Date: 09/03/2011

Vimicro PC-CAM Processors uses Kilopass' NVM memory IP core

Vimicro is using Kilopass NVM IP in a line of notebook PC-camera processors for firmware storage needs. Vimicro's PC-camera chips are used in notebooks made by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Kilopass NVM IP is field-programmable allowing multiple firmware updates.

John Fan, general manager of Product Lines at Vimicro, commented, "By utilizing Kilopass technology, we are able to design cost effective, market-leading PC-camera processors with flexible upgradeability. Combined with Vimicro's innovative Firmware Patch technology, Kilopass NVM IP provides Vimicro customers the ability to easily upgrade firmware without a requirement for external memory modules."

"We are pleased Vimicro has chosen Kilopass' NVM solution for next-generation PC-camera products," said Kilopass CEO Charlie Cheng. "This technology supports the aggressive performance and power requirements of Vimicro's products while reducing BOM cost and delivering maximum usability to their end customers."

Semiconductor chip developers who need to embed a piece of non volatile memory in their VLSI designs are suggested to use Kilopass' 2T one-time programmable (OTP) technology, where this IP offers advantage of implementing NVM memory block in standard CMOS without additional photo masks or processing steps. Kilopass IP support process nodes in the range of 180nm down to 40-nanometer (nm). But the 28nm available in the second quarter of 2011. Kilopass' OTP technology is suggested for applications such as digital trimming, calibration, security key and code storage. Kilopass has recently launched Gusto family of single instance 512kbit, 1Mbit, 2Mbit and 4Mbit OTP macros.

Another important vendor offering such NVM memory IP is Sidense Corp