eMemory's NeoEE achieves verification, targets NFC applications

Hsinchu, Taiwan(Apr. 19, 2011)- eMemory (TSE:3529), a leading silicon intellectual property (SIP) vendor specializing in embedded non-volatile memory (eNVM), announces today that its embedded EEPROM SIP NeoEE has successfully achieved verification on the 0.18-micron 1.8V/3.3V process platform in Chinese foundries. Meanwhile, NeoEE technology platforms for 0.11-micrometer and 65-nanometer processes are simultaneously being developed by eMemory with a world-leading foundry as well. It has demonstrated premiere electrical results for device-level characterizations, and planned to finish IP-level reliability verification in the second half of 2011. NeoEE can be applied in NFC (Near Field Communication) products, which provides a highly robust and extremely cost-competitive eNVM solution to reinforce customers’ developments in new application markets and establish a leading market share.

NFC, as a wireless communication technology, enables electric components a contactless, peer-to-peer data transmission at short distances with low power consumption, and high data security. While portable devices of massive growth prevailed in the decade, NFC technology can further install those devices such as mobile handsets or digital cameras the function of ID authorization for data exchange, and can provide consumers instantly to make purchases by mobile payments rather than in cash or credit cards, and even no need to sign a printed bill. NFC applications generally require low-power non-volatile memory with a large number of write cycles, and NeoEE is exact the ideal solution for the requirements, especially proper for inserting in single-chip microcontrollers and highly reliable multi-functional smart cards.

NeoEE is a NVM technology with simple but robust architecture, low power consumption, competitive IP size, and high reliability to perform write cycles up to 100,000 or more. As in NFC applications, NeoEE stores system security key, configuration data, and present system state needed by the ICs, as a cost-effective silicon IP solution available for low-to-medium density of embedded non-volatile memory. In addition, NeoEE is fully compatible with CMOS logic processes without any additional mask layers, and easy to migrate to different processes. Whether ultimately intended for contactless payment systems, transport fare collection, or personal data protection and device integration, NeoEE can be easily adopted by NFC IC vendors for a variety of applications.

In a brief period of time, eMemory has migrated NeoEE technology to advanced process platforms, enabling NFC applications, aptly demonstrating its ability to accommodate market trends through fast-paced R&D innovation. At present, NeoEE has already received inquiries from major global semiconductor vendors interested in pursuing development with the technology. eMemory is also actively working with leading design houses to draft IP specifications appropriate for the adoption of NeoEE in NFC applications. Besides NFC-related domains, NeoEE is also suitable for applications such as microcontrollers, LCD driver ICs, RFID tags, Bluetooth controllers, and other consumer electronics devices that require low power consumption and high reliability—giving NeoEE great development potential.

Based on the high market share and deployment on a broad range of processes of NeoBit technology platform, eMemory now is enabling customers to adopt NeoEE IP for rapid provisioning on various process platforms. Together with NeoFlash technology, eMemory not only provides the industry with the most complete lineup of embedded non-volatile memory SIPs, but with its industry-leading comprehensive customer service infrastructure, eMemory can offer customers the most timely and effective technical support.