Toshiba, Ramtron Join Forces To Develop New Generation Semiconductor Memories.COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 18, 1995--Ramtron International Corporation (NASDAQ NASDAQ in full National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations U.S. market for over-the-counter securities. Established in 1971 by the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), NASDAQ is an automated quotation system that reports on :RMTR RMTR Redesigned Missile Tracking Radar ) today announced an agreement to jointly develop and manufacture Ramtron's FRAM ferroelectric random access memory (storage) Ferroelectric Random Access Memory - (FRAM) A type of non-volatile read/write random access semiconductor memory. FRAM combines the advantages of SRAM - writing is roughly as fast as reading, and EPROM - non-volatility and in-circuit programmability. with Toshiba. These new semiconductor memory products incorporate proprietary technology developed and owned by Ramtron to produce high-performance memories that do not lose data when power is removed. Upon successful completion of a joint integration and feasibility study, the agreement provides for the development, production and sale of ferroelectric FRAM products by Toshiba and Ramtron. Under the terms of the agreement, Ramtron will grant a nonexclusive license to Ramtron's FRAM technology and know-how in exchange for certain licensing considerations by Toshiba. Ramtron now has three alliance partners actively engaged in ferroelectric FRAM memory development. "This agreement with Toshiba provides further evidence of the industry momentum toward ferroelectrics. Ramtron's goal is to maintain its leadership role in FRAM technology and products. We can only achieve this goal by working in cooperation with the world's foremost semiconductor companies," said Ramtron Chairman and CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. L. David Sikes Sikes can refer to: People
Ramtron's FRAM memories combine the high speed of DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory Dynamic random access memory (DRAM) is a type of random access memory that stores each bit of data in a separate capacitor within an integrated circuit. Since real capacitors leak charge, the information eventually fades unless the capacitor charge is refreshed periodically. ) and SRAM (Static Random Access Memory Static random access memory (SRAM) is a type of semiconductor memory. The word "static" indicates that the memory retains its contents as long as power remains applied, unlike dynamic RAM (DRAM) that needs to be periodically refreshed (nevertheless, SRAM should not be confused with ) with the non-volatility of ROM (Read Only Memory) -- features that at present are not available in any single semiconductor memory device. Other nonvolatile memory technologies such as EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable ROM) A rewritable memory chip that holds its content without power. Although EEPROMs spawned flash memory, EEPROMs are byte addressable at the write level, whereas flash chips must erase a block of bytes before rewriting. (electrically erasable programmable read only memory) and Flash memory cannot be reprogrammed at high speeds, require more power to operate, and wear out after fewer rewrite cycles when compared to FRAM memories. The resulting products from the Ramtron/Toshiba alliance will be used in many familiar applications as well as a range of new applications created by the rapid shift to smaller, portable electronic devices such as communication products. Toshiba Corporation, headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's largest integrated manufacturers of electric and electronic equipment. A global organization, with over 190,000 employees, Toshiba is known for cutting-edge, high technology products and systems. Toshiba's worldwide annual sales exceed US $54 billion. Ramtron, with 1994 revenues of $20.1 million, manufactures and markets throughout the world semiconductor memory products based on ferroelectric as well as high performance DRAM technologies. Ramtron holds 55 foreign and domestic patents for its proprietary technologies and products, and has more than 74 additional patent applications filed. For more information about Ramtron and its products, contact: Communications Department, Ramtron International Corporation, 1850 Ramtron Drive, Colorado Springs, Colorado The City of Colorado Springs is the second most populous city (after Denver) in the state of Colorado and the 48th most populous city in the United States.[4] The city is the county seat of El Paso County. , USA, 80921. Telephone is 800-545-3726; fax is 719-488-9095. -0- Note to Editors: "FRAM" is a registered trademark of Ramtron International Corporation. CONTACT: Ramtron International Corporation Lee A. Brown, 719/481-7011 or Toshiba Corp. Public Communications Office Makoto Ueda, 81-3-3457-2105 |
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