By Richard Adhikari TechNewsWorld
02/01/10 11:37 AM PT
With the ability to hold twice as much memory in the same physical space as previous generations, the new NAND flash technology developed by Intel and Micron could result in mobile devices capable of storing much more data without needing to be physically bulkier. Durability and reliability may also be increased. The new NAND chips should be in production beginning in the second quarter of this year.
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) and Micron have jointly announced what may be the world's
smallest, densest NAND flash memory device yet.
Intel and Micron have announced the world's first 25nm-flash memory device -- the smallest process technology in the semiconductor industry.
(click image to enlarge)
Their 25-nanometer (25nm) NAND flash semiconductor offers 8 GB of
memory in a single NAND processor. This could pave the way for higher-capacity
storage for consumer devices.
The 25nm NAND semiconductor is sampling now; it will be in production
in the second quarter of 2010.
Chip Sandwich
For consumer electronics manufacturers, the 25nn NAND processor
provides the highest density in a single two bits-per-cell multi-level
cell die that will fit an industry-standard, thin small-outline
package, Intel said.
Multiple 8 GB processors can be stacked in a package to increase
storage capacity.
The processor measures 167 square millimeters. Put another way, it
will fit through the hole in the middle of a CD. However, it has more
than 10 times the 700 MB capacity of a CD.
The 25nm, 8 GB processors cut chip count by half compared to previous
processors. For example, a 256 GB solid-state disk (SSD) will use 32
of these processors instead of the 64 older-generation NAND flash
processors previously required, Intel said.
The 25nm NAND flash processor is being produced by IM Flash
Technologies, a joint venture between Intel and Micron set up in 2006.
More NAND Bang for the Buck
Manufacturers of consumer devices and SSDs will leverage the 25nm NAND
flash processors' small size to cram more memory into their products
and cut prices, Carl Howe, director of anywhere research at the Yankee
Group, told TechNewsWorld.
"Most of the cost in any of these devices scales with the number of
chips, so if it takes 32 chips to create a 256 GB solid state disk
instead of 64, reliability goes up because there are fewer parts, and
cost goes down," Howe explained. "So, the capacity of solid state
disks will get lots bigger."
Most SSD manufacturers use flash memory in their products for its
durability and ruggedness.
Currently, flash memory is used primarily in smartphones, memory
cards and USB flash drives. The technology is non-volatile, so flash memory chips
do not require power to maintain information stored in them. Further,
flash memory is very durable and can take physical shocks better than
DRAM memory.
Taking a Bite Out of Apple?
Will the new, denser NAND flash processors impact Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL)? Cupertino has
managed to keep down costs while increasing profits by prepurchasing
components and leveraging economies of scale.
Apple is one of the biggest users of flash memory, gobbling it up for
its iPod and iPhone. It made a US$500 million prepayment to Toshiba for
flash memory chips in July -- will that leave it stuck with the older
technology?
Not likely, Howe contended. "Apple probably has committed that preorder
to production so the fact that there's something newer and denser is
interesting data but probably doesn't impact its six- to 12-month
plan," he explained.
"Apple's got more products out now, and I'd guess $500 million worth of
NAND flash will probably be one quarter's supply," Howe said.
CES: The Magic Is Back January 11, 2010
After two relatively ho-hum years, CES is crackling again. This year was not overshadowed by any particular device -- there were plenty of exhibitors making star turns. There were lots of tablets and Androids, 3-D TVs and 3-D games. There were also a slew of e-books on display, and a particularly interesting technology that could revolutionize that market.
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