Virage Logic Embedded Multi-Time Programmable Non-Volatile Memory Gains Acceptance in Military Applications

NOVeA(R) Memory Features 100K Cycle Programming Endurance, 125 Degrees Celsius Storage Temperature and Minimum of 10-Year Data Retention - Manufactured on a Standard CMOS Logic Process

FREMONT, Calif. -- May 13, 2008 -- Virage Logic Corporation (NASDAQ:VIRL), the semiconductor industry's trusted IP partner and pioneer in Silicon Aware IP(TM), today announced its NOVeA 3.0 embedded multi-time programmable (MTP) non-volatile memory (NVM) product has been selected for use in multiple military temperature range applications. First introduced in 2002, NOVeA has steadily expanded its popularity for use in high volume consumer and industrial applications, and is now gaining acceptance in the security and defense communities. Because of its ability to address the demanding requirements of secure applications, such as extended write endurance and data retention over the military specified temperature range, NOVeA is ideally suited for secure System-on-Chip (SoC) design applications that share the common need for small amounts of embedded NVM manufactured on a standard CMOS logic process. These applications include encryption keys for advanced content protection for digital rights management (DRM), program code storage and radio frequency identification (RFID), where a flexible but unbreakable memory is required.

Architected for mission-critical extended temperature designs, the patented NOVeA design employs an ultra reliable dual bit-cell floating gate technology based on Fowler-Nordheim tunneling. This provides extremely high yield and reliability combined with high system noise immunity and ultra-low power consumption. NOVeA's minimum endurance specification is up to 100,000 store cycles and it is specified to retain data at +125 degrees Celsius for a minimum of 10 years.

"The combination of its patented architecture, extended endurance and temperature range, along with today's anti-piracy techniques make NOVeA the ideal solution for consumer, industrial, automotive and military applications requiring secure NVM on a standard CMOS logic process," said Joel Rosenberg, senior NVM marketing director for Virage Logic. "Major players in markets ranging from high volume RFID to the security sensitive defense industry are confirming the competitive advantage the advanced features and robust security capabilities in NOVeA provide."

About NOVeA

Introduced in 2002 as the industry's first commercially available non-volatile memory produced on a standard CMOS logic process with no additional mask or process steps, NOVeA (NOn-Volatile, electrically Alterable) is currently available in configurations ranging from 32 bits to 16,384 bits. Designed for secure applications, NOVeA addresses the common requirement for a small amount of embedded NVM on a standard CMOS logic process in high volume RFID, digital rights management, encryption, wireless, sensor, DSP, code storage and other MTP designs ranging from consumer to military applications. NOVeA is available today for manufacture at seven wafer foundries and integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) in CMOS processes ranging from 180-nanometer (nm) to 90nm, and is planned to be available down to 40nm in the near future. In addition to multi-time programmable applications, NOVeA can be used in designs requiring one-time programmable (OTP) or few times programmable NVM, such as analog trimming, programmable fuses, device ID or device options. Unlike one-time programmable technologies, NOVeA is based on proven low power, Fowler-Nordheim tunneling which enables 100 percent verification of each programming element at test, resulting in the highest possible program yield in field. Due to their inherent nature, OTP memory can not be 100 percent verified during wafer testing, which can result in costly SoC failures when single bits fail to program during production or in the field. Depending on process, NOVeA is reprogrammable in-system 100,000 times and has specified storage temperature of 125 degrees Celsius with minimum data retention of 10 years.

About Virage Logic

Founded in 1996, Virage Logic Corporation rapidly established itself as a technology and market leader in providing advanced embedded memory intellectual property (IP) for the design of complex integrated circuits. The company's Silicon Aware IP(TM) offering (embedded memories, logic libraries and I/Os) includes silicon behavior knowledge for increased predictability and manufacturability. Through its acquisition of Ingot Systems in 2007, the company expanded its product offering to include Application Specific IP (ASIP) solutions such as Double Data Rate (DDR) Memory Controllers and design services. The highly differentiated product portfolio provides higher performance, lower power, higher density and optimal yield to foundries, integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) and fabless customers. The company uses its FirstPass-Silicon Characterization Lab(TM) for certain products to help ensure high quality, reliable IP across a wide range of foundries and process technologies. For more information, visit www.viragelogic.com.

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