Micron samples first 128Gb TLC NAND flash memory chip

Posted on Friday, February 15 2013 @ 12:13 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
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Micron announced it has developed the world's first 128Gb TLC NAND flash memory chip using a 20nm process. The new chip should be more cost-effective and with a surface area of 146mm² it's 25 percent smaller than Micron's same-capacity 20nm MLC chip. No details about how this will impact performance, but Micron says the chip is primarily intended for cost-competitive flash cards and USB sticks.
Micron Technology, Inc. (Nasdaq:MU) today introduced the industry's smallest 128-gigabit (Gb) NAND flash memory device utilizing its award-winning 20-nanometer (nm) process technology. The new 128Gb device stores three bits of information per cell, called triple-level-cell (TLC), creating a highly compact storage solution.

Measuring 146mm², the new 128Gb TLC device is more than 25 percent smaller than the same capacity of Micron's 20nm multi-level-cell (MLC) NAND device. The 128Gb TLC device is targeted at the cost-competitive removable storage market (flash cards and USB drives), which is projected to consume 35 percent of total NAND gigabytes in calendar 2013. Micron is now sampling the 128Gb TLC NAND device with select customers; it will be in production in calendar Q2.

"This is the industry's smallest, highest-capacity NAND flash memory device—empowering a new class of consumer storage applications," said Glen Hawk, vice president of Micron's NAND Solutions Group. "Every day we learn of new and innovative use cases for flash storage, underpinning the excitement and opportunity for Micron. We are committed to enriching our portfolio of leading Flash storage solutions that serve our broad customer base."

Micron is presenting a paper on the 128Gb TLC NAND device at the upcoming International Solid-State Circuits Conference (ISSCC) on Feb. 19 at 3:15 p.m. PST, in San Francisco, California.


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Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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