Intel and Infineon create 64 MB SIM cards

Two semiconductor giants Intel and Infineon Technologies AG have announced a strategic partnership to create a new generation of SIM-cards, the so-called high-capacity HD SIM cards (high density).

Infineon will develop the microchip architecture, as well as a 32-bit microcontroller based on its SLE 88 family. Intel will introduce flash memory modules from 4 to 64 megabytes into the chips. NOR-type Intel flash memory will be produced using the 65- and 45-nanometer process technology. Microcontrollers are now manufactured on a 130-nm process technology, which is the maximum technological achievement for smart cards.

All HD SIM cards will operate in a voltage range from 1.8 V to 3.3 V in accordance with ETSI specifications. The first working samples of new microcircuits are expected in the second half of 2008, and mass production will begin six months later.
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According to Frost & Sullivan, by 2010, advanced types of HD-SIM cards will be from 6% to 8% of the total SIM-card market in the world, which, in turn, will grow from 2.5 billion pieces in 2007 to 3 , 8 billion in 2010.

via Infineon