Grace announces a new cost-effective platform of 0.18um OTP for speech IC and micro controller

Shanghai, China -- July 24, 2009 -- Grace Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (Grace), one of the leading semiconductor foundries in differentiated technologies, announced the availability of its 0.18um cost effective OTP (One Time Programmable) process platform.

This cost effective OTP solution is a new technology platform based on Grace's 0.18um proven logic process integrating a third party OTP.  The new process utilizes a 3.3V core device and the 1.8V device is removed from the Grace's standard 0.18um OTP process.  This allows the reduction of at least five masking layers.  Due to the fact that the OTP is based on the same logic process, no extra process step is required.

Compared to an embedded flash process, the 0.18um OTP is a simple logic process with the ability to facilitate high fabrication yields.  In contrast to mask ROM programming, the OTP electric programming process allows for a substantial reduction of inventory management costs.

In addition, the new OTP cell is 2.3x smaller than current standard OTP cell offerings on the 0.18um technology node.  Speech ICs can benefit strongly from this substantial area reduction.  The new solution also provides a cost-effective shrink path for general purpose MCU (Micro Controller Unit) from older technology nodes.

"Compared to other NVM (Non-Volatile Memory) solutions, Grace's new 0.18um OTP shortens time-to-market and reduces development and manufacturing costs for our customers," said Dr. Peter Weigand, Vice President, Sales, Marketing and Services at Grace. "The new OTP process addresses many applications, such as voice controlled devices, remote controls, small home appliances or touch panels.  This cost optimized OTP solution is an important adder to Grace's differentiated technology portfolio."

About Grace
Grace is a specialized semiconductor foundry with a strong focus on high quality services and advanced value-added technologies, including embedded nonvolatile memory, high voltage, and low leakage processes. The company started operations in 2003 and has been one of the fastest growing companies in the industry. The company is located in the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park in Pudong, Shanghai, and has approximately 1,500 employees. Significant shareholders in Grace include Shanghai Alliance Investment, Cheung Kong Holdings and Hutchison Whampoa of Hong Kong. Other important shareholders are Silicon Storage Technology, Sanyo, and private equity firms GEMS and UCL Asia.