Next-Generation SanDisk iNAND Flash Storage Aimed at Tablets

With all the new tablets coming out, SanDisk figured it was high time it revealed its newest generation of embedded iNAND storage, one that places emphasis on physical compactness, so as to enable thinner and lighter form factors.

Tablets may not have been practical a few years ago, but the development of better touch input technologies and competent platforms have finally made them a viable product type.

This has already been proven by how quickly slates gained traction after Apple launched the iPad.

Over the past year, tablets have been steadily built and released, and it seems more of them have made it to the Mobile World Congress 2011 expo.

Many of them have more or less the same hardware, however, meaning that the physical aspects are actually quite relevant in determining market competitiveness.

Knowing how important it was to make tablets slimmer and lighter, SanDisk developed a new generation of iNAND and iNAND Ultra embedded flash drives (EFDs).

They are built on the 24nm manufacturing process technology and, aided by better packaging methods, are as small as 11.5mm x 13mm x 1mm.

“For smartphones and tablets, every millimeter of thickness counts,” said Amir Lehr, vice president, embedded business, SanDisk.

“Designers are constantly looking for new ways to make mobile devices as small and thin as possible. To meet that need, SanDisk’s advanced NAND process and packaging technologies allow us to pack more storage into smaller and slimmer footprints,” Lehr added.

“This in turn enables OEMs to design more compact devices while freeing up precious board space for other needs, such as larger batteries.”

iNAND EFDs boast three-bit-per-cell (X3) NAND Flash chips, while iNAND Ultra EFDs are based on two-bit-per-cell, otherwise known as MLC (multi-level cell) NAND flash technology.

The 12mm x 16mm JEDEC standard package has capacities of up to 64 GB, while 11.5mm x 13mm ones can be of up to 8 GB. They should become available in Q3, 2011.

Note: Fellow editors Cosmin Vasile and Alex Vochin are on the floor at the 2011 Mobile World Congress and are keeping us posted with pictures and live reports on the latest product previews and launches.