MagnaChip Engages with eMemory in Joint Development of Leading Edge 0.18um EEPROM IP

Hsinchu, Taiwan (Dec. 03, 2012)—MagnaChip Semiconductor Corporation (“MagnaChip”) (NYSE: MX), a Korea-based designer and manufacturer of analog and mixed signal semiconductor products, today announced that it has partnered with eMemory Technology, Inc.  of Taiwan  in the development of leading edge 0.18um EEPROM intellectual property (IP). By adding eMemory’s advanced EEPROM IP to MagnaChip's existing non-volatile memory (NVM) IP portfolio, MagnaChip can provide enhanced foundry services for its global customers requiring high-performance embedded NVM IC design solutions.

MagnaChip’s 0.18um EEPROM process implements world-class cell size by using its patented side-wall selective transistor cell (SSTC) structure driving multiple voltage levels from 1.8V, 1.8V+3.3V and 1.8V+5.0V. The joint development of advanced NVM IP with eMemory enhances MagnaChip’s existing 0.18um EEPROM IP portfolio. eMemory is a recognized leader in embedded NVM IP design and the joint development program will provide additional embedded NVM solutions for MagnaChip’s customers. MagnaChip and eMemory have completed initial process review with IP design and qualification targeted for 2013.

eMemory’s EEPROM IP is ideally suited  for touch IC applications which have seen significantly increased adoption in consumer and communication products. The jointly developed NVM IP will enable higher speed performance with lower power consumption while also allowing operations at a wider temperature range. Both companies are targeting specifications that include more than 10 years of data retention and endurance characteristics of over 100,000 fail-safe transactions.

“We are very pleased to be engaged in a joint-development project with eMemory, a leading edge Taiwanese EEPROM IP provider, said Namkyu Park, Vice President of Marketing for MagnaChip’s foundry division. “This partnership will enable MagnaChip to provide more NVM solutions as part of its continued effort to offer cost-effective and size-competitive embedded EEPROM IP solutions to meet the application-specific needs of our foundry customers."

“MagnaChip and eMemory have, for many years, established a successful collaboration on the application of the OTP process platform. Now, to extend from this productive cooperation, MagnaChip and eMemory will further collaborate on implementing the OTP and EEPROM IP to broaden the application of embedded non-volatile memory technology and its product lines, advancing industrial synergy to a higher level. This fruitful collaboration will create a win-win situation for eMemory, MagnaChip and their customers, and consequently strengthen their leadership role in the market,” said Rick Shen, President of eMemory Technology. 

About eMemory:

eMemory was established in August, 2000, and has focused on logic process eNVM silicon IP development. Since its establishment, eMemory has participated in research and development of innately innovative technologies, developing leading products like NeoBit (OTP and MTP silicon IP), NeoFlash (10,000+ times programmable silicon IP), NeoEE (100,000+ times programmable silicon IP) and NeoMTP (1,000+ times programmable silicon IP). eMemory continues to develop advanced technologies, striving to provide customers with silicon IP services, NVM components, and embedded memory applications having broad application scope, and is a full-service provider of eNVM silicon IPs. eMemory currently has about 200 employees, and is traded on the Taiwan’s GreTai Securities Market (Stock code: 3529).