RRAM introduction and basic RRAM information

Last updated on Tue 25/08/2026 - 09:46

Resistive Random-Access Memory (RRAM, also called ReRAM) is a type of non-volatile memory that stores data by changing the resistance of a material. Unlike volatile memories such as SRAM and DRAM, RRAM retains its data when power is removed. RRAM has attracted significant interest as an alternative to established non-volatile memory technologies such as flash, particularly for embedded applications. Its potential advantages include low power consumption, fast read and write operation, scalability to advanced process nodes, relatively simple cell structures and compatibility with standard CMOS manufacturing.

How does RRAM work?

A typical RRAM cell consists of a thin switching layer positioned between two electrodes. Applying an electrical voltage changes the resistance of the switching material between a high-resistance state and a low-resistance state. These different resistance states can be read electrically and used to represent stored data. Many RRAM technologies use metal-oxide materials, with switching typically associated with the formation and disruption of nanoscale conductive paths within the switching layer. However, RRAM is a broad technology category, and different implementations use different materials, device structures and switching mechanisms.

Because the RRAM cell can be relatively simple and the memory materials are integrated in the back-end-of-line (BEOL), RRAM can be added to CMOS processes without many of the additional manufacturing masks required by embedded flash.

Where is RRAM used today?

One of the most developed applications for RRAM is embedded non-volatile memory (NVM) in microcontrollers, systems-on-chip (SoCs), analog and mixed-signal devices and other semiconductor products. Foundries, semiconductor manufacturers and memory technology companies continue to expand its availability across different process nodes and application requirements. RRAM can be integrated across a wide range of process geometries, from mature 180nm and 130nm nodes through 65nm, 40nm and 28nm, and on to advanced processes such as 22nm and below, where embedded flash becomes increasingly difficult and expensive to scale. It is also well suited to applications requiring low power, fast access, high-temperature operation and other specialized characteristics.

Alongside embedded memory, RRAM is also sold as discrete memory chips, and is finding its way into display driver ICs, RF switches, ultra-wideband radio chips and automotive electronics.

 

Beyond conventional data storage, RRAM is being researched and developed for new computing architectures. RRAM cells can potentially store multiple resistance levels rather than only binary values, enabling them to represent analog weights used in artificial intelligence applications. Arrays of RRAM cells can therefore be used for in-memory computing (IMC), where certain calculations are performed within the memory itself rather than continually moving data between memory and a processor. This approach has the potential to reduce data movement and improve the energy efficiency of AI workloads. Weebit Nano, for example, has demonstrated an operational crossbar RRAM array aimed at neuromorphic and in-memory computing, and is working with EMASS on RRAM for edge AI applications.

RRAM is also widely researched for neuromorphic computing, hardware security solutions such as physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and true random number generators (TRNGs), one-time and few-time programmable memory, and other emerging applications.

RRAM industry and market status

Over the past few years, RRAM has progressed from research and development into commercial production. RRAM technologies are now in volume production at multiple process nodes, and additional RRAM solutions have been qualified or made available by semiconductor manufacturers, foundries and memory technology providers. GlobalFoundries has made its 22FDX+ RRAM available, TSMC is developing RRAM at 6nm for automotive AI, and leading RRAM IP licensor Weebit Nano has licensed its technology to Texas Instruments, onsemi and DB HiTek.

The AI boom is now shaping RRAM's commercial path in two directions at once. On one hand it has expanded the opportunity: the semiconductor market is expected to pass US$1 trillion in 2026, and the demand for energy-efficient memory close to the processor plays directly to RRAM's strengths. On the other, the resulting capacity shortage has left foundries and IDMs focused on their existing high-volume products, which has slowed the pace at which new memory technologies are evaluated and adopted.

RRAM remains an evolving technology, as new technology variations and implementations appear. Different implementations offer different trade-offs in areas such as endurance, retention, switching speed, power consumption, density and operating temperature. In addition, different RRAM technologies carry a different cost structure, including cost to manufacture (e.g. materials being used, tools required) and die size cost. Device-to-device and cycle-to-cycle variability are also important considerations, particularly for analog in-memory computing.

As RRAM technology matures, its role is likely to differ by application rather than serving as a universal replacement for existing memory. Its combination of non-volatility, scalability, CMOS compatibility and potential computing capabilities makes RRAM one of several important emerging memory technologies being developed for future semiconductor systems.

Who is developing RRAM?

The RRAM ecosystem includes IP licensors that develop RRAM technology and license it to chipmakers, foundries and integrated device manufacturers (IDMs) that offer RRAM as part of their process portfolios, and companies applying RRAM to AI and computing.

RRAM industry logos

Weebit Nano is the leading independent RRAM IP licensor. The Israel-based, ASX-listed company (ASX: WBT) had its ReRAM qualified at DB HiTek, and has since licensed its technology to Texas Instruments, onsemi and SkyWater, with three product customers having already taped out chips that embed its RRAM. Weebit also works with France's CEA-Leti on advanced RRAM development, including endurance and retention testing. You can follow all of the company's news on our Weebit Nano page.

Other RRAM IP and technology developers include Crossbar, 4DS Memory and Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies. On the manufacturing side, GlobalFoundries, TSMC, Panasonic, InnoStar and RAMXEED produce or are developing RRAM in their own fabs, while Tetramem, Reliance Memory and InnoMem Technologies focus on RRAM for analog computing, display and automotive applications.

For the full list, see our RRAM companies page.

RRAM alternatives

RRAM is one of several emerging non-volatile memory technologies being developed alongside established technologies such as flash. Other emerging NVM technologies include MRAM, FeRAM and phase-change memory (PCM/PCRAM). Each technology has different characteristics and advantages, and their adoption will depend on the requirements of individual applications, semiconductor processes and markets.

To follow RRAM developments as they happen, see our latest RRAM production news, or subscribe to the RRAM-Info newsletter.

Last updated: August 2026

Weebit Nano licenses its RRAM technology to Texas Instruments

RRAM developer Weebit Nano announced that it has licensed its RRAM technology to Texas Instruments.

Weebit Nano chip photo

Under the agreement, Weebit's technology will be integrated into TI's advanced process nodes for embedded processing semiconductors. The collaboration covers IP licensing, technology transfer, design, and qualification of Weebit RRAM within TI's process technologies.

Read the full story Posted: Dec 30,2025

GlobalFoundries announced that its 22FDX+ with RRAM technology is now available, with volume production coming in 2026

GlobalFoundries announced the availability of its 22FDX+ with RRAM technology. The new RRAM technology, according to GlobalFoundires, delivers secure, low-latency, high-density embedded memory for code storage for wireless microcontrollers and AI IoT applications.

GF’s embedded RRAM offers cost-effective memory with low power read/write, high endurance and excellent retention. On-chip integration with GF’s enhanced 22FDX platform delivers improved data retention, reliability, security and power efficiency, creating compact and versatile system-on-chip (SoC) solutions for intelligent, connected devices. 

Read the full story Posted: Aug 29,2025 - 3 comments

Weebit Nano licenses its RRAM technology to onsemi

RRAM developer Weebit Nano announced that it has licensed its RRAM memory technology to onsemi, a tier-1 semiconductor supplier.

Under the terms of the agreement, Weebit ReRAM IP will be integrated into onsemi’s Treo platform, to provide embedded non-volatile memory (NVM). Weebit ReRAM integration into a Bipolar CMOS, DMOS (BCD) process provides a low-power, cost-effective NVM that has proven excellent retention at high temperatures.

Read the full story Posted: Jan 02,2025

Qualcomm introduces new IOT chipsets with embedded RRAM memory

Qualcomm Technologies has announced two new IOT chipsets, the Qualcomm QCC730M and Qualcomm QCC74xM modules. The company says that these modules are perfectly suited for IoT applications in the smart home, smart appliances and more.

The QCC730M chip is is a dual-band, micro-power Wi-Fi 4 module. Offering a dedicated 60Mhz MCU units, 640kB of SRAM and 1.5Mb  RRAM memory. The QCC730M also integrates hardware crypto accelerator, and secure boot, debug, and storage.

Read the full story Posted: Nov 14,2024

Xianxim Technology starts producing the world's first 28 nm image quality driver IC for miniLED LCD TV makers

China-based Xianxin Technology, in collaboration with several research institutes in China, have developed the world's first 28 nm image quality adjustment chip that is powered by embedded RRAM memory.

The company says it is now mass producing the new driver IC, which will be supplied to high-end miniLED LCD TV makers. The company says that by adopting RRAM rather than the mainstream external Flash memory, it enables faster read operations, and lower cost production. 

Read the full story Posted: Sep 12,2024

New Radio Tech launches an RRAM-powered ultra-wideband chip

China-based wireless IC designer New Radio Tech (NRT) introduced a new Ultra-WideBand (UWB) chip, the URSAMAJOR 82660, that integrates RRAM. We assume that the embedded RRAM technology was provided by Hefei Reliance Memory, but we're not certain.

The company says that integrating the RRAM into their chip is a major achievements, and it allows them to reduce the chip's footprint by 40%, while being highly cost effective compared to conventional chips that are based on external Flash or integrated eFlash solutions.

Read the full story Posted: Sep 06,2024

Weebit Nano and DB HiTek tape out their first 130nm RRAM demonstration chip

In October 2023 RRAM developer Weebit Nano announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with DB HiTek, a Korean-based foundry (said to be one of the world's top 10 foundries). The commercial agreement includes technology transfer, qualification and licensing.

Weebit Nano chip photo

Yesterday Weebit announced together with DB HiTek that it has taped-out (released to manufacturing) a demonstration chip integrating Weebit’s embedded RRAM module in DB HiTek’s 130nm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process. The highly integrated demo chips will be used for testing and qualification ahead of customer production, while demonstrating the performance and robustness of Weebit’s technology.

Read the full story Posted: Jul 31,2024

Visionox, Sunrise Display Microelectronics and Hefei Reliance Memory develop the world's first AMOLED driver with RRAM memory

China-based OLED producer Visionox, together with Sunrise Display Microelectronics and Hefei Reliance Memory, developed the world's firs AMOLED device driver that is powered by RRAM memory. 

All AMOLED drivers on the market use a combination of SRAM memory, OTP (one-time programmable memory) and external Flash memory (for non-volatile memory), mostly to perform the Demura compensation function. The RRAM memory enables lower cost of production, higher efficiency - and smaller area.

Read the full story Posted: Jul 29,2024 - 2 comments

Nuvoton launches an energy-efficient microcontroller that features 512Kb RRAM

Nuvoton Technology launched the M2L31, a new energy-efficient microcontroller, that features up to 512Kb of high-performance low-power non-volatile RRAM.

The M2L31 is based on an Arm Cortex-M23 core (up to 72Mhz), and is designed to meet the growing demand for sustainable high-performance embedded computing power. Nuvoton explains that a main contributor to the high efficiency of the new chip is its choice of memory, an on-chip RRAM instead of flash memory that draws less power and can be written to without an erase cycle beforehand.

Read the full story Posted: Jun 23,2024

Weebit Nano announces a new partnership with Efabless

Israel-based RRAM developer Weebit Nano announced a new partnership with Efabless, a creator platform for semiconductor chips, to enable faster and more cost-effective prototype creation of new System-on-Chip (SoC) designs using Weebit’s RRAM technology.

The agreement provides Efabless’ thousands of users and customers with access to Weebit’s IP, which can be incorporated into their designs manufactured using SkyWater Technology Foundry’s 130nm CMOS process. Weebit’s RRAM technology is already proven and qualified up to 125C in SkyWater Technology’s US production fab.

Read the full story Posted: May 28,2024