CrossBar sees RRAM used for FTP and OTP memory applications

CrossBar says that its partners are now starting to use its RRAM memory technology for few-time programmable (FTP) and one-time-programmable (OTP) NVM applications. This is in addition to CrossBar's "traditional" MTP non-volatile memory and PUF security applications.

CrossBar says that this new applications demand can be met with its current technology, but the company also offers to optimize its RRAM for FTP and OTP applications, which will significantly increase memory density and reduce the cost.

CrossBar explains that FTP and OTP typically operate as NVM with the ability to be written only a few times (FTP) or exactly once (OTP). This type of memory is utilized for program/boot code or
data unique to each semiconductor such as trim bits or chip IDs.

FTP/OTP technologies such as electrical fuse, anti-fuse or floating gate often have disadvantages such as single write cycle limitations presenting difficulties in detecting bad bits, requiring complex operational circuitry and having lower density/higher cost. In addition, existing FTP/OTP technologies may require high programming voltages resulting in higher leakage current in standby mode.

CrossBar's high-performance MTP ReRAM can also be used for FTP and OTP applications, eliminating many of these disadvantages. ReRAM can be written multiple times (typically 100K to 1M writes) without many of the drawbacks of current OTP and FTP technologies.

Since MTP, FTP, OTP memories and physical unclonable function (PUF) keys are able to share a monolithic ReRAM manufacturing process and control circuity, it’s possible for a single chip design to be customized by dynamically reallocating memory during test time or at run-time, offering CrossBar customers additional flexibility.

CrossBar recently announced a new application of its RRAM technology for use as a physical unclonable function (PUF) in order to generate cryptographic keys in secure computing applications.