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PSS Introduces Lowest Power 1Mb Flash Memory

Programmable Silicon Solutions, a developer of high-speed, low-power flash memory products, has announced that it has begun shipping to customers a new ultra low-power flash memory that becomes the lowest power 1Mb flash memory chip in the industry.

PSS' new flash memory chip, the PS29LP001, features full functionality at power supply voltages as low as 1.65 volts and draws active supply current of only 0.5mA. The flash memory achieves active power consumption that is seven times lower than any previously developed 1Mb flash solution. Additionally, during the automatic power-down mode, the power supply current drops to less than 1 microamp.

The rollout of PSS' breakthrough low-power solution comes just three months after the company began shipping another industry first -- an ultra high-speed flash memory featuring random access times of less than 20ns, the fastest 1 Mb random-accessible flash memory in the world.

PSS' new low power flash memory will significantly enhance the performance of battery operated, portable, hand-held computing and communications devices such as Bluetooth appliances, cellular handsets, cordless phones, PDA, GPS, DECT, digital camera, hard disk drives and MP3 players.

"This flash memory chip opens up a new era of cost-effective high performance designs of communications products where extremely low power and fast random read access are essential to extend battery operating life," said Dr. Ting Wong, president and CEO of PSS. "This technical breakthrough enables system designers to significantly increase performance of battery-powered devices, making these products even more attractive to consumers."

The PS29LP001 utilizes PSS' patented FlashShot technology and is manufactured at PSS' foundry partner UMC using their 0.25 um CMOS process. Introduced in collaboration with UMC in September of 2001, this technology is also available (through licensing) to UMC's system-level customers. The technology will also be available in 0.18 um and 0.13 um versions in the near future, delivering higher densities and even higher electrical performances.

The new flash memory contains 128K words x 8 bits, operates from a single 1.65V - 3.6V power supply and requires a typical supply current of only 0.5mA at Vcc = 1.8v or less. In addition to low power, fast read access times of 70 ns are achieved. High-speed (5 ms) write times are also achieved through fast page-programming operation. Automatic power-down modes minimize power consumption. The memory is organized into multiple sectors of various sizes for maximum flexibility and convenience to the system designer. Each sector can be re-written independently, and can be individually protected to prevent accidental programming. All program/erase operations are handled by on-board circuits, which provide automatic control of program a nd erase timing and support for data polling and toggle bit features. The PS29LP001 provides endurance of 100,000 cycles and data retention of 20 years. The memory is packaged according to JEDEC standard pinouts, and is offered in a variety of package types including 32-pin DIP, 32-pin PLCC and the high density 32-pin TSOP.

Dr. Wong said he's encouraged by initial customer feedback on PSS' new low-power flash memory. "The PS29LP001 creates new opportunities for the design of next-generation products where low power consumption is critical," he said. "This new product will provide system designers with a high-density flash memory that can save power consumption and board space. These savings directly translate to new cost-effective system-level products that are simpler, feature higher performance and are easy to use."

The PS29LP001 is available now in sample quantities. In 10,000-unit quantities, the PS29LP001 is priced at $2.90.

The latest product rollout is the second in the new family of high-speed, low-power flash memory chips for PSS, a company founded by leading industry experts. Dr. Wong was a pioneer in flash technology, responsible for the world's first commercial flash EEPROM in 1987. And Chairman Phillip Salsbury, formerly CEO of SEEQ Technology, was also a pioneer in non-volatile memory development.

About Programmable Silicon Solutions

Programmable Silicon Solutions, founded in 1997, is a fabless semiconductor and technology company that develops and licenses specialized intellectual property for highly integrated system-on-chip solutions. PSS' patented flash technology enables integration of embedded high-speed flash memory, mixed-signal and logic circuits all within a single, high performance chip. This technology, fully compatible with mainstream CMOS foundry processes, provides uniquely cost-effective solutions for today's demanding applications in wireless data/telecom, mobile computing and portable consumer products. The company designs and markets a family of high performance standard products, including high-speed, low-power flash memories and serial EEPROMs. Core competencies of the company include flash and EEPROM device and process technology, flash and mixed-signal design, and system-on-chip expertise for supporting its customers. More information is available at www.ps2tech.com.

CONTACT: Programmable Silicon Solutions, Mazhar Hussain, 408-487-9200 mhussain@ps2tech.com.