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Toshiba Announces 1 Gigabyte Compactflash Card

Further strengthening its role as a leading supplier of flash memory cards, Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc has announced the introduction of its 1 gigabyte (GB) CompactFlash(TM) card, the highest density of CompactFlash currently available in a standard Type-I format. Designated the THNCF1G02MA, the new device offers ample capacity to store large files containing music, digital still and video images.

As the inventor of NAND flash and a pioneer in the development of flash memory cards, Toshiba combined its low-power, high-performance NAND flash with the CompactFlash Type-I form factor to offer this high-density, thin device featuring rugged solid state operation.

"Based on the popularity of CompactFlash and the bolstering demand for higher capacity removable storage, we are announcing our 1GB CompactFlash card to meet the needs of the ever-growing consumer market for higher-capacity flash cards," said Brian Kumagai, business development manager for NAND flash memory products at TAEC. "This new device compliments our existing line-up of cards based on NAND flash, which provides the lowest cost-per-bit among flash memory technologies."

The need for higher-capacity flash cards has been dictated by the increased popularity of higher-resolution digital cameras that enable storage of digital video, MP3 players, and other digital consumer products such as PDAs.

Technical Specifications

The THNCF1G02MA 1GB CompactFlash Card incorporates four 2 gigabit (Gb) memory devices and a controller. The THNCF1G02MA achieves a sustained write speed of 1.5 megabytes per second (MB/s) and a sustained read speed of 6.5MB/s. The device is housed in a 3.3 millimeter (mm) thick card to meet the requirements of the CompactFlash Association Type-I Specification.

• Part Number THNCF1G02MA
• Dimensions 36.4mm (L) x 42.8mm (W) x 3.3mm (H)
• Operating Voltage 3.3V plus or minus 0.3V or 5.0V plus or minus 0.5V
• Sustained Write Speed 1.5MB/second (maximum)
• Sustained Read Speed 6.5MB/second (maximum)

Pricing and Availability

Samples of Toshiba's THNCF1G02MA 1GB CompactFlash are available now in OEM quantities, priced at $700 each. Toshiba will sell the CompactFlash cards directly to OEMs and channel partners to address retail and other channels under their respective brands.

Broad Line-Up of NAND Flash Devices

The 1GB CompactFlash card complements Toshiba's existing line-up of small-form factor storage solutions optimized for general solid, image file and audio storage including SmartMedia, SD Card, and CompactFlash devices. In addition to these small-form factor cards, Toshiba offers a variety of high-density NAND flash devices available in Thin Small Outline Package (TSOP) ranging in densities from 64-Megabit (Mb) to 2Gb. For industrial use, Toshiba's ATA Card and NAND Flash Drive, announced in 2001, offers 2GB storage capacity compatible with hard disk drives.

NAND Flash Background

Toshiba is a recognized pioneer in flash technology and invented NAND flash technology in 1987. NAND flash is becoming the storage media of choice for solid state storage applications because of its high-speed programming capability, high-speed erasing, and low cost. The sequential nature (serial access) of NAND-based flash memory provides notable advantages for these block-oriented data storage applications. Toshiba's NAND flash memory products are optimized for general solid state storage, image file storage and audio for applications such as solid state disk drives, digital cameras, set-top boxes and industrial storage.

About TAEC

Combining quality and flexibility with design engineering expertise, TAEC brings a breadth of advanced, next-generation technologies to its customers. This broad offering includes semiconductors, flash memory-based storage solutions, optical communication devices, displays and rechargeable batteries for the computing, wireless, networking, automotive and digital consumer markets.

TAEC is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America Inc, a subsidiary of Toshiba, the second largest semiconductor company worldwide in terms of global sales for the year 2001 according to Gartner/Dataquest's Worldwide Semiconductor Market Share Ranking. Toshiba is a world leader in high-technology products with more than 300 major subsidiaries and affiliates worldwide. For additional company and product information, please visit TAEC's Website at chips.toshiba.com. For technical inquiries, please e-mail Tech.Questions@taec.toshiba.com .

For further information, please contact Michelle Schneider of Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc, 949-455-2344, michelle.schneider@taec.tosh iba.com.