Toshiba launches highest density embedded NAND Flash memory devices

IRVINE, USA & TOKYO, JAPAN: Toshiba Corp. and Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC), its subsidiary in the Americas, have launched a 64 GB embedded NAND flash memory module, the highest capacity yet achieved in the industry.

The chip is the flagship device in a line-up of six new embedded NAND flash memory modules that offer full compliance with the latest e-MMC(TM) standard, and that are designed for application in a wide range of digital consumer products, including Smartphones, mobile phones, netbooks and digital video cameras. Samples of the 64GB module are available from today, and mass production will start in the first quarter of 2010.

The new 64GB embedded device combines sixteen pieces of 32Gbit (equal to 4GB) NAND chips fabricated with Toshiba's cutting-edge 32nm process technology, and also integrates a dedicated controller. Toshiba is the first company to succeed in combining 16 pieces of 32Gbit NAND chips, and applied advanced chip thinning and layering technologies to realize individual chips that are only 30 micrometers thick.

Full compliance with JEDEC/MMCA Version 4.4 (V4.4) standard for embedded MultiMediaCards supports standard interfacing and simplifies embedding in products, reducing development burdens on product manufacturers.

Toshiba offers a comprehensive line-up of single-package embedded NAND Flash memories in densities ranging from 2GB to 64GB. All integrate a controller to manage basic control functions for NAND applications, and are compatible with the latest e-MMC(TM) standard and its new features, including defining multiple storage areas and enhanced security features.

Demand continues to grow for embedded memories with a controller function that minimizes development requirements and eases integration into system designs. Toshiba has established itself as an innovator in this key area. The company was first to announce a 32GB e-MMC compliant device, and is now reinforcing its leadership by being first to market with a 64GB generation module.

"The e-MMC interface has become the most widely embraced embedded NAND solution with a built-in controller to simplify integration into system designs. With the addition of higher density, Ver 4.4 e-MMC compliant product offered as single package solutions or as part of a multi-chip module combined with DRAM, Toshiba can help designers reduce memory subsystem space requirements," said Scott Beekman, business development manager, mobile communications memory for TAEC.

Toshiba e-MMC Ver 4.4 devices are available in a standard configuration with the NAND flash and built-in controller or in a multi-chip module (MCP) with DRAM or other memory to reduce the memory subsystem requirement to one chip. Toshiba MCPs offer multiple memory technologies such as NAND Flash, NOR Flash, Pseudo SRAM (PSRAM), and low-power SDRAM in a single package to simplify layout and save valuable board space in increasingly complex, feature-rich cellular phones.