Embedded Flash Memory utilizes 180 nm CMOS technology.
Press Release Summary:
Embedded Flash Memory is suited for automotive applications, where it is used in System-On-Chip solutions for functions such as engine management, as well as for navigation and Infotainment. It supports ARM7, ARM9, and ST10, as well as multiprocessor architectures. Each Flash cell occupies just 0.37 µm². Macrocell allows customer-specified memory arrays up to 10 Mbits to be defined with sectorization down to 8 Kbytes, and includes Built-In Self-Test features.
Original Press Release:
STMicroelectronics Introduces World's Smallest Embedded Flash Memory in 180nm CMOS Technology
Embedded Flash technology leader also first with volume production automotive-grade process
Geneva, July 1, 2003 - STMicroelectronics (NYSE:STM), one of the world's leading semiconductor manufacturers, has announced the immediate availability of the world's first volume production embedded Flash memory in advanced 180nm CMOS technology. ST's 180nm embedded Flash technology offers the world's smallest cell size, with each Flash cell occupying just 0.37um². The extremely small cell size greatly reduces the silicon area required to build memory arrays on the chip, thereby reducing the chip manufacturing cost.
The new technology is particularly suited for automotive applications, where Embedded Flash is widely used in System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for key functions such as engine management units as well as for navigation and Infotainment systems. It supports popular cores such as the ARM7, ARM9 and ST10, which are widely used in automotive applications, as well as multiprocessor architectures. Demonstrator chips featuring these cores are already undergoing customer qualification for the full automotive temperature range.
"The double achievement in delivering both the world's first high volume 180nm Embedded Flash technology and the industry's smallest cell size puts ST firmly at the forefront of embedded Flash technology and is a significant addition to our SoC portfolio", said Paolo Cappelletti, Group Vice President and Non Volatile Memory Process Development Director of STMicroelectronics.
Fully compatible with the basic 180nm logic process (libraries and cores), the 180nm Embedded Flash technology includes a flexible macrocell, allowing customer-specified memory arrays up to 10Mbits to be quickly defined, with sectorization down to 8Kbytes. The macrocell also includes BIST (Built-In Self-Test) features.
STMicroelectronics was the first semiconductor manufacturer to introduce microcontrollers with embedded Flash memories and is today one of the world's leading suppliers of SoC devices containing embedded Flash. These are widely used in automotive, communications, consumer and computer peripheral applications.
About STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader in developing and delivering semiconductor solutions across the spectrum of microelectronics applications. An unrivalled combination of silicon and system expertise, manufacturing strength, Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio and strategic partners positions the Company at the forefront of System-on-Chip (SoC) technology and its products play a key role in enabling today's convergence markets. The Company's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, on Euronext Paris and on the Milan Stock Exchange. In 2002, the Company's net revenues were $6.32 billion and net earnings were $429.4 million. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
