Crocus licenses MLU technology to ARM

ARM will explore the potential of Crocus’ disruptive Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU) to increase performance of embedded systems

Grenoble, France, January 29, 2014 - Crocus Technology, a leading developer of magnetically enhanced semiconductor technologies for mobile security, embedded microcontrollers, harsh environment electronics and magnetic sensors, today announces it has licensed its Magnetic Logic Unit(TM) (MLU(TM)) technology to ARM(R).

Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU) is a CMOS based rugged magnetic technology capable of offering important advantages in performance, size and security for embedded micro-controllers. MLUs solutions are used in mobile and security applications, such as smart cards and secure data servers, replacing Flash and RAM. Crocus’ MLUs are also ideally suited to new applications in extreme operating conditions, particularly in high temperature automotive and industrial equipment.

For Crocus, the agreement further demonstrates the strategic importance its very promising MLU technology is having among major industry players seeking to enhance embedded security in connected devices.

“The potential impact of emerging non-volatile memory technologies is substantial. ARM is keen to investigate and understand how this may ultimately affect our broad ecosystem of silicon partners, OEMs and other stakeholders,” said Vincent Korstanje, vice president, marketing, systems and software, ARM. “ARM is pleased to be working with Crocus Technology to gain insight into a technology that could influence future secure devices and micro-controllers.”

Crocus will provide ARM with access to its MLU technology. This includes access to MRAM blocks in sub-90nm technology which can replace traditional Flash based non-volatile memory, plus MIP(TM) (Match In Place(TM)) enabled technology which enhances the security of keys and other secret data.

“Crocus is pleased to reach another key milestone in its MLU technology roadmap,” said Bertrand Cambou, executive chairman and CEO of Crocus Technology. “This licensing agreement with ARM provides the potential to develop new industry capabilities that target next-generation embedded micro-controllers.”

About Crocus Technology

Crocus Technology is a leading developer of magnetically enhanced semiconductor technologies for mobile security, embedded microcontrollers, harsh environment electronics and magnetic sensors.
Crocus has pioneered Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU), a disruptive CMOS-based rugged magnetic technology. MLU offers important advantages in high speed, security and robust performance at lower cost for its broadening portfolio of embedded products and non-volatile memory blocks. It licenses its MLU architecture to TowerJazz and other foundries for integration in production processes. Crocus is gearing up to market the standalone, tamper-resistant MLU-based microcontrollers it is developing with IBM. These fast read and write small footprint MLU products enhance the performance and security of chips for smart cards, mobile phones and data servers. The market entry of Crocus’ magnetic sensors that bring high sensitivity, low-noise, low-cost and high temperature performance (250 degrees Celcius) to consumer and industrial applications is also planned in the coming months.
Founded in 2004, Crocus is led by a senior management team with high-level industry experience forged in Motorola, AMD, Intel, Texas Instruments and Gemalto. It has US operations in Santa Clara, California and offices in Grenoble and Gardanne, France. It jointly owns Crocus Nano Electronics, a Russian-based advanced magnetic semiconductor manufacturing facility, with investment firm Rusnano. For more information: http://www.crocus-technology.com