Automotive embedded Flash offered from high-voltage CMOS technology portfolio

X-FAB Silicon Foundries offers a new Flash memory capability for its XP018 high-voltage automotive process. This new Flash IP leverages the company’s already widely proven SONOS technology, which provides a mixture of elevated levels of performance and best-in-class reliability. Fully compliant with stringent AEC100-grade 0 automotive specification, it is able to withstand operation over a -40C to 175C temperature range and wholly supports the functional safety levels specified by ISO 26262.

It is supplied in a 32KB array size, following an 8K x 39-bit configuration, with a 32-bit data bus. A further seven bits are dedicated to ECC so that zero-defect reliability in the field is assured. X-FAB’s proprietary XSTI embedded NVM IP test interface has also been included to enable full serial access to the memory.

As this automotive-grade Flash IP can run on a single 1.8V power supply, it is ideal for low-power designs. The addition of a BIST module is pivotal in facilitating effective memory testing, as well as allowing comprehensive product debugging. The company is also able to give a full NVM test service to customers if required.

“This new IP solution further enriches X-FAB’s embedded Flash portfolio for 180 nm open technology platforms, which come with a large selection of voltages and wafer materials. This strengthens our offering to the market, allowing us to meet customer demands across a wider variety of applications,” states Thomas Ramsch, director NVM Development at X-FAB. “It will be of particular value in situations where both low-power and resilience to challenging conditions are expected.”

“By being able to complement existing X-FAB platforms with new embedded Flash capabilities, our customers will benefit from significant reductions in footprint. Also, the modular approach of XP018 means that fewer mask layers are going to be needed. Both these factors will help with realising major die cost optimisation,” adds Nando Basile, technology marketing manager for NVM solutions at X-FAB.

“The new Flash IP means that XP018 is now able to address mixed-signal, high-voltage applications where additional logic content and computational resources are required in a highly cost-effective way. This will specifically benefit battery-operated devices, such as portable or autonomous smart sensors, with a great deal of potential in healthcare, industrial, consumer and IoT sectors.”