Weebit Nano and DB HiTek Tape-Out ReRAM Module in 130nm BCD Process

Weebit Nano Ltd. and tier-1 semiconductor foundry DB HiTek have taped-out (released to manufacturing) a demonstration chip integrating Weebit’s embedded ReRAM module in DB HiTek’s 130nm Bipolar-CMOS-DMOS (BCD) process.

The integrated demo chips will be used for testing and qualification ahead of customer production, while demonstrating the performance and robustness of Weebit’s technology.

This milestone in the collaboration between the 2 companies (previously announced on October 19, 2023) was completed on-schedule as part of the technology transfer process. The firms are working to make Weebit ReRAM available to DB HiTek customers for integration in their SoCs as embedded NVM, and aim to have the technology qualified and ready for production in the 2CQ25. ReRAM is available now to select DB HiTek customers for design prototyping ahead of production.

DB HiTek’s 130nm BCD process is for analog, mixed-signal and high-voltage designs in applications such as consumer, industrial, and IoT devices. For these applications, Weebit ReRAM provides a cost-effective, low-power NVM that is easy to integrate and has proven excellent retention at high temperatures. ReRAM offers significant advantages over flash for BCD processes because it is a back-end-of-line (BEOL) technology which does not require significant process tuning. ReRAM also provides higher density and endurance compared to conventional Multi-Time Programmable (MTP) technologies.

Coby Hanoch, CEO, Weebit Nano, said: “This milestone confirms we are proceeding towards qualification of our ReRAM in DB HiTek’s BCD process on schedule, making the technology available to this leading foundry’s extensive customer base. We’re already in early adopter discussions with several DB HiTek customers who are interested in integrating ReRAM in their SoCs. One area of interest is smart power management integrated circuits (PMICs), where integrating the PMIC with the microcontroller (MCU) on one die can lead to performance, security, power and cost advantages.”

Ki-Seog Cho, CEO, DB HiTek, said: “Many of our customers, especially those with power management and high-voltage designs, are looking to gain the advantages of embedded ReRAM. Weebit ReRAM will provide customers using our 130nm BCD process with a low-power, cost-effective and high-density NVM. And by moving from a two-chip to a single-die solution, they can save cost and power, and reduce complexity and size. We have a great working relationship with Weebit, and we’re excited to continue this very promising collaboration.”

Once qualified, DB HiTek will add Weebit’s memory module to its BCD 130nm Process Design Kit (PDK). DB HiTek customers can use the standard modules in the PDK or have modules customized for their needs.

The demonstration chip includes a 1Mb ReRAM module that can be scaled to other densities as needed. This fully-integrated module also includes all necessary control logic, smart algorithms, decoders, IO/s and ECC. It is designed with patent-pending analog and digital circuitry running smart algorithms that significantly enhance the memory array’s technical parameters. This ReRAM module is further integrated into the demo chip, comprising a full sub-system for embedded applications, including the Weebit ReRAM module, a RISC-V MCU, SRAM, peripherals and system interfaces including SPI, UART, JTAG and GPIO.