GlobalFoundries and RAAAM Memory Technologies: Development of Next-Generation GCRAM Technology and a Test Chip on the FDX Platform

As edge AI, automotive, and IoT devices continue to demand unprecedented amounts of data, on-chip memory has become a critical bottleneck and often occupies the majority of the chip area. Developers are seeking innovative on-chip memory solutions that offer higher storage density and lower power consumption compared to off-the-shelf SRAM.

Utilizing RAAAM’s patented GCRAM technology, the companies jointly developed the GCRAM bit cell using “enhanced” design rules based on FDX technology, achieving a 40% reduction in memory area and up to a 60% reduction in power consumption compared to SRAM. The companies have jointly developed a GCRAM test chip and put it into production. In the next step, the companies will begin granting leading customers access to the GCRAM design in early 2027.

“The successful tape-out of our GCRAM prototype on GF’s FDX platform demonstrates the strong synergy between RAAAM’s memory innovations and GlobalFoundries’ outstanding manufacturing expertise,” said Robert Giterman, CEO and co-founder of RAAAM Memory Technologies. “Our GCRAM technology enables semiconductor companies to significantly increase their on-chip memory capacity or reduce silicon area while maintaining the same amount of on-chip memory. At the same time, the extremely low leakage current of FD-SOI technology extends data retention time, enabling developers to achieve significant power savings for edge AI devices.”

“At GlobalFoundries, we are continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible on our FDX platform and steadily expanding our IP portfolio to meet our customers’ needs,” said Sudipto Bose, Vice President of FD-SOI Product Management at GlobalFoundries. “The partnership with RAAAM Memory Technologies enables us to offer our customers a highly compelling on-chip memory solution that redefines the power, performance, and area (PPA) ratio for advanced AI and other applications.”

The semiconductor industry is already recognizing the potential of this joint development. NXP Semiconductors, a leading provider of intelligent edge systems, is currently conducting an in-depth evaluation of the benefits of the GCRAM solution.

“The industry needs a paradigm shift in on-chip memory. The GCRAM solution developed by RAAAM and GF offers immense potential,” said Victor Wang, Vice President of Front-End Innovation at NXP Semiconductors. “The projected reduction in area and power consumption offers a clear path to increasing on-chip memory capacities, which is critical for reducing data transfer off-chip and achieving greater efficiency at the system level.”

About GF

GlobalFoundries (GF) is a leading manufacturer of essential semiconductors that enable the widespread deployment of AI from the cloud to the physical world. Through close partnerships with customers, GF delivers differentiated, energy-efficient, and high-performance solutions for the automotive, aerospace, and defense industries, data centers, smart mobile devices, the Internet of Things, and other high-growth markets. With manufacturing facilities worldwide in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, GF is a trusted, end-to-end technology partner for customers around the globe. GF’s talented, global team focuses every day on safety, longevity, and sustainability.

About RAAAM Technologies

RAAAM Memory Technologies is a fabless semiconductor IP company that offers the industry’s most cost-effective on-chip memory technology. RAAAM’s patented Gain-Cell RAM (GCRAM) technology enables a reduction in silicon area of up to 50% compared to conventional SRAM and a reduction in power consumption in power-saving mode by up to a 3:1 ratio. GCRAM can be used in SoCs as a direct replacement for SRAM and is fully compatible with standard CMOS manufacturing processes. This allows developers to integrate more memory into a smaller chip area while reducing power consumption in power mode.

– – – – –

Related Links

👉 https://gf.com  
👉 www.raaam-tech.com 

Photo: unsplash