Simtek Corporation

Infobox Company
company_name = Simtek Integrated Memories Corporation
company_type = Public (nasdaq|SMTK}
foundation = 1987
location = Colorado Springs, CO, USA
industry = Semiconductors
products = Nonvolatile SRAM
Integrated Semiconductors
homepage = [http://www.simtek.com/ www.simtek.com]

Simtek Corp. (nasdaq|SMTK), headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO is the leading supplier of integrated ‘Fast SRAM + non-volatile’ memory products available today. The nonvolatile-Static RAM (nvSRAM) memory solution behaves like a standard fast SRAM, then, on any sudden power change or power outage, data is immediately locked in by backing up the current SRAM data to the onchip non-volatile memory until power is again stable and SRAM operation can resume.

Simtek uses a fabless business model, is ISO9001.2000 certified, and manufactures RoHS compliant products that support commercial, industrial and military temperatures and quality standards.

Simtek subcontracts silicon manufacturing to Chartered Semiconductor in Singapore, Dong Bu HiTek in Korea, and Cypress Semiconductor in Minnesota, USA. Product assembly, and testing is subcontracted to Amkor in the Philippines among others, including Cypress Semiconductor in the Philippines and Integra in Wichita, Kansas. [http://www.simtek.com/pg_FAQ.html Simtek Frequently Asked Questions]

History

Simtek Corporation (NASDAQ: SMTK), was founded in 1987 in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Harold A. Blomquist became Simtek’s CEO in 2005 and is leading the company with their new production of higher density 4Meg and 8Meg devices.

Technology

The nvSRAM architecture uses a one-to-one pairing of a fast SRAM bit and a non-volatile bit in each memory cell. In system operation, the IC’s behave exactly as standard fast SRAM. When power is disrupted or lost, one quick array write saves every SRAM bit into the onchip nonvolatile memory using the stored energy in a small external capacitor. Data is automatically recalled from the non-volatile memory and written to the SRAM in every cell on power restore.
Simtek uses SONOS (Silicon Oxide Nitride Oxide Semiconductor) technology for these non-volatile memory products. Quantum Trap™ SONOS Technology takes advantage of Fowler-Nordheim Tunneling to store data by trapping charge in a sandwiched nitride layer. [http://www.simtek.com/pg_ProcessTechnology.html Simtek Process Technology]
Simtek currently holds 15 patents related to various aspects of non-volatile technology and the implementation of nvSRAM products. [http://www.simtek.com/pg_FAQ.html Simtek Frequently Asked Questions] [ref]

nvSRAM Technology Benefits

Simtek nvSRAM has 20ns parallel read/write speeds and 200,000 to 1,000,000 store cycles initiated by the power down Autostore or user control. The nvSRAM provides all necessary functions of Battery-Backed SRAM (BBSRAM) without the use of batteries, making it smaller, lighter in weight, more reliable and more environmentally friendly. [http://www.simtek.com/pg_FeaturesBenefits.html Simtek Features and Benefits]

Simtek Products

Simtek manufactures a family of non-volatile static random access memory products that combine the features of two different memory technologies: Fast Static RAMs (SRAMs) non-volatile Electrically Erasable Programmable Random Access Memories (EEPROM).
Other product family members include nvSRAMs with on chip low-power real-time clock (RTC) to provide high-speed nonvolatile data storage with an integrated “on-chip” clock function capable of using power from a capacitor.

Simtek targets markets and customer applications where high speed memory performance, high immunity to electrical and electromagnetic noise, no batteries, and long-term data integrity are the major concerns for designers. Markets currently using Simtek nvSRAM include: server and data storage; industrial controls and factory automation; metering systems; industrial gaming; data-communications; telecommunications; military; imaging.

Simtek Product Applications

• Industrial Robots & Motor Control
• Direct-Attached Raid in Servers & Storage Arrays
• Automatic Metering & Multi-Function Printers
• Industrial Energy & Power Management Systems
• Medical Electronics
• Telecomm & Datacomm Systems
• Military & Avionics
• Automotive Electronics & Telematics
[http://www.simtek.com/pg_Applications.html Product Applications]

References