|
|
|
Matrix Semiconductor Announces Second Generation 3-D Integrated Circuit Memory Technology
Focuses On Mobile Devices -- Targets Portable Video and Audio,
Portable Games, Advanced Toys, and the Growing Installed
Base of Multimedia Mobile Phones and Handheld Computers
SANTA CLARA, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Nov. 8, 2004—
Matrix Semiconductor, Inc. today announced that it has advanced
its unique technology for manufacturing three-dimensional integrated
circuits, an innovation that produces low-cost, high-density,
semiconductor memory products by building multiple layers of memory
inside each chip, making the most efficient use of a silicon wafer.
Matrix(R) 3-D Memory (3DM) is a programmable, non-volatile memory and
the first product line based on Matrix Semiconductor's technology.
The second generation of Matrix 3DM skips forward on the
semiconductor industry's process roadmap, moving from the original
0.25-micron design rules to 0.15-micron. By using proven manufacturing
techniques with the third dimension, Matrix derives lower cost and
more components per wafer than any other comparable memory product on
today's market.
By offering the ease of one-time programmability, Matrix 3DM is
able to cut production lead times for its customers from months to
days relative to Mask ROM. This allows consumer electronics
manufacturers and mobile content publishers to manage their supply
chains more efficiently and properly align their businesses with
market demand. In October 2004, Mattel was the first to disclose that
Matrix 3DM was the publishing technology chosen for the Juice Box(TM),
a portable media player targeted at the "tween" demographic.
Matrix Semiconductor has observed that conventional technologies
for publishing digital content for advanced toys and portable digital
devices do not meet many industries' requirements of low cost, high
density, and fast turn-around time. These conventional technologies
include Mask ROM and Flash Memory. The former is inflexible, requiring
long lead times for customers, while the latter can be programmed
close to market demand but remains expensive. Matrix 3DM offers the
right combination of low-cost storage and fast time-to-market.
"By targeting Matrix 3DM at content publishing for mobile devices,
we aim to do for portable devices what the PC CD-ROM did for
multimedia content distribution in the early 1990's -- offering a
convenient, cost-effective, standards-compatible, way to deliver and
share content for portable audio-video players, portable games,
advanced toys, mobile phones, and handheld computers," said Dennis
Segers, president and chief executive officer of Matrix Semiconductor.
"We have closely analyzed the cost and supply-chain considerations
related to publishing content and we are confident that Matrix 3-D
Memory is the only technology that properly addresses the publishing
needs of our target customers."
In August 2004, Matrix Semiconductor became the first programmable
read-only memory (ROM) technology deemed completely compliant with the
MultiMediaCard (MMC) standard by the MultiMediaCard Association,
demonstrating that Matrix 3DM is ready for use in the emerging
portable computing infrastructure. According to industry estimates,
shipments of mobile handsets and handheld computers that feature
memory card slots will double to 200 million by 2006. Matrix 3DM can
be incorporated into any memory card format.
About Matrix Semiconductor
Matrix Semiconductor, Inc. is the creator and developer of the
world's first three-dimensional integrated circuits. Matrix's first
product, Matrix(R) 3-D Memory (3DM), is a low cost, high density line
of permanent, programmable, non-volatile memory that is compatible
with existing standards. Matrix 3-D Memory accelerates time-to-market
for publishers of digital content and is targeted for use in portable
consumer electronic devices.
Privately held, Matrix is headquartered in Santa Clara,
California. Additional information may be found at:
http://www.matrixsemi.com
MATTEL, JUICE BOX and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel,
Inc. (C) 2004 Mattel, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Contact:
Matrix Semiconductor
Nivita Banthia, 408-869-8943
nbanthia@matrixsemi.com
or
Dryden Marketing Group (For Matrix)
Phil Gomes, 510-769-9456
phil@drydenmg.com
|
|
|