First Multiple-Time-Programmable Nonvolatile Memory Core Meets Stringent Performance and Reliability Requirements
SEATTLE, WA -- (MARKET WIRE) -- April 23, 2007 -- Leading logic nonvolatile memory (NVM)intellectual property (IP) supplier, Impinj, Inc., today announced that thecompany's AEON®/MTP Parallel Architecture memory core meets TaiwanSemiconductor Manufacturing Company's (TSMC) (TAIEX: 2330) (NYSE: TSM)quality standard. The AEON/MTP Parallel Architecture core achieved siliconvalidation in TSMC's 0.18-micron process and is the first NVM multiple-time-programmable (MTP) IP product to meet the foundry'sreliability, performance and manufacturing standards.
Used to store up to 128 bits of crucial on-chip data, such as encryptionkeys for digital media applications and electronic product code data inradio frequency identification (RFID) tags, AEON/MTP is the world's firstMTP NVM product line manufactured in standard logic CMOS processes.
"Our AEON NVM products set the standard for embedded NVM IP," said LarryMorrell, vice president of IP products at Impinj. "In addition to our ownstringent quality metrics, the TSMC quality standard assures customers thatthey are buying silicon-validated IP."
The AEON/MTP Parallel Architecture NVM IP comprises hard macro cores in8-bit to 128-bit configurations with parallel data output and zero-powerread after startup, enabling instant access to all data bits. Additionalfeatures include optional lock bits that simplify in-field programming,10-year data retention and up to 1,000 write/erase cycles.
"As system chips become increasingly complex, it is imperative that therebe standards which include quality metrics for embedded IP," said Kuo Wu,deputy director of design service marketing at TSMC. "The validation of theImpinj AEON logic nonvolatile memory IP ensures our customers get qualityIP for their design innovations."
Impinj's AEON logic NVM product line enables high-growth electronicsproducts such as RF microcontrollers, RFID tags, secured digital mediadevices, and precision analog chips from leading semiconductor and systemcompanies worldwide.
Embedded in over 300 million chips, Impinj's portfolio of NVM cores,including AEON/MTP, are in volume production at 0.18 and 0.25-micronprocess nodes with 0.13-micron in the qualification stage. AEON/MTP NVMcores are available for license through Impinj's free "Try it Now"six-month evaluation program (www.impinj.com/tryitnow).
About Impinj, Inc.
Impinj, Inc. is a semiconductor and RFID company whose patentedSelf-Adaptive Silicon® technology enables two synergistic business lines:high-performance RFID products and semiconductor intellectual property(IP). A leading contributor to the RFID standards for high-volumesupply-chain applications worldwide, Impinj leverages technical expertiseand industry partnerships to deliver the GrandPrix™ solution, comprisingtags, readers, software, and systems integration to offer RFID that justworks™. Impinj licenses innovative IP products, core to the company'sRFID tags, to leading semiconductor companies worldwide, allowing them toseamlessly integrate crucial nonvolatile memory (NVM) alongside analog anddigital functionality on a single chip. Impinj's IP products include thepopular AEON® family of embeddable cores, which provide rewriteable NVMtechnology in logic CMOS manufacturing. For more information, visitwww.impinj.com.
Impinj, Speedway, Self-Adaptive Silicon, GrandPrix, Monza, "RFID that justworks," and AEON are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Impinj,Inc.