austriamicrosystems launches field-programmable OTP memory solution

The new polyfuse-based OTP memory cells allow analog trim and other parameters to be stored in ICs designed on CMOS baseline process

Unterpremstaetten, Austria – November 12, 2004 – austriamicrosystems’ business unit Full Service Foundry announced today, at the electronica 2004 EXPO, a further extension of its foundry IP & technology portfolio with the launch of the industry’s most economical OTP (one-time-programmable) memory capability for CMOS-baseline processes.

The new polyfuse-based OTP memory cells are programmable at 3.3V operating voltage and offer very fast read access time of 50 nanoseconds per byte. This makes them ideal for storing serial numbers, unique configuration codes or analog IC trim or calibration parameters in a pure CMOS chip. Possible memory configurations for secure storage of data range from a few bits to up to several kilobits. Data retention is guaranteed for at least 10 years.

The blocks can be used by our foundry customers on austriamicrosystems’ fully TSMC¹⁾ compatible 0.35µm CMOS process family, i.e. the CMOS baseline process as well as the RF CMOS, high voltage CMOS and silicon germanium (SiGe) processes. The silicon-proven IP block can be obtained from austriamicrosystems based on a one-time license fee and integrated into the product design using the HIT-Kit, austriamicrosystems’ well known process design kit.

“Offering a field programmable memory option on a standard CMOS process without the need for additional masks enables our customers to design highly competitive products," states Peter Gasteiner, Senior Vice President and General Manger of austriamicrosystems business unit Full Service Foundry. "It allows storing such as calibration parameters, serial numbers or unique configuration codes on a standard CMOS chip or any other chip designed on one of our specialty processes."

About austriamicrosystems

austriamicrosystems’ business unit Full Service Foundry has successfully positioned itself in the mixedsignal 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 AG is a leading designer and manufacturer of highly integrated analog-intensive mixed-signal ICs. austriamicrosystems combines more than 20 years of design capabilities, product and marketing know-how with its own cutting edge analog manufacturing and test facilities. Operating worldwide with more than 800 employees, austriamicrosystems serves four strategic markets: Communications, Industry & Medical, Automotive and Full Service Foundry. austriamicrosystems AG is listed on the SWX Swiss Exchange in Zurich (ticker symbol: AMS).

For more information, please visit the web site at www.austriamicrosystems.com.

¹⁾ TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) is the world’s largest foundry provider.

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