AMD Introduces First Flash Memory Device Based On MirrorBit™ Architecture

Monday, 13 May 2002

AMD today announced it has been sampling the company’s first MirrorBit™ Flash memory device. General availability of the 64 Megabit product is scheduled for the end of this quarter. MirrorBit technology is a breakthrough that allows a Flash memory device to hold twice as much data as standard Flash without compromising device endurance, performance or reliability. The company is on schedule to deliver 128 Megabit and 256 Megabit devices in the second half of the year. The MirrorBit architecture uses a true multi-bit Flash memory cell that delivers the same high levels of performance and reliability as standard NOR Flash. NOR Flash is commonly used to store and execute operating system software for many of the world’s electronic devices. MirrorBit technology allows for the lowest cost production of ultra-high density NOR Flash devices. MirrorBit Flash memory devices enable customers to develop advanced products such as cell phones, personal digital assistants, car PCs, telecommunications equipment, and TV set-top boxes that offer higher levels of features and functionality. “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.” “MirrorBit technology represents a paradigm change in the world of Flash memory,” said Kevin Plouse, vice president of technical marketing and business development of AMD’s Memory Group. “With its unique combination of high-density, high-performance and low cost, MirrorBit Flash will offer our customers a strategic competitive advantage and spur the creation of a new set of highly innovative products.” “With its innovative architecture, rigorous testing and advantageous cost structure, AMD's MirrorBit technology will make an impressive entry and be a forceful competitor in the Flash memory market,” said Brian Matas, vice president, market research for IC Insights. “There's good reason to believe MirrorBit technology will allow AMD to capture additional Flash market share." “AMD’s MirrorBit technology offers industry-leading cost structure without compromises,” said Gerry Duggan, Executive Vice President, Future Electronics, a major distributor. “We share AMD’s vision of delivering only Flash memory that offers the highest levels of quality and reliability. We believe that this technology is the future of Flash memory and we will dedicate very significant resources to ensure that customers everywhere have access to MirrorBit products.” In AMD’s MirrorBit cell, code or data is stored in two discrete and independent locations. By physically separating each bit and maintaining its individual integrity, AMD’s MirrorBit devices are inherently more stable and reliable than competing multi-level cell (MLC) devices. MLC devices store fractional levels of charge in one location making them inherently less reliable, and slower to program, read or erase. Over 350 billion bits of MirrorBit technology were subjected to AMD’s rigorous and extensive qualification procedures. As a result, AMD is able to continue to deliver industry-leading levels of data retention and endurance. 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 Centigrade. MirrorBit products also offer customers an easy to use solution by maintaining complete pin-compatibility with existing AMD Flash families. As a result, current customers can easily replace their current AMD Flash device with a MirrorBit device without having to change their system design. The packages and pinouts provide customers with an easy migration path all the way to 1Gigabit Flash. Features and Packaging The Am29LV640M and Am29LV641M MirrorBit products are designed to offer a number of advanced features and specifications: High-density, 64 Megabit Flash memory Single 3.0 Volt power supply Asynchronous access times as fast as 90 nanoseconds Page mode access times as fast as 25 nanoseconds 16 word performance enhancing write buffer offers programming times as fast as 6 microseconds Small 64kB sectors with erase times as fast as 100 microseconds, ten times faster than competing products Minimum of 20 years’ data retention at 125 degrees Centigrade Minimum of 100,000 erase cycles per sector Available in 64-Ball Fortified Ball Grid Array Package 63-Ball Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array Package 48-Pin Thin Small Outline Package 56-Pin Thin Small Outline Package Pricing The Am29LV640M MirrorBit product is priced at $7.95 in 10,000 piece quantities. AMD Flash Memory Awards AMD’s Flash memory products have received numerous customer service, quality and technology awards. Cisco Systems, Nortel Networks, Samsung, the Bosch Group, and Volkswagen have all awarded AMD their top supplier awards.

Last Updated ( Monday, 13 May 2002 )

 

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