ECSEL JU Project WAKeMeUP

WAKeMeUP will set-up a pilot line for advanced microcontrollers with embedded non-volatile memory, and design and manufacturing for the prototyping of many innovative applications.

Driven by the requirements of demanding end applications, especially for decreasing the power consumption, the project will target the industrialisation of the embedded Phase Change Memory (ePCM) technology built on top of the FDSOI 28nm logic process pilot line.

WAKeMeUP will build on the already defined microcontrollers with 40nm embedded flash technology in order to establish a solid manufacturing platform. Additional developments include the integration of memory, power management, connectivity, strong security on the same chip.

The WAKeMeUP consortium will study alternative memory solutions, as they have different – and complementary – traits in such areas as read/write speed, power and energy consumption, retention and endurance, and device density, and are benchmarked with the ePCM and the conventional eFlash. Continued advances in materials, device physics, architectures and design could further reduce the energy consumption of these memories.

To generate high value added semiconductor circuits in Europe using a breakthrough leading edge technology, the project will deploy all necessary activities to bring this new technology to an early industrial maturity stage. These activities include a number of further enhancements, including extended reliability  and temperature range (up to 165°C), high security demands, high flexibility, etc… as well as prototyping demonstrators in the different application areas – Smart Mobility and Smart Society.

The project will reinforce the leadership in microcontrollers where Europe is strong and the market is increasing. The first target of WAKeMEUP product demonstrators is the automotive market where the growth rate is expected to be the highest among all the electronic components. However, WAKeMeUP covers all aspects of the electronics industry, and the widest range of applications, not only automotive, but also secure payments, and all kinds of smart objects and appliances.