Joint development of NAND flash memory controllers by Hynix, Numonyx and Phison

Flash memory vendors Hynix Semiconductor, Numonyx and Phison Electronics have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly develop controllers for the JEDEC eMMC 4.4 flash memory specification compliant managed-NAND flash memory storage solutions. Companies have quoted, with the rise in flash memory storage capabilities and complexities; there is a requirement for new memory controllers to improve the overall system-level performance of wireless and embedded systems applications.

Phison, Hynix and Numonyx will add each other's expertise to produce the best devices and solutions. Phison role is to supply the jointly developed controllers to Hynix and Numonyx, which will enhance their respective NAND flash memory solutions portfolio.

"Through this collaboration, 3 parties expect to enhance its technology leadership of the NAND flash solutions." said Min-goo Choi, Hynix senior vice president of Corporate Strategy Office. "Also, this will help Hynix to expand its market share by diversifying its NAND flash products to premium application products such as microSD, eMMC, and SSD."

"Standard interfaces like eMMC are becoming a common requirement for NAND Flash memory systems used in next 3G+ mobile platforms." said Marco Dallabora, Numonyx vice president and general manager of the Wireless Business Group. "This agreement will allow Numonyx to bring its system-level expertise to provide compelling system solutions for our customers and partners."

"As a leading provider of NAND Flash controllers, Phison is very pleased to work with Numonyx and Hynix on an exciting product like eMMC 4.4," said K.S. Pua, Chairman & CEO, Phison Electronics Corporation. "Through the collaboration, we hope to contribute through our NAND management expertise and bring the best solution to the wireless market."

eMMC is an embedded non-volatile memory system, comprising both flash memory and a flash memory controller. The new MMC V4.4 standard features doubling of memory interface performance, flexible partition management and improved security options.

In past, these companies have successfully collaborated with each other. In June 2008, Hynix and Phison announced the joint development of NAND application technology and supply of NAND flash; Numonyx and Hynix entered into a joint development agreement in August 2008 to develop current and future NAND technologies and products; and Numonyx and Phison collaborated on the development of standard and enhanced eMMC4.3 solutions which are now available in Numonyx products and solutions.

Products combining the jointly developed controllers by Phison and NAND flash memory from Numonyx and Hynix are expected to be available by the end of year 2009.