Silicon Storage Technology (SST), a subsidiary of Microchip Technology Inc, and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) have announced the production release of SST’s embedded SuperFlash Gen 4 (ESF4) technology with full Automotive Grade 1 qualification on UMC’s 28HPC+ process platform. The ESF4 platform has completed full qualification and is now available for customer production.
Developed jointly by SST and UMC, the solution provides embedded non-volatile memory designed for automotive controllers, offering improved performance and reliability while reducing manufacturing complexity compared with alternative 28nm eFlash solutions. The platform requires fewer additional mask layers than other high-k metal gate embedded flash technologies, helping customers improve manufacturing efficiency and manage costs.
Customers currently using 40nm ESF3 Automotive Grade 1 platforms are encouraged to evaluate the 28nm ESF4 platform as they transition to more advanced process nodes. Mark Reiten, Vice President of Microchip’s licensing business unit, said the solution addresses the automotive industry’s growing requirements for higher performance, faster development cycles and compliance with strict reliability standards.
Steven Hsu, Vice President of Technology Development at UMC, said demand for higher-capacity and reliable embedded memory has increased as vehicles become more connected and software-driven. He noted that the ESF4 solution has been fully integrated into UMC’s widely used 28HPC+ platform.
Key performance and reliability specifications of the 28HPC+ ESF4 Automotive Grade 1 platform include qualification to AEC-Q100 Grade 1 standards, fast read access, high endurance, extended data retention at elevated temperatures, and strong yield performance during qualification testing. The solution is designed to support automotive controllers requiring high-capacity firmware and over-the-air update capability. Information on pricing and availability is available through SST and UMC channels.
Microchip Technology Inc develops embedded control and processing solutions designed for secure, connected, and intelligent applications. With a broad product portfolio and streamlined development tools, the company supports efficient system design aimed at reducing development risk, cost, and time to deployment. Serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide, Microchip’s technologies are applied across sectors including industrial, automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing. Based in Chandler, Arizona, the company maintains a focus on reliable product delivery, high manufacturing quality, and strong technical support.
