Atmos Corporation Launches 400gb/S High-Density Embedded Memory Core.

Business Editors

NETWORK PROCESSORS CONFERENCE

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 23, 2001

Atmos Corporation

SoC-RAM(TM) Merged Logic Embedded Memory Cores Resolve Embedded Memory Challenges for Network Processing With Very High Throughput and

Minimal Susceptibility to Soft Error Upset

Companies developing system-on-a-chip (SoC) products for high-performance applications can now create a new generation of network processors and switch fabrics with very high throughput and minimal soft error rate (SER). The newly launched ATMOS SoC-RAM(TM) merged logic (ML) family of embedded memory macrocells enables embedded memories up to 128Mbits with bus width as large as 1024 bits, throughput up to 400Gb/s and minimal soft error susceptibility.

The new product family builds on a partnership with NEC Electronics Inc., announced earlier this year. It takes advantage of NEC's stacked metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor cell that provides better than 400MHz random access cycle speed and very low SER well under 1,000FITs per macrocell, regardless of the size. SER has become an increasing challenge for designers of high-performance chips, as embedded SRAM grows increasingly susceptible to soft error upset. Megabit instances of embedded SRAM at 0.13 micronsm exhibit SER of 1,000FITs per Mbit, requiring the use of extra circuitry for error correction code (ECC).

"The SoC-RAM ML family is targeted at a host of high-bandwidth applications such as high-capacity switch fabrics, packet processors for terabit switches and optical networking equipment," summarized Mel Roberts, Senior Director Product Line Management at ATMOS. "SoC-RAM ML is ideal in products like this where high performance, speed, low latency, wide data bus and low power are required."

"Our relationship with ATMOS, combined with their expertise in embedded memory design, brings customers all the benefits of NEC's 0.15 micronsm merged logic embedded DRAM," said Hideya Horikawa, Senior Design Engineering Manager at the US Technology Center of NEC in Santa Clara. "We are confident that, with the ATMOS product and team, we will help our customers develop the highest speed, most innovative networking products possible."

A 64Mbit SoC-RAM ML instance will occupy just 66mm2 and typically use 500mW, ensuring fabless semiconductor and network infrastructure vendors benefit from a highly competitive product in sync with the channel densities and constrained power dissipation required in next-generation networking equipment. In addition, the 0.15 micronsm implementation cuts memory area by a factor of 10 compared with traditional embedded six-transistor SRAM.

Using the ATMOS SoC-RAM ML compilers, designers can rapidly configure memory with bit-level granularity, minimizing overall die size where multiple instances are used, and optimizing for speed, area and power in just minutes.

The SoC-RAM ML family of products is the latest addition to the company's high-density embedded memory product line. Other products include SoC-RAM SL, silicon-proven macrocells available in 0.18 micronsm and 0.13 micronsm standard logic process.

Availability

Interested customers can begin new designs with SoC-RAM ML today, using the SoC-RAM ML 8Mbit block or multiples thereof. The compiler front end will be available in early Q1 2002. The full SoC-RAM ML compiler with all design views is planned for Q2 2002.

For details and pricing information, customers can contact ATMOS directly at +1.866.EMB.DRAM, [e-mail], or www.atmoscorp.com.

About ATMOS Corporation

ATMOS Corporation is a semiconductor memory company focused on high-density embedded memory products for system-on-a-chip (SoC) applications. ATMOS products are the ideal embedded memories for networking, wireless, graphics and imaging applications that require very large on-chip memory.

ATMOS develops SoC-RAM(TM), a high-density, low-power embedded memory architecture that is flexible and can be customized to specific SoC applications. SoC-RAM:

- Consumes up to ten times less power than traditional SRAM

- Requires up to ten times less die area than traditional SRAM

- Is compiled via the web, with design files available in minutes

ATMOS is headquartered in Kanata, Ontario, Canada, with a United States sales office in Cupertino, California.

For more information visit www.atmoscorp.com or call toll-free +1.866.EMB.DRAM.