14 DAY TRIAL // When it comes to consumer solid-state drives, and really most NAND flash-based storage units, there is one common ground: they are all made from MLC (multi-level cell) NAND Flash chips, with few exceptions.
That's because the only real alternative is SLC (single-level cell), which has better endurance but a higher price, unsuited for consumer products.
Micron has now announced its latest generation of MLC NAN Flash memory chips, based on the 16-nanometer manufacturing node.
The technology has enabled the creation of the smallest 128 Gb MLC memory devices in the entire world.
"Cost reductions will always be fundamental to the NAND industry and so companies who can continue to lead on the flash process technology will be poised for success, particularly in vertically integrated solutions," say Gartner analysts.
Micron's 128 Gb Flash memory devices are made for consumer SSDs, removable storage (USB drives and Flash cards), ultrathin devices, tablets, data centers, mobile handsets, etc.
Currently, only sample shipments are being carried out, to allow OEMs to design and construct new SSDs, memory cards, embedded storage units, etc.
"Micron's dedicated team of engineers has worked tirelessly to introduce the world's smallest and most advanced Flash manufacturing technology," said Glen Hawk, vice president of Micron's NAND Solutions Group.
"Our customers continually ask for higher capacities in smaller form factors, and this next-generation process node allows Micron to lead the market in meeting those demands."
Micron itself is developing a new SSD collection, but don't hold your breath, because it won't be out any time soon. In fact, the company doesn't expect to bring it out before 2014.
No doubt, the corporation will revel in its newly found production capacity, assuming consumer interest in solid storage doesn't wane. After all, the new manufacturing process enables up to nearly 6 TB of storage on a single wafer.