximize system manufacturability. SpectraLinear also made use of another valuable feature of Sidense’s memory macros – the ability to convert the field-programmable OTP memory to mask ROM for quick turnaround mass production of a chip.

“Our OTP macros, implemented in standard logic CMOS processes with no additional masks or processing steps, provide distinct cost and size advantages over embedded eFuses for fine adjustment of critical analog and digital circuitry, both at chip test or in the field,” said Xerxes Wania, President and CEO of Sidense. “User-configurable, high-speed clock generation is an ideal application for our memory IP, since its use can save the end customer significant product development time and money.”

“Incorporating Sidense OTP into our EProClock products allows us to offer exceptional design flexibility and accelerated product development times,” said Ilhan Refioglu, SpectraLinear President and CEO. “By combining Sidense-enabled non-volatile configurability with SpectraLinear’s leading-edge clock generation technology, our system board design customers can fine-tune their products for best performance with minimum development time.”

Sidense SiPROM NVM arrays, based on the Company’s patented 1T-Fuse technology, have been silicon proven for both standard-logic and low-power processes and are available in densities up to 8 Mbits. Memory arrays are available from 180nm down to 55nm at many popular foundries.

Primarily designed for notebook, mobile/wireless applications and desktop PCs, the new SpectraLinear PC EProClock is well suited for a variety of system designs. Due to its inherent high quality of signals and programmability, it is ideal for servers and a wide range of embedded applications, including office automation, robotics, data communications, automotive, security systems, storage, and many others.

About Sidense

Sidense Corp., the only logic non-volatile memory provider listed on EE Times 60 Emerging Startups list for 2009, provides secure, dense and reliable non-volatile, one-time programmable (OTP) memory IP for use in standard-logic CMOS processes, with no additional masks or process steps required. Sidense's patented one-transistor 1T-Fuse™ architecture (U.S. Patent #7402855 and others) provides the industry’s smallest footprint and lowest power Logic Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) solution.

Sidense OTP memory is available at 180nm, 130nm, 110nm, 90nm, 65nm, and 55nm and is scalable to 40nm and below. The IP is available at UMC, TSMC, SMIC, Tower, Fujitsu Microelectronics, IBM and Chartered. Customers are using Sidense OTP for analog trimming, code storage, encryption keys such as HDCP, RFID and Chip ID, medical, automotive, and configurable processors and logic. For more information, please visit www.sidense.com.

About SpectraLinear

SpectraLinear is an integrated timing solutions company that focuses on the consumer, computer and communication markets using innovative, high performance, fast time-to-market silicon platforms. In October, 2006 SpectraLinear acquired Cypress’ PC clock division, immediately establishing itself as the largest pure-play integrated timing device company. SpectraLinear is based in Santa Clara, CA and has offices in Taipei, Bangalore and Istanbul. For more information, go to www.spectralinear.com.