Application-specific memory designs and their reality

With the rapid decrease in device dimensions and the resulting density and performance inprovements, designers can include significant amounts of memory within a logic circuit. Conventional memories have absorbed specialized logic functions to satisfy system design requirements. Video DRAMs, multiported and embedded SRAMs, digital TV CCDs and encryption EPROMs are current examples of devices exploring this avenue. Not all ventures are likely to succeed. The panel will address issues which will influence this success or failure, Not only will implementation aspects be probed, but panelists will attempt to contrast cost effectiveness of approaches, current and future market directions, testability concerns, and the future systems potential of application specific memories.