Samsung Produces 20nm MLC NAND Memory: Bigger SD Cards On The Way
Samsung has been on a rampage of late, pressing to get process technology sizes smaller and smaller in order to cram more memory onto form factors that we already rely on. Basically, 32nm memory can only squeeze so much onto a Secure Digital card; make that memory at 20nm, and suddenly you can fit more onto the same size card. We're simplifying things, but that's the gist of it. Today, Samsung Electronics announced that they have accomplished the industry's first production of 20nm-class NAND chips for use in SD memory cards and other embedded memory solutions. Based on this breakthrough, the introduction of 32 gigabit MLC NAND will expand the company’s memory card solutions for smartphones, high-end IT applications and high-performance memory cards.
Samsung’s 20nm-class MLC NAND has a 50 percent higher productivity level than 30nm-class MLC NAND. The write performance of a 20nm-class-based, eight gigabyte (GB) and higher density, SD card is 30 percent faster than the 30nm-class NAND and it delivers a speed-class rating of 10 (read speed of 20MB/s, write speed of 10MB/s). By applying cutting-edge process, design and controller technology, Samsung also has secured reliability levels comparable to 30nm-class NAND. Currently, Samsung is shipping SD card samples to customers that are built using the new 20nm processor, and production should expand (and begin to reach retail) later in 2010. Memory cards based on 20nm technology will be made available from 4GB to 64GB, but we are still waiting to hear about pricing and form factors (microSD, mini-SD, SDXC, etc.).
Samsung Producing Industry’s First Higher-performing 20nm-class NAND Flash Memory
SEOUL, Korea, April 19, 2010 — Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., the world leader in advanced semiconductor technology solutions, today announced the industry’s first production of 20 nanometer (nm) class NAND chips for use in Secure Digital (SD) memory cards and embedded memory solutions. Based on this cutting-edge technology, the introduction of 32 gigabit (Gb) MLC NAND will expand the company’s memory card solutions for smartphones, high-end IT applications and high-performance memory cards.
Mr. Soo-In Cho, president, Memory Division, Samsung Electronics, said "In just one year after initiating 30nm-class NAND production, Samsung has made available the next generation node 20nm-class NAND, which exceeds most customers requirements for high-performance, high-density NAND-based solutions." He added, “The new 20nm-class NAND is not only a significant step forward in process design, but we have incorporated advanced technologies into it to enable substantial performance innovation.”
Samsung’s 20nm-class MLC NAND has a 50 percent higher productivity level than 30nm-class MLC NAND. The write performance of a 20nm-class-based, eight gigabyte (GB) and higher density, SD card is 30 percent faster than the 30nm-class NAND and it delivers a speed-class rating of 10 (read speed of 20MB/s, write speed of 10MB/s). By applying cutting-edge process, design and controller technology, Samsung also has secured reliability levels comparable to 30nm-class NAND.
Samsung Electronics first began producing 32Gb NAND with 30nm-class process technology in March 2009. Now it is shipping SD card samples to customers, that are built with 20nm-class 32Gb NAND, and will expand production later this year.
Memory cards based in the 20nm-class will be available from 4GB through 64GB densities
Samsung’s timely introduction of its high-performance premium NAND will better support the growing memory requirements of high-density smartphones, high-end IT applications and high-performance memory cards.
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of US$116.8 billion. Employing approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries, the company consists of eight independently operated business units: Visual Display, Mobile Communications, Telecommunication Systems, Digital Appliances, IT Solutions, Digital Imaging, Semiconductor and LCD. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit www.samsung.com.
