Opportunities and Challenges for Embedded Flash Memory

With advances in deep submicron CMOS technology, faster timing and more feature-rich integrated silicon devices are being used in consumer electronics advanced communication and networking systems, computers, servers, and virtually all other electronic systems. The demand for performance and functionality is ever increasing and a key component of that demand is the in-system nonvolatile alterability of both code and data. Larger operating and application codes as well as configuration and personalization codes are stored in various IC components, which require field upgrade capability. Various types of data require nonvolatility. With systems becoming increasing portable and smaller in size, various bulky mechanical elements, such as magnetic storage disks, are designed out and silicon programmable elements are being substituted for them. The silicon elements must continue to provide better reliability and an ability to operate in harsher environments than media that have mechanical movement. These trends have presented an opportunity for flash and embedded flash as never seen before. The question is whether embedded flash is ready to serve these demands and keep up with the projected increasing demands well into the future.