austriamicrosystems expands non-volatile memory portfolio with ultra high reliability EEPROM block

The 3kBit EEPROM block offers an endurance of 20million read/write cycles and a temperature range up to 180°C
 
May 15, 2007 -- austriamicrosystems’ Full Service Foundry business unit announced today a further expansion of its non-volatile memory portfolio with the availability of an ultra high reliability EEPROM blocks for its 0.35µm process family. The now available 3 kBit EEPROM block is fully automotive-qualified and eminently suited for harsh environment, making it ideal for designs in automotive, medical and industrial applications.

Many products such as power metering systems, motor control units, engine management systems and many more will benefit from an ultra high reliability over an extended temperature range up to 180°C by using a proven PMOS-based NVM technology. Endurance is typically 20 million read/write cycles at 25°C and will be guaranteed for at least 1 million cycles at 125°C while data retention is ensured for a minimum of 25 years at 125°C. A robust cell concept developed especially for low power and low voltage applications, and supply voltage ranges from 2.2V to 3.6V for read and 2.5V to 3.6V for write are the key technology features of the new EEPROM block.

The silicon-proven memory IP block can be obtained from austriamicrosystems now. The integration into a product design is very quick and user-friendly using the HIT-Kit, austriamicrosystems’ industry benchmark process design kit. Due to the modularity of the processes foundry customers can re-use 100 percent of their standard 0.35µm CMOS designs, while the memory block is added right before starting production of the wafer.

“With an endurance of more than 20million read/write cycles austriamicrosystems sets a benchmark in ultra high reliability EEPROM blocks. In combination with an extended temperature range up to 180°C, this block is ideal for applications in the automotive field or harsh environments, ” states Peter Gasteiner, Senior Vice President and General Manager Full Service Foundry. “This further IP portfolio expansion demonstrates austriamicrosystems capabilities as a leading specialty analog foundry.”

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems’ business unit Full Service Foundry has successfully positioned itself in the mixed-signal foundry market offering well-established RF CMOS, High-Voltage CMOS, BiCMOS and SiGe-BiCMOS processes. With superior support during the design phase, high-end tools and experienced engineers, austriamicrosystems succeeds to be an attractive analog/mixed-signal foundry partner especially for fabless design houses.
austriamicrosystems is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance analog ICs, combining more than 25 years of analog design capabilities and system know-how with its own state-of-the-art manufacturing and test facilities. austriamicrosystems leverages its expertise in low power and high accuracy to provide industry-leading customized and standard analog products. Operating worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, austriamicrosystems focuses on the areas of power management, sensors & sensor interfaces, portable audio and car access in its markets Communications, Industry & Medical and Automotive, complemented by its Full Service Foundry activities. austriamicrosystems is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).