09 June 2010
World's first mram based fpga unveiled
A syndicate of companies and researchers have announced the launch of the world's first mram based fpga.
The mram based fpga is said to leverage key innovations including non-volatile magnetic memory and patent-protected circuitry enabling compact integration of mram and embedded fpga solutions.
Menta SAS has joined forced with LIRMM, (Laboratory of Informatics, Robotics and Microelectronics of Montpellier) an embedded programmable logic provider of embedded fpga IP and a joint CNRS and University of Montpellier 2 research laboratory.
Based on Menta's eFPGA Core programmable logic architecture and on CEA-LETI and CROCUS magnetic technology, this first device is being manufactured in CMOS 130nm with magnetic junction in 120nm. According to Menta, it provides capacity equivalent to 20K logic gates.
According to Laurent Rougé, Menta founder and ceo, the long term goal is to stack mram technology over traditional cmos logic and introduce a new type of robust non-volatile fpga to the market. Markets would include defence, aerospace, automotive and consumer applications.
Rougé said: "Taping out this first mram based fpga device confirms our intent to build a product strategy that leverages and complements our IP business. One of the key benefits of developing an fpga with mram technology, is that it enables high density nonvolatile fpgas based on leading edge cmos technology nodes, unlike traditional Flash-based approaches only available on mature cmos processes."
Pr Lionel Torres, in charge of the MRAM design project at LIRMM, claims that "MRAM-based FPGA proposes better versatility with partial or dynamic re-configurability capabilities, instant on/off total or partial energy saving".
Menta expects samples of the technology in Q3 2010.
Author
Chris Shaw
Supporting Information
Websites
http://www.lirmm.fr/xml/en/0001-01.html
http://www.menta.fr
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