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.
RSS
Digital
HDD roadmap:
The hard disk drive (HDD) industry finds its lifeblood in a technology roadmap. The areal density roadmap describes the number of magnetic bits per unit area on the disk platter--thereby defining the storage capacity.
10 CEOs out in 2009:
It's been a tough year for the global electronics industry and CEOs. We survey the dismissal of 10 industry CEOs during the first three quarters of 2009 and what's ahead for the rest of the year.
Top 10 IC vendors with cash:
The world's biggest IC companies by revenue rank not only among the best in their respective industry segments but are also more likely to have huge piles of cash that can be used to fund acquisitions, R&D and product development
10 companies in trouble (revisited):
What follows is an updated version of 10 companies in trouble. Some companies have been removed since the last version, others remain. Still others have been added to the mix.
MIPS to go after the cellphone?:
ARM dominates the global cell phone market, and many industry observers scoff at MIPS as a viable player in mobile phone designs. But MIPS disclosed that over the next one or two years' time, there will be MIPS-based handsets shipped.
Hot technologies to watch for in 2009:
Every technologist, marketer, industry analyst and reporter on a hunt for the next big thing is bracing for the 2009 Consumer Electronics Show scheduled less than a month away.
Notable women in microelectronics
EE Times has compiled an international list that celebrates women who are business and technology leaders in microelectronics.
EE Times updates Silicon 60
Seventeen companies have been added to the lastest version of our Silicon 60 list of emerging startups. Forty-three companies survived as emerging companies that are still worth watching.
RSS| 
Digital| 
Mobile
