Dialog Semiconductor has entered into an agreement to license its conductive bridging random access memory (CBRAM) technology to Globalfoundries.
The resistive RAM (ReRAM)-based technology was recently acquired by Dialog through its acquisition of Adesto Technologies earlier this year. Globalfoundries will use the CBRAM as an embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) option on its 22FDX platform and later on other process technologies.
Globalfoundries’ 22FDX process technology employs 22 nm fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) technology to power applications such as 5G millimeter wave (mmWave). Globalfoundries said the process technology, which is now in production, enables a level of integration while maintaining power efficiency not capable in CMOS. The result is an up to 50% reduction in system bill of materials costs.
The CBRAM technology is a low power non-volatile memory offering designed for the internet of things (IoT) and 5G connectivity as well as artificial intelligence (AI) applications. CBRAM offers a low-cost embedded memory while maintaining the low voltage operation of ReRAM that translates to lower energy write and read access compared to standard embedded flash offerings, Dialog said.
Dialog said licensing the memory to Globalfoundries will create an opportunity to expand the technology to new markets and be included in next generation system-on-chips (SoCs).
CBRAM will be available for production for Globalfoundries as an embedded non-volatile memory option on the 22FDX platform beginning in 2022. Through IP customization, users will be able to modify the CBRAM cell to optimize SoC designs, enhance security or adapt the cell for new applications, Dialog said.
