X-FAB adds non-volatile memory functions to its 180nm BCD-on-SOI platform

According to the company the addition of these Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) elements will open up an even broader array of applications where high-voltage ratings and resilience to elevated temperatures need to be coupled with enhanced computational capabilities.

An increasing number of applications are requiring microcontroller-based solutions that incorporate embedded Flash and EEPROM in combination with high-voltage operation (up to 100V), high-temperature capability and ESD/EMC resilience. The EEPROM part is specifically optimised for use cases where memory blocks need to be reprogrammed many times (at wafer level, as well as in the field). X-FAB’s SONOS technology supports operation at junction temperatures from -40°C up to 175°C, in compliance with automotive AEC-Q100 grade-0 quality standards.

The new X-FAB NVM solution includes a single block of 32kBytes of Flash memory, plus 4kbits of EEPROM capacity. Both these elements employ the company’s SONOS technology and leverage the reliability demonstrated by the 180nm bulk process (XH018). The Flash and EEPROM sub blocks can operate at 1.8V single-voltage and can be accessed independently while sharing the same peripheral interface, thereby achieving a best-in-class footprint.

To ensure that ongoing data integrity is maintained, this NVM solution contains all the additional features for enabling implementation of Error Code Correction (ECC), with single-bit correction on the Flash and double-bit correction on the EEPROM respectively. The NVM blocks also come with the option of an embedded test interface, allowing direct access to both the Flash and the EEPROM IP. Through this, customers can benefit from X-FAB’s NVM wafer-level test and package device test capabilities, as well as improved electric debug and time-to-yield.

Adding only four extra process layers to the XT018 base process, this heavy-duty NVM solution is particularly well-suited for an array of different application areas, such as automotive, industrial, IoT and medical. Furthermore, the ultra-low-leakage performance that this BCD-on-SOI process offers will prove of value in emerging applications such as remote autonomous sensor interfaces for IoT networks and in-vivo health monitoring applications.

“Bringing Flash functionality to our XT018 platform provides us with a clear advantage in automotive powertrain applications where intelligent control is required at elevated temperatures,” said Nando Basile, Product Marketing Manager for NVM Solutions at X-FAB. “It also means that we are well positioned to address numerous opportunities that are starting to appear within the medical and industrial domains.”