SMIC Selects Virage Logic's AEON(R) Embedded Multi-Time Programmable (MTP) Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) for RFID Applications
Ideal for EPC Gen2 and ISO15693, AEON RFID-optimized Embedded MTP NVM IP Provides the Lowest Power Solution for Passive RFID Tags
FREMONT, Calif. and SHANGHAI, Sept. 23 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- Virage Logic
Corporation (Nasdaq: VIRL), the semiconductor industry's trusted IP partner,
and Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI
and SEHK: 0981.HK) today announced a radio-frequency identification (RFID)
optimized version of Virage Logic's AEON MTP NVM solution. The RFID-optimized
NVM solution, ideal for use in passive tags, is being developed on SMIC's
180-nanometer (nm) low leakage (LL) process, which provides enhanced RF
performance.
Virage Logic's AEON/MTP RFID is based on a single-poly standard logic CMOS
process. This architecture eliminates costly manufacturing steps normally
involved with floating-gate memory, while reducing the engineering effort and
associated costs of integrating NVM into RFID designs. Its multi-time
programmability provides AEON with significant flexibility and testability
advantages over one-time programmable (OTP) NVM. AEON's RFID architecture is
targeted at ultra-low power applications, specifically EPC Gen2 and ISO15693
passive RFID tags, because it maximizes tag range.
AEON/MTP RFID supports 100,000 write-erase cycles and bit counts up to 4K
bits, giving RF system architects the freedom to increase the feature sets and
functionality of end products. With read operation down to 1.0V, AEON NVM
lowers the demand on the passive power generation circuitry and allows more
reliable reads which provides an ideal solution for ultra-low-power
applications such as RFID tags.
"We are pleased to partner with Virage Logic to bring a world-class RFID
solution to our mutual customers," said Max Liu, vice president of design
services at SMIC. "As the industry's leading embedded NVM provider, Virage
Logic's AEON product has already been integrated and shipped in hundreds of
millions of RFID tags worldwide. The combination of SMIC's process technology
and RFID specific capabilities together with Virage Logic's low power,
multi-programmable AEON NVM IP brings best-in-class performance and capability
to design engineers in worldwide markets."
"By developing our AEON/MTP NVM on SMIC's 180nm low-leakage process
technology, it will be optimized for ultra-low-power RF applications to
provide our mutual customers with a superior IP solution for their RFID
applications," said Virage Logic's Dr. Yankin Tanurhan, vice president and
general manager, NVM Solutions. "Virage Logic's embedded NVM technology has
already been adopted by several leading RFID manufacturers and we are pleased
to work with SMIC to develop a locally available RFID solution for the rapidly
expanding China market."
Availability
AEON/MTP RFID has been fully developed on SMIC's 180nm LL process. Design
kits are available for qualified customers upon request. For more information
on licensing options and pricing, please contact your local Virage Logic sales
representative.
About SMIC
Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation ("SMIC"; NYSE: SMI;
SEHK: 981) is one of the leading semiconductor foundries in the world and the
largest and most advanced foundry in Mainland China, providing integrated
circuit (IC) foundry and technology services at 0.35um to 45nm. Headquartered
in Shanghai, China, SMIC has a 300mm wafer fabrication facility (fab) and
three 200mm wafer fabs in its Shanghai mega-fab, two 300mm wafer fabs in its
Beijing mega-fab, a 200mm wafer fab in Tianjin, a 200mm fab under construction
in Shenzhen, and an in-house assembly and testing facility in Chengdu. SMIC
also has customer service and marketing offices in the U.S., Europe, and Japan,
and a representative office in Hong Kong. In addition, SMIC manages and
operates a 200mm wafer fab in Chengdu owned by Cension Semiconductor
Manufacturing Corporation and a 300mm wafer fab in Wuhan owned by Wuhan Xinxin
Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation. For more information, please visit
http://www.smics.com .
About Virage Logic
Virage Logic is a leading provider of semiconductor intellectual property
(IP) for the design of complex integrated circuits. The company's highly
differentiated product portfolio includes embedded SRAMs, embedded NVMs,
embedded memory test and repair, logic libraries, memory development software,
and interface IP solutions. As the industry's trusted semiconductor IP
partner, foundries, IDMs and fabless customers rely on Virage Logic to achieve
higher performance, lower power, higher density and optimal yield, as well as
shorten time-to-market and time-to-volume. For further information, visit
http://www.viragelogic.com .
