Embedded Flash for MCU

MCU Introduction

Microcontroller Unit (MCU) is a small computer on a single integrated circuit, containing a processor, SRAM, embedded Flash, and programmable input/output peripherals. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, in contrast to the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general purpose applications, as below chart.

SilvoFlash^TM Enables MCU with Wide Range Vdd

Currently, the most popular LP MCU in the market can function with wide range Vdd=1.6V~3.6V and processor/SRAM runs at 1.2V. However, present commercial embedded Flash solution needs to be operated with 10V~12V in programming/erasing mode, and it requires input voltages (Vdd) at 1.8V or 3.3V. Therefore, the current embedded Flash solution is the bottleneck in the effort to lower MCU Vdd below 1.6V.

IoTMemory' SilvoFlash^TM solution needs only Vdd=1.2V+10% (even can low to 0.9V+10%), which is suitable used as embedded Flash in MCU, and then support MCU to function with wide range Vdd=1.6V~3.6V or 1.1V~3.6V for low power consumption, as below chart. Besides, IoTMemory' standalone and embedded Flash solutions can be designed to match the same voltage level with MCU to reduce LDO and passive components, e.g. resistance, capacitance and diode.

MCU with ARM Cortex-M0 (32bit) at 0.13um node : 40% Power Saving
* MCU Vinput: Wide range Vdd =1.6V~3.6V,
* Frequency=12 MHz,
* RAM=128kb, eFlash=1Mb
   CPU runs as infinite loop for evaluating power consumption

SilvoFlash^TM Enables MCU with A Single Button Cell or AAA Battery

Today, 1.5V batteries are readily available at low cost in the market. Accordingly, some MCU providers put in a lot of effort on lowering input voltages (Vdd) to operate with a single 1.5V button cell or one AAA battery, however current commercial eflash is operated at >1.8V and causes the red light for low Vdd MCU. If eFlash Vdd can be reduced to 1.2V, it can also lower the MCU Vdd to 1.2V. Thne MCU can be driven by a single button cell, which also increases the benefits on smaller dimensions, less cost and lower power consumption.

IoTMemory’s latest innovation, SilvoFlash^TM with 3D split gate structure to enhance cell performance in Read, Programming and Erasing, which is done to optimize the MCU efficiency. SilvoFlash^TM needs only 1.2V (LP) or 0.9V (ULP) in Read mode and a maximum of 7V in PG/ER mode. Thus, the MCU can be design with wide range Vdd=1.1V~3.6V, which is available to operate with a single button cell, AA, or AAA battery, see as below charts.