Toshiba Develops Two New Process Technologies for Microcontrollers and Wireless Communication ICs
06 July 2015 - 2:17PM
Business Wire
- Ultra-low power consumption flash memory embedded in logic
process for power-critical applications and single-poly
non-volatile memory (NVM)[1] embedded process for low-cost
applications -
Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it has
developed a flash memory embedded process based on 65nm logic
process that uses less power than current mainstream technology,
and a single-poly non-volatile memory (NVM) process based on 130nm
logic and analog power process. Applying the optimal process to
diverse applications will allow Toshiba to expand its product
line-up in such areas as microcontrollers, wireless communication
ICs, motor controller drivers and power supply ICs.Sample shipments
of the 130nm-NVM and 65nm- flash are scheduled for the 4th quarter
of 2015 and the 2nd quarter of 2016, respectively.
The IoT market is seeing strong demand for low power consumption
in areas including wearable and healthcare-related equipment. In
response, Toshiba has adopted SST's[2] third-generation SuperFlash®
cell technology, in combination with its own 65nm logic process
technology. The company has also fine-tuned circuits and
manufacturing processes in developing its ultra-low power
consumption flash embedded logic process. Microcontrollers for
consumer and industrial applications that apply the process can
lower power consumption to approximately 60% that of current
mainstream technology.
Following the first series of microcontrollers, Toshiba plans to
release sample BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) products, the short-range
wireless technology, in fiscal year 2016. The company also plans to
apply the 65nm process to its wireless communication IC product
family that can optimize use of low power consumption
characteristics, including NFC (Near Field Communication)
controllers, and contactless cards.
In addition to low power consumption advantage, the process
technology contributes to shorter development time, as application
software can be easily written and rewritten to flash memory during
development.
By engineering advances in devices offering ultra-low power
consumption to promote further development of specialized flash
peripheral circuit technology and of logic and analog circuit
technology, Toshiba will meet continuing growth in demand for
low-power applications. The company aims to lower power consumption
for entire systems, targeting 50μA/MHz operation, and to develop
innovative products for IoT.
In applications where significant cost reductions are a concern,
Toshiba has developed an NVM embedded process that adopts YMC’s[3]
single-poly MTP (Multi-time programmable) cells on Toshiba’s 130nm
logic process technology.Applying MTP specifications for write
times improves the new process’s performance while limiting
increased steps in mask pattern lithography to three or fewer, and
even none.NVM and analog circuits are embedded on a single chip
that can incorporate multiple functions conventionally executed by
a multi-chip system. This reduces the number of terminals and
realizes smaller packages.By using MTP to adjust output accuracy,
Toshiba will expand its product line-up in fields where higher
accuracy is essential, such as power management ICs.
Notes:[1] NVM: Non-Volatile Memory.[2] SST.: Silicon Storage
Technology. A wholly owned subsidiary of Microchip Technology
Inc.[3] YMC Inc.: Yield Microelectronics Corporation. A Taiwanese
IP development company.
* SuperFlash® is a registered trademark of Microchip Technology
Incorporated in the U.S.A. and other countries.
Customer Inquiries:Mixed Signal IC Marketing & Engineering
DepartmentTel:
+81-44-548-2518http://toshiba.semicon-storage.com/ap-en/contact.html
Information in this document, including product prices and
specifications, content of services and contact information, is
current on the date of the announcement but is subject to change
without prior notice.
About Toshiba
Toshiba Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company, channels
world-class capabilities in advanced electronic and electrical
product and systems into five strategic business domains: Energy
& Infrastructure, Community Solutions, Healthcare Systems &
Services, Electronic Devices & Components, and Lifestyles
Products & Services. Guided by the principles of The Basic
Commitment of the Toshiba Group, “Committed to People, Committed to
the Future”, Toshiba promotes global operations towards securing
“Growth Through Creativity and Innovation”, and is contributing to
the achievement of a world in which people everywhere live in safe,
secure and comfortable society.
Founded in Tokyo in 1875, today’s Toshiba is at the heart of a
global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over
200,000 people worldwide, with annual sales surpassing 6.5 trillion
yen (US$63 billion).To find out more about Toshiba, visit
www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm
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Media Inquiries:Toshiba CorporationSemiconductor & Storage
Products CompanyChiaki Nagasawa,
+81-3-3457-4963semicon-NR-mailbox@ml.toshiba.co.jp