Crocus Technology launched a new project (called Miultismart) to develop secure multibit architecture for its Magnetic Logic Unit (MLU) technology. Crocus will collaborate with Gemalto and the French research laboratories at LIRMM and IM2NP.
A multibit architecture will enable Crocus to increase the memory density without changing the die size. As part of this project, Gemalto will develop a new operating system suitable for this MCU and LIRMM and IM2NP will test, qualify and characterize the end product - a secure microcontroller with a secure element.
Crocus is targeting several applications for this new device, including NFC, secure transactions and internet-of-things (IoT).
Crocus Technology's MLU is a CMOS based rugged magnetic technology capable of offering important advantages in performance, size and security for embedded micro-controllers. Crocus has been co-developing the MLU technology together with IBM since 2011.
In late 2013, Crocus Nanoelectronics (Crocus and Rusnano's $300 million JV)Â announced that they launched the first production line at their MLU (TAS-MRAM based) production line in Technopolis, Moscow. By the end of 2014, CNE will be able to produce 2,000 wafers per month.
Back in July 2013, Crocus completed their Series D round of funding, raising â¬34 million (about $45 million). The company raised $80 so far (not counting the $300 million from RUSNANO towards a manufacturing fab in Russia). Back in 2012 we interviewed the company's chief marketing officer.