SCL, IITB develop tiny memory for 'perfect' chips
The focus on electronics hardware including integrated circuits or chips is key to strengthen R&D primarily in the space and defence sectors -- Govt’s Principal Scientific Adviser, Prof K VijayRaghavan
image for illustrative purpose
New Delhi: THE Department of Space's Semi-Conductor Laboratory (SCL), Mohali, and the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IITB) have collaborated to successfully demonstrate CMOS 180nm-based production-ready 8-bit memory technology, described as a "gamechanger by enabling secure memory and encryption hardware for the country" by top scientists.
"The focus on electronics hardware including integrated circuits or chips is key to strengthen R&D primarily in the space and defence sectors. Development of standards, product design or IP development, and semiconductor manufacturing are increasingly important. The partnership between IIT Bombay and SCL to establish this memory technology for the first time demonstrates the augmented potential for semiconductor research in the country," Govt's Principal Scientific Adviser, Prof K VijayRaghavan, said. For successfully demonstrating CMOS 180nm based production-ready 8-bit memory technology, IIT Bombay invented the one-time programmable (OTP) memory based on ultra-thin deposited silicon dioxide (a few atoms thick) instead of the existing gate oxide-based OTP technology.
"In contrast to the high voltage required by gate oxide breakdown (a popular OTP memory), IIT Bombay's memory chip requires less power and chip-area as the need for boosted voltage supply is avoided," a release from the Scientific Advisor's office said.
