Intel and Micron's 25-nanometer NAND flash tech for consumer electronic gadgets

Intel and Micron have partnered and made available first 25-nanometer (nm) NAND technology, which provides 8 gigabytes (GB) of storage in a single NAND device, creating a high-capacity storage solution for consumer gadgets such as smartphones, personal music and media players (PMPs), and high-performance solid-state drives (SSDs).

The NAND flash chip made using 25 nm measures 167mm2 small enough to fit through the hole in the middle of a compact disc (CD), but stores 10 times more data than CD.

Intel and Micron says that they formed IMFT in 2006, starting production with a 50nm process, followed by a 34nm process in 2008. With today's 25nm process, the companies are extending their process and fabrication leadership further with the introduction of the smallest semiconductor lithography available in the industry.

The new 25nm 8GB device reduces chip count by 50 percent compared to previous process generations, allowing for small, yet high-density designs and high cost efficiencies.

"To lead the entire semiconductor industry with the most advanced process technology is a phenomenal feat for Intel and Micron, and we look forward to further pushing the scaling limits," said Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's memory group. "This production technology will enable significant benefits to our customers through higher density media solutions."

"Through our continued investment in IMFT, we're delivering leadership technology and manufacturing that enable the most cost-effective and reliable NAND memory," said Tom Rampone, vice president and general manager, Intel NAND Solutions Group. "This will help speed the adoption of solid-state drive solutions for computing."

Availability: Now in samples, mass production in the second quarter of 2010

For more details visit www.intel.com, www.micron.com