Kilopass and Data I/O Corporation Join Forces to Deliver High-Quality, Affordable SoC Programming Solutions for Mass Production

Update: Synopsys Expands DesignWare IP Portfolio with Acquisition of Kilopass Technology (Jan. 10, 2018)

Kilopass and Data I/O Corporation sign a partnership agreement to deliver the first high-volume programming solution for XPM(TM) Embedded Non-Volatile Memory

SANTA CLARA, Calif. and REDMOND, Wash. -- June 18, 2007 -- Kilopass Technology Inc., an intellectual property company providing advanced embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) technology, and Data I/O Corporation, the semiconductor industry's leading device programming solutions provider for wireless, automotive, consumer and industrial applications, today announced a partnership to provide affordable, mass-production programming solutions for all Kilopass XPM(TM) (Extra-Permanent Memory) IP products.

Working together, Kilopass and Data I/O Corporation will provide standardized programming solutions that meet the requirements of cost-sensitive SoC (System-on-Chip) applications such as those in the consumer marketplace.

Using traditional Automated Test Equipment (ATE) to program embedded Non- Volatile Memory (NVM) in an SoC is very capital intensive, adding to the device's unit cost. As the trend toward embedding NVM IP inside SoC architectures increases, Kilopass' high volume customers are looking for additional opportunities to reduce manufacturing costs. The partnership announced today aims at ensuring quality and reducing manufacturing cost.

Kilopass' silicon-proven, low-cost and highly secure XPM technology offers the benefits of post-manufacturing programming of NVM implemented in standard- logic CMOS processes. Applications for embedded XPM memories include analog trimming and calibration, chip IDs, security keys, DRM (Digital Rights Management), HDMI, memory repair, CMOS image sensors, digital logic configuration, and secure firmware storage. Kilopass' unique NVM technology, combined with Data I/O's 35 years of expertise in device programming solutions and IP delivery for manufacturing applications, offers a full solution to their customers by reducing manufacturing risks through the use of proven names and solutions.

"Kilopass is seeing tremendous growth driven by SoC application requirements for audio-video media content security," said Craig Rawlings, Director of Marketing at Kilopass. "These types of consumer electronic applications drive requirements for embedded Non-Volatile Memory that is very low-cost, including the cost of programming," added Mr. Rawlings.

"We are very pleased to have the opportunity to offer our expertise and 35 years of experience to Kilopass' customers. Device manufacturers, OEM, ODM and EMS partners of Data I/O will use and benefit from Kilopass' XPM technology. At the same time this partnership introduces Data I/O to new customers and applications, it also benefits Kilopass customers by reducing programming costs and manufacturing risks through access to Data I/O's global support team," said Kennan Yilmaz, Semiconductor Market Segment Manager at Data I/O Corporation.

"Since ATE machines used for SoC testing can cost in the millions of dollars, device programming on these machines is very expensive and may create manufacturing disruptions and bottlenecks. With its new focus on system-level application solutions, Data I/O can also offer device testing and custom device programming solutions to Kilopass' customers worldwide," added Mr. Yilmaz.

The companies are planning joint training sessions, Webinars and seminars during the following months to educate their mutual customers about the available solutions.

About Kilopass

Kilopass Technology, Inc. was founded with the mission of becoming the industry leader in embedded NVM technology. The company's extra-permanent memory (XPM) technology is manufactured using standard commercial CMOS processes, and is used for storage of firmware, security codes, and other critical data. Kilopass has been included in four iterations of the Silicon 60, EE Times' list of 60 emerging startups, and was listed as one of the startups shaping tomorrow's technology by EE Times.
Kilopass is headquartered at 3333 Octavius Dr. Suite 101, Santa Clara, CA 95054, USA. For more information, please visit http://www.kilopass.com, call (408) 980-8808.

About Data I/O Corporation

With over 35 years of expertise in delivering intellectual property to programmable devices, Data I/O offers complete, integrated manufacturing solutions in wireless, automotive, programming center, semiconductor, and industrial control market segments for OEM, ODM, EMS and semiconductor companies. Data I/O provides hardware and software solutions for turn-key programming and device testing services, as well as in-system (on-board), in-line (right before use at the SMT line), or in-socket (off-line) programming with special manufacturing options such as serialization, traceability, version control, statistical data logging, co-planarity test, and bad block management. These solutions are scalable for small, medium and large volume applications with different device mixes.
For further information on Data I/O, please visit http://www.dataio.com or call (425) 867-6922.