PSS Delivers World's Fastest 1Mb Flash Memory 20 ns Read Access Time Sets Speed Record for High-Density Flash

SAN JOSE, Calif., May 31, 2002 - Programmable Silicon Solutions today announced it has begun shipping to customers a new ultra high-speed flash memory, featuring random access times of less than 20ns, that becomes the fastest 1Mb random-accessible flash memory chip in the world.

The new flash memory chip, the PS29FS001, is twice as fast as any previously developed random-access flash memory and opens up a new era of cost-effective high-performance system designs. The chip is fully optimized for today's critical applications where very fast and fully random read access is critical to meet the requirements of popular DSP and 32-bit RISC processors. This technical breakthrough enables system designers to operate fast processors directly from the flash memory, thereby eliminating the need for an intermediate buffer SRAM.

The PS29FS001 utilizes PSS's patented FlashShottm technology and is manufactured at PSS's foundry partner UMC using their 0.25 um CMOS process. Introduced in collaboration with UMC in September of 2001, this technology is also available (through licensing) to UMC's system-level customers. The technology will also be available in 0.18 um and 0.13 um versions later this year, delivering higher densities and even higher electrical performances.

The new flash memory contains 128K words x 8 bits, operates from a single 2.7V - 3.6V power supply and requires a supply current of only 20mA. In addition to fast fully random read access times, high speed (5 ms) write times are achieved through fast page-programming operation. Automatic power-down modes minimize power consumption. The memory is organized into multiple sectors of various sizes for maximum flexibility and convenience to the system designer. Each sector can be re-written independently, and can be individually protected to prevent accidental programming. All program/erase operations are handled by on-board circuits, which provide automatic control of program and erase timing and support for data polling and toggle bit features. The PS29FS001 provides endurance of 100,000 cycles and data retention of 20 years. The memory is packaged according to JEDEC standard pinouts, and is offered in a variety of package types including 32-pin DIP, 32-pin PLCC and the high density 32-pin TSOP.

The product introduction is the first in PSS's new family of high-speed, low-power flash memories that the company will be rolling out over the coming months. The products are made possible by the combination of PSS's flash expertise and UMC's advanced processing capability and manufacturing capabilities.

"We are excited to bring this new family of memories to the marketplace and are encouraged by initial customer feedback," said Dr. Ting Wong, president of Programmable Silicon Solutions. "We believe that the PS29FS001 creates new opportunities for the design of current and next-generation products employing high-performance RISC processors, for applications in computing, communications and networking, including wireless LAN."

Wong said the new product will provide system designers with a high-density flash memory that can 'talk' directly to the processor without slowing it down. "By providing a 'flash as fast as cache,' the PS29FS001 eliminates the need for a shadow SRAM in many RISC-based systems, thereby saving board space and system power," he said. "These savings directly translate to cost-effective system-level products that are simpler, easy to use and require less power to operate."

The PS20FS001 is available now in sample quantities. Volume pricing is $2.90 for quantities of 10,000 units.

About Programmable Silicon Solutions
Programmable Silicon Solutions, founded in 1997, is a fabless semiconductor and technology company that develops and licenses specialized intellectual property for highly integrated system-on-chip solutions. PSS's patented flash technology enables integration of embedded high-speed flash memory, mixed-signal and logic circuits all within a single, high performance chip. This technology, fully compatible with mainstream CMOS foundry processes, provides uniquely cost-effective solutions for today's demanding applications in wireless data/telecom, mobile computing and portable consumer products. The company designs and markets a family of high performance standard products, including serial EEPROM, high-speed flash and low-power flash memories. Core competencies of the company include flash and EEPROM device and process technology, flash and mixed-signal design, and system-on-chip expertise for supporting its customers. More information is available at http://www.ps2tech.com.