IBM Corp’s Microelectronics unit has signed a deal with Silicon Storage Technology Inc to license SST’s SuperFlash memory technology for combining logic and memory functions on a single chip. IBM said the deal will allow it to build new memory- efficient custom chips at a reduced cost. It will use the technology in its foundry operations, to 0.18 micron and below and is currently exploring potential applications in ASICs as well. IBM Microelectronics will combine its own programmable logic technology with what its licensed from SST to help customers create wireless devices with both communications and information processing applications in a very small footprint. IBM said it would sell the chips to firms looking to design such devices as cellular phones, smart phones, hard disk drives, automotive systems and smart cards. In certain instances, at the customers request, IBM will have limited involvement in the actual design of products.
