Dongbu HiTek Selects Kilopass Embedded NVM Solution for 0.18um BCD Process

-- Kilopass Technology, Inc., a leading provider of semiconductor non-volatile memory (NVM) intellectual property (IP) announced today that it is developing One-Time Programmable Memories (OTP) for Dongbu HiTek’s 0.18um BCD process. Dongbu HiTek launched the industry’s first 0.18um BCD process in June 2008. The 0.18um BCD device integrates 1.8V and 5V – 65V bipolar and MOS transistors and 12-60V power MOS transistors. This process enables designs in a wide variety of applications, including LED drivers, power management chipsets such as battery management ICs, motor driver ICs and automotive electronics, as well as audio amplifiers for mobile handsets and consumer electronics.

“BCD enables integration of bipolar, logic, and high voltage circuits on a single chip. The benefit of this level of integration will enable new innovation in the next generation power management products.” said Linh Hong, VP of Marketing at Kilopass. “We are pleased to develop embedded NVM solutions in Dongbu’s BCD process. Power management ICs will benefit from having XPM for trim, calibration and secure key and code storage to improve performance and yield at low cost”

Kilopass completed qualification of its XPM memories in Dongbu’s 0.18um CMOS in December 2008. The development of the BCD compatible modules is an extension of this effort. The memory array has already been verified. The peripheral circuits are being redesigned using the 1.8V and 5V devices available in Dongbu’s 0.18um BCD. Having a higher voltage device benefits the quality and reliability of the high voltage programming circuits.

Jae Song, EVP of Dongbu Marketing said, “Kilopass’s solution offers our customers a high density permanent memory at a low total cost. Unlike other technology solutions, Kilopass does not require wafer bake. That, coupled with the high reliability and yield, gives our customers a great value.”

Kilopass supports in-system programming with no process or mask modifications, keeping manufacturing costs low. Kilopass’s XPM solution for Dongbu 0.18um BCD will be available for manufacturing by Q4’09; early customer engagements can begin now. Dongbu is accepting designs now for immediate manufacturing. For more information, contact sales@kilopass.com or marketing@dongbu.com.

About Kilopass

Kilopass Technology Inc., a fast-growing supplier of embedded NVM intellectual property, leverages standard logic CMOS processes to deliver one-time programmable (OTP) structures based on its extra-permanent memory (XPM) technology. Kilopass XPM technology is being used by over 60 companies worldwide in over 30 million semiconductor devices. The XPM memory arrays are used for the storage of firmware, security codes, trim and calibration data and other application critical information. For more information, please visit www.kilopass.com, call (408) 980-8808 or email info@kilopass.com.

About Dongbu HiTek

With headquarters in Seoul Korea, Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd. (KRX: 000990) offers advanced products and services across two major business domains: Agriculture and Semiconductor. The Semiconductor Business develops, manufactures, and markets branded chips through its Display Division while its Foundry Division provides specialized chip processing services. The company’s two world-class fabs currently process 200mm (8-inch) wafers at nodes ranging from 0.35 microns to 90 nanometers. This wafer processing is supported by comprehensive design support (IP and design libraries), prototype development/verification, and packaging/module development. For more information, visit www.dongbuhitek.com.