Tower Semiconductor will also further reaffirmed the value it sees in Crocus’ unique MRAM technology by taking an equity position valued at $1.25 million.
This agreement completes the establishment of Crocus Technology’s wafer manufacturing capability and sets up a volume supply chain for its customer base.
As per of the deal, Tower Semiconductor and Crocus Technology will each dedicate specific equipment in Tower Semiconductor’s factory to the manufacture of Crocus Technology’s MRAMs.
Crocus Technology has developed a reliable and scalable MRAM process based on its patented technology. It has seen improving yield and performance on its full-functionality 130nm MRAM test vehicle and is ready for the transition to commercial manufacturing.
“We are pleased to take part in Crocus’ success through the productization of its MRAM technology,” said Avi Strum, vice president & general manager, Specialty Business Unit at Tower Semiconductor. “The combination of Crocus’ magnetic know-how with our own CMOS expertise will produce a technology. At Tower Semiconductor, we are convinced of the industry-changing potential of MRAM, and we are partnering with the company best able to capitalize on this potential. We view this as a high volume market with a long life on Tower’s platform.”
MRAM has broad applicability both as standalone and embedded memory. The integration into Tower Semiconductor’s copper 130nm logic process sets the stage for bringing to market single chip memory products as well as for embedding MRAM into complex SOCs for market segments such as microcontrollers, automotive and communications.
Crocus Technology’s MRAM technology solves all the known problems encountered in earlier MRAM developments. The company’s technology has demonstrated its stability, reliability, data retention, endurance, and scalability, while exhibiting high speed, low power dissipation, and improved resistance to external perturbation.
