Both the Flash and EEPROM elements are located inside a single macro and share the necessary control circuitry. This means a much simpler arrangement is realized, leading to a smaller overall footprint for the combined elements and setting a new industry benchmark for grade-0, 1750C capable, 32KBytes storage solution.
The Flash can read data across its entire -40°C to 175°C temperature range, with the EEPROM also able to write up to 175°C.
The EEPROM is beneficial for applications in which there is a need to write more frequently, increasing Flash endurance and flexibility. It can also effectively act as a cache, with data programmed onto it while operating conditions are not suitable for writing to Flash, before subsequently being written onto the Flash when temperature drops below 125°C.
Thanks to the combination of superior robustness characteristics, continued data storage integrity and significant space savings offered, this IP is designed to fit the requirements of automotive, medical and industrial applications.
The new NVM combo IP features a 64-bit bus with 8-bit ECC for the Flash element, plus a 14-bit ECC for the EEPROM element. This enables zero-PPM error performance in deployed devices integrating it. Dedicated circuitry for easy memory access and DFT allows test times to be shortened significantly, and the associated costs minimized. BIST modules and testing services can also be supplied by X-FAB if needed.
“Through this new NVM IP leveraging our proprietary SONOS technology, X-FAB is enabling the highest levels of reliability. This IP will provide our customers with best-in-class data retention and temperature stability for embedded systems,” explains Thomas Ramsch, Director NVM Development at X-FAB. “By bringing together two different NVM elements onto a single macro, one Flash and the other EEPROM, we can now deliver an embedded data storage solution capable of coping with most difficult operational situations.”
“Through reduced-footprint and accelerated access time, our NVM combo IP will be pivotal in the development of high-logic content applications,” adds Nando Basile, Technology Marketing Manager for NVM solutions at X-FAB. ”This will enable next-generation smart sensors and actuators CPU system designs with greater functional scope – whether this is on established CPU architectures, like ARM, or RISC-V, or on customer’s proprietary designs.”
