M31 Technology, a Taiwan-based silicon IP startup, has announced that its USB 3.0 PHY (physical layer interface) technology is silicon proven on TSMC's 40nm HKMG technology node. The IP macro also meets all of TSMC's IP9000 Assessment requirements.

M31 Technology's proprietary 40nm USB 3.0 PHY IP has already passed the USB-IF test procedure for SuperSpeed products, according to company chairman and CEO HP Lin. The IP core has entered the design-in stage with customers, ready for volume production soon, said Lin.

M31 Technology also plans to introduce additional IP solutions on advanced process nodes later in 2013, Lin indicated. Its new IP core for system-on-chip (SoC) solutions is expected to pass silicon verification in TSMC's 28nm HKMG node in the second half of the year, Lin said.

M31 Technology's USB 2.0 IP solutions have entered the IC design industry supply chains in China and Taiwan, and already entered mass production, Lin noted.

M31 Technology is also partnering with China-based Semiconductor Manufacturing International (SMIC) to offer IP solutions for device products, Lin disclosed.

In addition, Lin pointed out that Taiwan's semiconductor IP industry has the potential to grow, due to the island's well-developed IC foundry and design industry sectors. M31 Technology is aiming to become the largest Asia-based provider of semiconductor IPs within the next three years, Lin said.

Lin previously served as president of Faraday Technology, a Taiwan-based IC design service company partnering with United Microelectronics (UMC).

M31 Technology specializes in the design of high-speed interface IPs, such as USB, SATA, PCIe and MIPI, and memories, cell libraries, I/Os and data conversion. Founded in 2011, the silicon IP provider is headquartered in Hsinchu with about 70 employees.