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Logic-Based Non-Volatile Memory Brings New Life to Mature Applications |
| At
TSMC, being the foundry industry technology leader means more than being
first to market with the latest advanced technology. It also means providing
robust derivative technologies that actually empower more innovative than
today's leading-edge 90-nm processes. |
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Embedded memories in general, and non-volatile memory (NVM) in particular,
have historically been one of the company's core competencies and embedded
flash is one of TSMC's more popular NVM processes at 0.50-micron, 0.35-micron,
0.25-micron, and, most recently, 0.18-micron. |
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| Since
TSMC debuted its embedded flash process, more than 400 designs have entered
volume production using this technology. And while embedded flash has more
than proved its merit, the market is seeking a lower density process that
ranges from few bits to a few thousand bits. To respond to this need for
low density, low cost alternatives, TSMC is working with several partners
to define a logic-based NVM process that requires no extra masks. |
| Logic-based
NVM can be used to replace EPROM in micro controllers, to replace EEPROM
in ID/RF-ID devices, or to replace fuses in analog calibration and trimming
applications. Markets for these applications and others like them are quickly
growing. |
| TSMC's
logic-based one time programmable (OTP) 0.35-micron process is now qualified
and ready for production. The 0.25-micron and 0.18-micron multiple times
programmable/ one time programmable (MTP/OTP) qualifications are currently underway and will be completed this quarter and early next year respectively. |
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