Embedded Non-Volatile Memory — Proliferation of IoT-based Devices and Services to Spur the Demand
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and it boils down to this — In cybersecurity, the more systems we secure, more secure we all are! — Jeh Johnson.
All the hullabaloo about cybersecurity cannot just be a rumor, because where there is a smoke, there ought to be a fire. Cyberattacks have got everyone thinking about the solutions and what to do when attacked! However, with the rising case of cyberthreats, it begs a question, what are we doing on the innovation front to secure ourselves from an attack in the first place?
Along with the impending question about cybersecurity, what about the potential to leverage the next big thing i.e. Internet of Things (IoT), to reap maximum benefits and make human life simpler. IoT is knocking on the door and we’re expected to embrace it with open arms, however, we need to ask ourselves whether we have the optimum miniaturized storage devices to cash in on the opportunity?
The answer to all those questions above is simply provided by the memory devices named, Embedded Non-Volatile Memory.
Embedded Non-Volatile Memory or eNVM, as the name suggest, is a type of non-volatile memory that has made modern computing systems faster and scalable. eNVMs have a better in-system re-programmability and has made electronics design more flexible when compared to the stand-alone flash memories.They are also the key components of microcontrollers used in IoT devices. In fact, the rise of IoT era has instigated demand for innovative products, which has placed pressure on foundries to deliver highly optimized components, in which eNVMs find its place. Rise of IoT and several other factors have led to rise in demands exponentially in the industry. So much so that, embedded non-volatile memory market size is expected to reach USD 471.5 Million by 2022, according to a new study by Grand View Research, Inc.
Development of devices integrating wireless communication technologies such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, and ZigBee require miniature components owing to consumer demand for compact devices. Migration from conventional to embedded-NVM owing to low-power consumption and high efficiency offered by these memory devices is expected to impel industry demand. This is also anticipated to be a key growth opportunity for industry participants.
Aggressive Competition
Major competitors depend and focus on reducing cost and energy consumption. Along with increasing the reliability of the products to stay afloat in the competition. Key companies, ruling the roost in the market are GlobalFoundries, United Microcontroller Corporation (UMC), Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation (SMIC), HHGrace, Kilopass, and eMemory Technology Inc.
Recent Developments
- GlobalFoundries (GF) and GlobalWafers Co., Ltd. (GWC), have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a long-term supply agreement for 300mm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) wafers.
- GlobalFoundries (GF), the world’s leading specialty foundry, acquired the PDK (Process Design Kit) engineering team from Smartcom Bulgaria AD. Acquisition strengthens overall process design capabilities and expands the company’s footprint in Europe
