- New - Toshiba Adds Modified NAND Flash Memory for Easier Integration in Advanced Cell Phones With Complex Memory Subsystems
NAND flash memory has really made a mark in technology. While standard NOR flash is great for nonvolatile code storage and execution, the very high density of NAND has opened the gateway for great applications like digital cameras, MP3 players, voice recorders, advanced PDAs and cell phones, solid-state disks, and more. Toshiba's new "Chip Enable Don't Care" NAND allows the chip-enable signal to be deasserted during the "read busy" period. The result is that the microprocessor can communicate with other devices on the bus such as SRAM, PSRAM, or NOR flash while the NAND retrieves the requested information.
(ChipCenter)
SST Introduces 32-Mbit Flash Device with 1,000 times Faster Chip-Erase Performance Than Alternatives
We have seen NAND architected flash reach 2-Gbit densities, while NOR parts are in the 16- to 32-Mbit range. It would seem from that simple statistic that those who need density would shift over to NAND, but there is more to it than that.
(ChipCenter)
Crucial Technology Introduces Flash-Card Readers
These days, the average gizmologist has more than one device that takes advantage of modern flash cards. Advanced cell phones, PDAs, digital cameras, MP3 players, and even laptops can take advantage of the fast, small, lightweight, hot-swappable, and ever denser nonvolatile storage offered by this technology.
(ChipCenter)
Motorola Unveils Developments in Successors to Floating-Gate Flash Memory
In the last few months, I've reported on several innovative and clever approaches to increasing the densities, performance, and power characteristics of nonvolatile memories. This includes Multi-Level Cell (MLC), Mirror Bit, and Magneto Resistive technologies. These are all important since many engineers feel that we are approaching the scaling limits of Flash technology. This is due to the voltages needed to tunnel charge, the reliability and data retention issues of smaller scales, and the migration of charge through ever decreasing oxide layers.
(ChipCenter)
Intel intros flash memory for internet-enabled cell phones
Built using 0.13 micron process technology and incorporating innovative flash memory packaging techniques, Intel's 1.8 Volt Wireless Flash memory reportedly operates at speeds that are up to four times faster than existing Flash products, while consuming less power than standard Flash chips. The device is targeted at data-intensive Internet phone applications such as browsing, streaming multimedia and text messaging.
(e-inSITE)
Hitachi announced 'superAND type flash memory'
Hitachi, Ltd. today announced 'superAND type flash memory' suitable for portable devices such as mobile phones and PDA. This new AND type flash memory has dramatically improved the easy-to-use feature by incorporating a memory control function in the flash memory for the first time in the industry, and also achieved a compact size and a reasonable price. Hitachi is releasing a total of four types initially, 'HN29V128A (3.3V type)' and 'HN29A128A (1.8V type) series of 128M bits (16M bytes).
(ChipCenter: WebScan)
STMicro intros 64-bit flash memory for consumer apps
STMicroelectronics today introduced a 64Mbit flash memory chip designed to increase the density in consumer applications, such as cell phones, PDAs and digital cameras. The M28W640C is organized as a 4Mbits-by-16-bits and operates at 3V. The memory chip is compatible with lower density devices from the same family, STMicro said, such as the 16Mbit M28W160 and the 32Mbit M28W320.
(Electronic News)
Hitachi releases industry's first ATA-5 compliant flash card with ultra DMA transfer mode offering industry's fastest flash card speed
Two models, the 896-Mbyte HB28A896IA1 and the 512-Mbyte HB28A512IA1, are being released at this time, with sample shipments beginning in April 2002 in Japan. This is a new flash card employing high speed interface for applications requiring high speed and high reliability.
(ChipCenter: WebScan)
Toshiba announces 64Mb and 128Mb page mode NOR flash memory for next-generation wireless applications
The new devices are capable of achieving an access time of 60 nanoseconds (ns), the fastest access time currently available for 128Mb NOR flash. They offer page mode access and Read While Write (RWW) dual operation, making them ideal for use in feature-rich cellular phones, PDAs and other wireless handheld applications requiring high-performance memory.
(ChipCenter: WebScan)
SanDisk expands flash storage capabilities new Cruzer product, 1-GB card offer convenient but pricey media
Is it memory or is it storage? SanDisk's new flash-based Cruzer product, together with a 1GB Type I CompactFlash card, blurs the distinction. But one thing is clear: None of it is cheap. You plug it directly into a USB port--no cables required. The idea is to provide a simple, painless way of moving megabytes from one computer to another, Chan, SanDisk's vice president says.
(PC World)
- New - Toshiba to reopen flash memory fab
Toshiba Corp. said that a flash memory and SRAM fab in Yokkaichi, Japan, that has been closed since last October will reopen this month because of improving market conditions. A spokesman said the reopened fab has a capacity of 35K wafers a month.
(Electronic Buyers' News)
Micron Technology pairs SyncFlashý memory with Motorola's Dragonballý MX1 application processor
SyncFlash memory technology features the highest read bandwidth of any nonvolatile memory, facilitating reduced boot times and lower power consumption. By joining these two technologies, mobile communications customers may receive dramatically enhanced system performance.
(ChipCenter WebScan)
Mighty mini media
The capacities of flash memory and small storage formats are skyrocketing--and you may have to live with more than one type. Flash memory cards are tiny, powerful, and even sort of sexy looking. And if you're considering buying one of the newest wave of cool electronic toys--a digital camera, personal digital assistant, or digital audio player--you won't be able to live without them.
(PC World)
Motorola and JAMDAT demonstrate mobile games using Intel flash memory
Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) and JAMDAT Mobile Inc. demonstrated advanced games using Intel flash memory on Javaý technology-enabled mobile phones with color displays from Motorola. These games from JAMDAT utilize the Intelý Flash Data Integrator (FDI) Application Programming Interface (API) as optimized by Motorola, providing users with a richer gaming experience on mobile phones.
(ChipCenter WebScan)
Microchip, Azalea ink licensing agreement
Under the agreement, Azalea will assist Microchip in the process and design development of products based on the Azaleaýs FlashEE technology. The low-power and low-voltage technology is designed for embedded flash and application specific flash memory in wireless applications, the company said.
(Electronic News)
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