Oct 20 2012
United Microelectronics Corporation ("UMC"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced that it has qualified the foundry industry's first high voltage (HV) embedded flash (eFlash) process that incorporates a true 12-volt solution.
This 12V process enables single chip integration with improved signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for mid to large panel touch screen applications by combining the HV component that drives the sensor elements with the embedded flash memory that stores the control algorithm. Compared to industry HV offerings such as 18V, 24V or 32V, this 12V solution provides an excellent balance between SNR and power consumption.
Anchor Chen, senior director of UMC's Specialty Technology Development division, said, "UMC is committed to developing a technology portfolio that includes leading-edge as well as customer-driven specialty technologies to address a full spectrum of customer applications. Being the first to introduce a true 12V option that can be integrated to our A+ aluminum eFlash processes puts UMC in a favorable position to capitalize on the fast growing mid-to-large panel touch screen market. We look forward working with customers to help them take advantage of this technology."
This new 12V embedded flash offering builds upon UMC's existing success for 0.18um and 0.11um eFlash products to help accelerate customers' time-to-market and differentiate their products in the booming touch IC market. UMC has shipped hundreds of thousands of eFlash wafers and several IC design houses have already adopted and qualified UMC's 12V eFlash solution into their touch screen products.