Reap the Benefits without the Cost: Mobile Handset Chips Utilize Antifuse NVM from Configuration to Code Storage
February 20, 2010
By Linh Hong
Logic Non-Volatile Memory is a lexicon of the semiconductor industry. All major semiconductor market segments, from application specific analog to MOS logic SOC, use NVM from a few bits for trimming to a few mega bytes for code storage. The adoption of logic NVM in the last five years has broadened due to the value it adds to an IC, including secure code and key storage, BOM reduction, parametric yield recovery, and process migration path. One pervasive market using logic NVM today is the mobile handset.
Consumers expect combined voice, data, and multimedia solutions with higher speed, infrequent battery recharge, and functionality. Yesterday it was the integration of a camera and an MP3 player; today it is GPS; and tomorrow may be the integration of a pocket projector. Regardless of what is added, the form factor of the mobile handset will continue to shrink. Consumers want compact and stylish mobile devices they can slip into a pocket. Embedded logic NVM, specifically antifuse technology, helps mobile handset chip makers meet the demands for new features and improved form factor. From 0.18um to 40nm, at pure play as well as IDMs, Kilopass antifuse NVM can be found in the CMOS image sensor, baseband processor, RF transceiver, power amplifier, display, and power management chip sets. In this article, usages of antifuse NVM in each of these chips are described.