Novocell Smartbit Antifuse OTP NVM Memory Validated at IBM Foundry at Processes from 350nm to 130nm

One-Time Programmable Memory is “Ready for IBM Technology” for IBM Foundry Customers at Multiple Nodes and Processes

Dec. 12, 2012 -- San Jose, CA --Novocell Semiconductor, Inc., the leading innovator in high reliability one-time programmable (OTP) antifuse non-volatile memory (NVM), has announced the completion of multi-node intellectual property validation within IBM Foundry’s “Ready for IBM Technology” program. Novocell Semiconductor offers the industry's broadest portfolio of NVM solutions in IBM technologies, with OTP solutions available, qualified and validated within the “Ready for IBM Technology” program from 350nm through 130nm.

Walt Novosel, President of Novocell, stated, “We have been working with IBM Foundry for some time now to provide our high reliability and high yield NVM memory solutions to IBM foundry customers in the consumer electronics, aerospace, automotive, and military industry segments.”

With a product line that includes specially engineering IP product lines for applications such as trimming, calibration, feature enablement, configuration, authentication, code storage, and more, in densities ranging from as small as 8 bits to as large as 10Mbits, Novocell Semiconductor’s Smartbit™-based antifuse has acquired a reputation as the most complete, high reliability NVM product line available.

“Utilizing Novocell’s Smartbit-based NVM, IBM foundry customers will benefit from utilizing a technology that is designed to avoid many of the costly and troublesome issues that plague other OTP technologies, such as unprogrammed bits that require space- and time-consuming redundant bit programming and error correction circuitry, as well as non-standard CMOS processes,” said Walt Novosel.

Unparalleled Yield, Reliability and Manufacturing Portability 

Novocell’s entire family of Smartbit-based non-volatile memory IP products avoid the limitations of other embedded NVM technologies by relying upon a patented design as well as a dynamic programming and monitoring process. The Novocell Smartbit bit cell ensures that 100% of customers’ embedded bit cells are fully programmed, resulting in Novocell’s unmatched 100% yield and unparalleled reliability. Customers are provided a logic “done” signal, indicating full completion of programming, the data storage life is guaranteed for over 30 years 

Novocell Semiconductor’s Smartbit bit cell uses fully standard CMOS manufacturing processes, without need for secondary masks or additional fabrication processes. The NVM IP has been designed to provide the most foundry- and process-independent OTP available, and is fundamentally scalable to meet node and process complexity challenges as SoC chip designs migrate to advanced, low power nodes such as 32nm and beyond.

About Novocell SmartBit™ Technology 

Novocell's patented and uncontested Smartbit technology featuring a unique High Voltage Generator, eliminates the need for a large external charge pump, and requires only the standard process I/O to achieve oxide breakdown. The IP macros are routinely fabricated within standard CMOS processes without need for any additional layers, masks, or processing steps. The Smartbit employs a dynamic voltage programming method that senses when irreversible oxide hard breakdown has been completed and triggers a DONE signal, providing absolute assurance that data has been fully programmed.

About Novocell Semiconductor, Inc. 

Novocell Semiconductor, Inc. specializes in developing and delivering advanced non-volatile memory intellectual property (IP) to the semiconductor industry. Novocell is the only provider of NovoBytes MTP, the industry’s first multi-time write antifuse memory IP, introduced in 2009. Novocell’s Smartbit-based IP is the only antifuse OTP memory proven to have zero tail bit failures within operating ranges and provide 30 years of data retention. The technology is the only antifuse OTP available fully scalable from 350nm to 28nm and beyond. For more information, please visit: http://www.novocellsemi.com.