Anti-fuse memory provides robust, secure NVM option

Bernd Stamme, Kilopass Technology Inc.
EETimes (7/5/2012 3:14 PM EDT)

Embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) intellectual property (IP) is a requirement for storing data that must be preserved when power to the chip is removed. NVM is found in almost every system on chip (SoC) design today, especially those targeting connected devices accessing content protected by digital rights management and sensitive financial or personal data. As these SoC designs migrate toward 28 nm and lower processes, engineering teams are re-examining the available commercial options. This reappraisal is occurring because of challenges presented by these smaller geometry processes. Suddenly, what was once an insignificant commodity is threatening to become a technology bottleneck.

NVMs can be classified in two groups: those that are programmed once and those that can be reprogrammed. In the former category, the most fundamental form of NVM is the masked ROM, which is programmed during the chip fabrication process. Next, comes the e-Fuse, which gets programmed during final test, followed by, anti-fuse technology, which can be programmed at wafer sort or final test or in the field at later point in time. In the latter category of reprogrammable memory are commercially available embedded Flash and floating gate alternatives. In the lab, new resistive RAM alternatives are being developed to compete in the reprogrammable arena.

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