Multichip packages cram in more memory

Multichip package memories integrate a gigabyte-class NAND Flash memory with an SD card interface controller.

Toshiba has released a range of multichip package (MCP) memories that, in addition to standard MCP memory devices, integrate a gigabyte-class NAND Flash memory with an SD card interface controller.

The new MCP significantly strengthens the capacity and versatility of Toshiba's line-up of large capacity MCP memories for mobile phones, and will go into mass production in August 2006.

The new memory incorporates a new NAND Flash memory that has a capacity range of up to 2Gbyte (8Gbit multilevel cell NAND Flash memory), and that also integrates a controller supporting an SD card interface.

The new chip stores the user's data, such as music files and digital photos.

It can be integrated into an MCP that stacks standard MCP memory for mobile phones, including LP SDRAM plus NAND Flash memory and PSRAM plus NOR Flash memory.

The first MCP with the new gigabyte-class NAND Flash memory and SD controller also integrates an LP SDRAM as working memory and standard NAND Flash memory for storing program data.

Each chip is available in a range of capacities, allowing combinations that meet a diverse range of customer requirements.

Future MCP will combine gigabyte-class NAND Flash memory with PSRAM and NOR Flash memory.

Mobile phones increasingly offer advanced multimedia functions, such as high resolution cameras and music players, but real usability also requires larger memory capacities able to store high resolution digital photos and hours of music.

This is fuelling demand for MCP packages that can stack multiple, high performance memories in a minimised space.

Toshiba's new MCP memories meet this demand by stacking a large capacity NAND Flash memory and SD card controller with standard MCP memories.

The integration of the memory components into a single package maximises data storage capacity with minimum space requirements.

With the new MCP memories, mobile phone owners can get the most out of 2- and 3-megapixel cameras and enjoy a great deal of music; the new 2Gbyte MCP memory can store up to 35 hours of music recorded at a bit rate of 128Kbit/s.

The memories can also incorporate three memory interfaces in a single package, such as LP SDRAM, standard NAND Flash memory and an SD card controller interface.

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