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Politics : RAMTRONIAN's Cache Inn

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To: NightOwl who wrote (14370)	7/28/2009 4:17:36 PM
From: NightOwl	Read Replies (2) of 14464

ARM Holdings has a "Power Management Kit" of design libraries that it is pumping which appears to rely upon logic elements that include data retaining "flip/flop" registers: The PMK libraries minimize power consumption in several ways. They support dynamic operation of functional blocks at multiple voltages. The power gates and isolation cells enable a sleep mode and ensure fast wake-ups. The libraries are equipped with data-retention flip-flops and always-on cells. Biasing cells provide connections for well back-biasing and reduce leakage even further. All the PMK libraries are designed to achieve optimal power tradeoffs. eetimes.com That article infers that those ARM designs rely only on FLASH IP libraries such as those offered by TSMC's foundry service. Whether or not the ARM PMK designs are so limited or not, their design and function appears extremely similar to the way F-RAM registers are used in Rohm's new NV-logic products: When this type of precise timing control is needed, explains a source at Rohm, "It is difficult to turn very many circuits on and off." This is because power-off timing can get very complex when many circuits are involved. At present, Rohm adds, "We can control about a dozen circuit blocks, but it gets very tough very quickly beyond that." Nonvolatile flip-flops (Fig 4) resolve this problem. Flip-flop data is preserved in the nonvolatile device even when the power is cut off, eliminating possible effect from power supply noise. As a result, explains Rohm, "We can control about ten times as many circuits." techon.nikkeibp.co.jp rohm.com rohm.com But the really cool beans in all this is that the ARM "PMK" libraries are being pitched as suitable for production processes at the 180nm node: eetimes.com And as we all know... IBM's F-RAM fab line is being set up for the 180nm node... and TXN's fab line already does duty at 130nm. You might want to pay a little more attention between now and October: tradingmarkets.com Or not... But we may have to bring one of our 2010 "Predictions" back into 2009... Message 25764057 0\|0

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