Rambus buys Unity Semiconductor for next-generation memory

Intellectual property holder Rambus has bought computer memory company Unity Semiconductor for $35 million, a move designed to strengthen its position as a major licensor of memory products.

The deal involves the team behind Unity Semiconductor joining Rambus ranks and continuing to work on next-generation non-volatile memory technology like CMOx, which is intended to replace existing NAND memory products by offering higher density, faster performance, lower manufacturing costs, and greater data reliability.Rambus is currently one of the dominant players in the memory industry, particularly when it comes to NAND, so its not surprising that its preparing for changes in technology that could otherwise upset its position.“At Rambus, we are creating disruptive technologies to enable future electronic products,” said Sharon Holt, SVP and GM of the Semiconductor Business Group at Rambus. “With the addition of Unity, we can develop non-volatile memory solutions that will advance semiconductor scaling beyond the limits of today’s NAND technology. This will enable new memory architectures that help meet ever-increasing consumer demands.”Rambus has gained notoriety in technology circles for numerous lawsuits against chips firms over the alleged infringement of its many patents, including heavweights like Samsung and Nvidia. The acquisition of Unity Semiconductor will give it more ammunition for lawsuits and licensing deals, like the recent one it secured with Broadcom, for the next wave of memory products.Image Credit: Unity Semiconductor