Embedded Nonvolatile Memories: A Key Enabler for Distributed Intelligence

Embedded NVM (eNVM) has become a key component of many modern systems, enabling software-based control to be embedded into a wide range of applications. This paper surveys some of the market segments driving eNVM growth, the unique requirements for eNVM (versus stand-alone flash), the optimization choices, current solutions including recent 1T NOR and split-gate TFS eNVM, and future trends. While conventional embedded flash is likely to continue as the industry workhorse for eNVM, there is a significant opportunity for 1T-1R cells, such as MRAM, to impact the eNVM market if they are optimized to meet the unique eNVM requirements, including wide temperature range and robust operation.