RRAM applications

Infineon to adopt TSMC's embedded RRAM in its next-gen Aurix microcontrollers

Infineon says that its next generation Aurix TC4x microcontrollers will adopt RRAM memory, instead of the traditional embedded flash. The company expects the first samples of such chips to ship to customers before the end of 2023.

TSMC production facility photo

Infineo's next-gen Aurix chips will be produced at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (TSMC), using its 28nm CMOS process. The company says that RRAM memory will be more energy efficient at 28nm compared to the currently-used embedded flash memories. The RRAM memory will also enable higher disturb immunity and it allows for bit-wise writing without need for erase, which allows for superior performance over embedded flash. The cycling endurance and data retention are comparable with flash.

 

Read the full story Posted: Nov 27,2022

Weebit Nano shows a demo of its RRAM neuromorphic memory at Flash Memory Summit

Israel-based RRAM developer Weebit Nano demonstrated (together with its partner, CEA-Leti) how its RRAM can provide an exciting new solution for artificial intelligence applications using spiking neural networks, at the Flash Memory Summit:

Neuromorphic computing makes it possible to emulate the brain’s natural operation. Using RRAM, this emulation is much more efficient than today’s simulations, consuming orders of magnitude less power, to allow sophisticated AI at a fraction of the power consumed by today’s systems. This is because the ReRAM (RRAM) cell has physical and functional similarities to a biological brain synapse.

Read the full story Posted: Sep 27,2022

Crossbar targets new application for its RRAM memory, where resistance to physical attacks is essential

CrossBar announced that its RRAM memory technology is inherently resistant to physical hacking targeting sensitive information and data stored in memory. This could lead to new applications where resistance to reverse engineering and physical attacks are essential requirements of the system.

Cross bar says that its filamentary-based ReRAM has been demonstrated to provide unique levels of security, including strong resistance to attempts to read the memory through invasive physical hacking. Cross further says that MicroNet Solutions (MSI) performed extensive delayering and inspection of CrossBar's ReRAM memory silicon through imaging techniques in an attempt to determine its stored content. After significant evaluation using sophisticated techniques such as measuring electron beam induced current and passive voltage contrast imaging, MSI was unsuccessful in determining the contents of the memory array.

Read the full story Posted: Apr 12,2022

CrossBar sees RRAM used for FTP and OTP memory applications

CrossBar says that its partners are now starting to use its RRAM memory technology for few-time programmable (FTP) and one-time-programmable (OTP) NVM applications. This is in addition to CrossBar's "traditional" MTP non-volatile memory and PUF security applications.

CrossBar says that this new applications demand can be met with its current technology, but the company also offers to optimize its RRAM for FTP and OTP applications, which will significantly increase memory density and reduce the cost.

Read the full story Posted: Oct 24,2021

CrossBar announces ReRAM based PUF cryptographic key technology

RRAM developer CrossBar announced (in July 2021) a new application of its RRAM technology for use as a physical unclonable function (PUF) in order to generate cryptographic keys in secure computing applications.

CrossBar's RRAM has been historically utilized as non-volatile semiconductor memory, but it is now being introduced for use in hardware security. The company says its solution can enable a more secure and cost-effective class of devices and systems.

Read the full story Posted: Sep 28,2021

The NEUROTEC project progresses, develops RRAM-based neuromorphic computer structures

The project NEUROTEC (“Neuro-inspired artificial intelligence technologies for the electronics of the future”) was launched in November 2019 to develop innovative "Beyond von Neumann" concepts for highly energy-efficient devices. The two-year project shows the great potential of a future neuromorphic computer.

Project NEUROTEC workpackages image

The project aims to fuse two major technologies - machine learning and artificial neural networks (ANNs) and memristive materials and devices - especially redox-based RRAM and phase change memories (PCM). The project's mandate is to develop a full-range of basic technologies ranging from dedicated material deposition technologies, integration technologies, measurement technologies, the development of simulation and modelling tools, up to the design and realization of novel AI circuits.

Read the full story Posted: Jul 25,2021

Strategic Elements and USNW to optimize RRAM technology and develop demonstrator applications

Strategic Elements announces has signed an agreement with the University of New South Wales (UNSW) to further optimize the company's Nanocube Memory Ink flexible/transparent RRAM technology. UNSW and SER will also develop demonstrator applications for the new technology.
Strategic Elements glass-based transparent RRAMprototype

UNSW will begin the research by assessing potential demonstrator applications in areas such as multi-functional capacitive sensors that can detect the type and strength of external stimuli including curvature, pressure, strain, and touch with clear distinction. It will also look into developing memory arrays that will fulfill the growing requirement for local digital data storage on flexible sensors, tags, wearables and high value consumer packaging.

Read the full story Posted: Nov 28,2018

We discuss RRAM with Weebit Nano's new CEO

Coby Hanoch (Weebit)Israel-based Weebit Nano was established in 2014 with an aim to commercialize Rice University's SiOx RRAM technology. Weebit is progressing towards it stated goal of producing a 40nm RRAM Silicon Oxide working cell by the end of 2017.

Coby Hanoch was recently appointed as the company's new CEO, and was kind enough to answer a few questions we had. Coby was VP Worldwide sales at Verisity where he was part of the founding team and grew the company to over $100M sales per year. He was also VP Worldwide sales at Jasper. Mr Hanoch holds a Bachelor of Science in Systems Design from Technion – Israel Institute of Technology.

Q: Coby, you recently joined Weebit as a CEO. What made you excited about Weebit's technology and business?

I believe Weebit’s technology has great potential, especially considering the fact that it is based on standard materials and tools, so once we finish the development we should be able to move more easily into production than other emerging memory technologies I have come across. In addition, and probably more important than the technology, a key driver to the success of a company is the team, and I was very impressed by Weebit’s team and the atmosphere in the company.

Read the full story Posted: Nov 07,2017

Crossbar ramps up 40nm RRAM production, signs-up 12 MCU/SoC companies as licensees

Crossbar logoIn March 2016 Crossbar announced its strategic partnership with Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC) to co-develop and produce RRAM technologies. In January 2017 Crossbar announced that it started sampling RRAM chips.

In an interesting interview with Electronic Design, Crossbar's Vice President of Strategic Marketing & Business Development, Sylvain Dubois, discloses that Crossbar has started to ramp up production, and has signed a dozen agreements to license its technology to MCU/SoC companies. Crossbar's current developments are targeting embedded ReRAM IPs integrated in MCUs/SoCs for IoT, consumer electronics, artificial intelligence, and industrial applications.

Read the full story Posted: Sep 01,2017

Western Digital: RRAM is the technology of choice for Storage Class Memory

Western Digital announced that its 3D RRAM development is "finished" (this developed started by SanDisk, which is now owned by WD). WD's current plan is to release memory products based on 3D RRAM in 12-24 months - in the same fab that produces flash (NAND) memory.

Western Digital will at first aim to use RRAM in "specialized" SCM memory devices, but the plan is to scale up RRAM to eventually (2020?) become a "Universal Memory".

Read the full story Posted: Aug 12,2016