January 16, 2007 – Ovonyx Inc. and Qimonda AG have entered into a long-term cross license agreement targeting discrete memory products using their IP related to phase-change random-access memory (PCRAM) technology, with Ovonyx supporting Qimonda’s program to develop products based on the memory technology.

The reversible phase-change memory process provides high performance, dense, array-addressed semiconductor memory technology that can be a cost-effective replacement for flash and DRAM, and it could also be used in embedded applications such as microcontrollers and reconfigurable MOS logic, the company stated.

Ovonyx pioneered development of PCRAM technology and brings a “fundamental understanding” to PCRAM operation, including phase-change memory devices, materials, processing, design, modeling, and performance optimization.

Qimonda also has a pedigree in phase-change memory development, including its recently announced work with IBM and Macronix for a new prototype device that they claim switches orders of magnitude faster than flash memory, while using half the power and with far smaller footprint.

Qimonda also brings to the partnership a 300mm manufacturing presence and R&D expertise, added Ovonyx president/CEO Tyler Lowrey.

“Ovonyx’ PCRAM technology has the potential to revolutionize the Flash and DRAM businesses,” said Kin Wah Loh, president and CEO of Qimonda. “With the support of Ovonyx we will expand our program to exploit this emerging technology and be well prepared for its commercialization.”