14 DAY TRIAL // According to a recent press release, Intel Corp. and Micron Technology Inc. have released the world's first 34-nm, 32-gigabit multi-level cell chip. In doing so, they have succeeded in claiming the technical lead in the NAND flash memory market.
Reportedly surpassing rivals Toshiba, Samsung and others, the Intel-Micron duo have introduced the first sub-40nm NAND flash device, with the release of the industry's first 34-nm, 32-Gbit multi-level cell chip. Up until now, the duo's leading-edge NAND device was built on a 50-nm manufacturing technology. The new 34-nm process technology was developed in joint venture by Intel (Santa Clara, Calif.) and Micron (Boise, Ida).
With a single 32-Gbit chip, a device could store more than 2,000 digital photos and up to 1,000 songs, according to the two companies. Apparently, the 32-Gbit NAND chip is the only monolithic device at this density that can be fitted into a standard 48-lead TSOP, as stated by Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's Memory Group.
"These advancements will expand the value proposition and accelerate the adoption of solid-state drive (SSD) solutions in computing platforms," said Pete Hazen, director of marketing at Intel's NAND Products Group.
The device is said to enable more cost-effective SSDs storage devices, doubling the current storage volume of these devices and driving capacities beyond 256GBs for 1.8-inch form factor hard drives. The news comes to confirm rumors about Intel entering the HDD market with 2.5-inch and 1.8-inch SATA hard drives that will offer storage capacities beyond the current 256GB standard.
Based on the same manufacturing technology, Intel and Micron also plan to introduce lower-density MLC products. Single-level cell products (SLC) are due out by the end of this year. There's no word yet on prices for Intel's upcoming SSDs, but one thing can be said with certainty: Intel is going to enter the SSD hard drive market.