SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- Competition in flash memories intensified today with the official launch of MirrorBit memories by Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
The new MirrorBit devices are based on a multi-level cell technology that doubles the amount of bits on a chip, compared to standard nonvolatile flash cells. It is also AMD's response to Intel Corp.'s two-bit-per cell Strataflash devices, which were launched in 1997.
AMD has been talking about the MirrorBit introduction for more than a month, and in a conference call with analysts during April, company chairman W.J. (Jerry) Sanders III said the multi-bit flash technology will play a key role in AMD's attempts to take more market share from Intel (see April 19 story). AMD has also been preparing its Fab 25 plant in Austin, Tex., for MirrorBit production after transitioning the facility from microprocessor production to nonvolatile memories (see May 9 story). The initial multi-level cell flash devices are being fabricated in Japan with partner Fujitsu Ltd.
Officials at AMD claim the MirrorBit technology requires about one-third the number of process steps as Intel's floating-gate approach, and as a result, will be lower cost than Strataflash devices.
The first MirrorBit memories will be generally available with 64-megabit densities, said AMD today. The Sunnyvale-based company said it was on schedule to deliver 128-Mbit and 256-Mbit devices in the second half of the year.
AMD said the MirrorBit architecture uses a "true" multi-bit flash memory cell that delivers the same high levels of performance and reliability as standard NOR-based flash. The technology was initially announced a year ago as a better solution of multi-level cell capability compared to other approaches, including Intel's Strataflash (see May 16, 2001, story).
"The commercialization of MirrorBit technology is a defining moment for AMD's memory group," said Bertrand Cambou, group vice president of the company's Memory Group. "By delivering a cost structure that is two generations ahead of comparable standard flash technologies, MirrorBit flash serves the needs of both the code and data storage markets," he asserted.
AMD said MirrorBit memory devices will be targeted at a range of system applications, including cell phones, personal digital assistants, car PCs, telecommunications equipment, and TV set-top boxes, which require higher levels of features and functionality.
According to the company, over 350 billion bits of MirrorBit technology have been subjected to rigorous and extensive qualification procedures. AMD said MirrorBit Flash memory devices are designed to deliver endurance of at least 100,000 program/erase cycles and 20 years of data retention at 125 degrees C.
The 64-Mbit Am29LV640M MirrorBit product is priced at $7.95 each in 10,000 piece quantities.
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