1st Silicon Begins Ramping 0.25um Embedded Flash Technology

Kuching, Sarawak MALAYSIA; July 28, 2004 -- 1^st Silicon ( Malaysia ) Sdn. Bhd., a premier semiconductor-manufacturing foundry, announced that the company is accepting tape-outs for its new 0.25µm embedded flash technology. The embedded flash process, which is based on 1^st Silicon's 0.25µm technology, features a competitive bit-cell size with supply voltages of 2.5V - 3.3V. The Company will apply the process to support industrial, consumer, communications and computer markets.>

Combined with SST's SuperFlash TM flash cell, the embedded flash process provides a logic-compatible technology that features high-performance logic functionality and cost-effective flash memory. Integrating flash helps to simplify memory interface, increases speed and performance, and reduces total system cost compared to other alternative off-chip configurations. On-chip flash also offers improved data security, making the technology a popular choice among system manufacturers today. 1^st Silicon's embedded flash can also increase device functionality by further integrating SRAM and mixed-signal functions on the same chip.

Chief Executive Officer of 1^st Silicon, Dr. John Nelson said, �The embedded flash memory process dovetails with our current manufacturing portfolio and lets us offer customers another technology option for important emerging markets.�

"1^st Silicon will also support embedded flash implementation services," Dr Nelson added. "These include flash macros that can be designed to specific densities and configuration, flash reliability testing as well as design quality and reliability assurance."

A comprehensive process design kit, which includes fully characterized device models and technology files for popular electronic design automation tools, will be released by fourth quarter of this year. Full volume production for embedded flash technology are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2005.  <>

About 1 st Silicon ( Malaysia ) Sdn. Bhd. >

1^st Silicon is a dedicated semiconductor foundry founded in 1998 by the Malaysian State of Sarawak . 1^st Silicon's 200mm wafer fab has a capacity in excess of 45,000 wafers per month when fully ramped. The Company offers volume production of digital and mixed-signal CMOS technologies in 0.25µm and 0.18µm processes. 0.15µm technology will be available by first quarter of 2005. The company also focuses on niche markets by offering reliable and cost-effective embedded non-volatile memory, CMOS image sensor and CCD processes.
1^st Silicon's customers include integrated device manufacturers and fabless semiconductor companies from US, Japan , and Asia . 1^st Silicon has its headquarters in Kuching, Sarawak , Malaysia , and a US registered Subsidiary Corporation located in San Jose , California . Please visit 1^st Silicon's homepage at www.1si.com for further information.