Toshiba Develops World’s First 256Gb, 48-Layer BiCS FLASH

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 3, 2015 — Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC)*, a committed leader that collaborates with technology companies to create breakthrough designs, today unveiled the new generation of BiCS FLASH, a three-dimensional (3D) stacked cell structure flash memory^*1. The new device is the world’s first^*2 256-gigabit (Gb ^*4) (32 gigabyte) 48-layer BiCS FLASH device and also deploys industry-leading 3-bit-per-cell TLC (triple-level cell) technology. Sample shipments will start in September.

BiCS FLASH is based on a leading-edge 48-layer stacking process that surpasses the capacity of mainstream two dimensional NAND flash memory, while enhancing write/erase reliability endurance and boosting write speeds. The new 256Gb device is suited for diverse applications, including consumer SSDs, smartphones, tablets, memory cards, and enterprise SSDs for data centers.

Since announcing the prototype BiCS FLASH technology in June 2007, Toshiba has continued development towards optimization for mass production. To meet further growth in the flash memory market in 2016 and beyond, Toshiba is proactively promoting migration to BiCS FLASH by rolling out a product portfolio that emphasizes large capacity applications, such as SSDs.

“From day one, Toshiba’s strategy has been to extend our floating gate technology, which features the world’s smallest 15nm 128Gb die*3,” noted Scott Nelson, senior vice president of TAEC’s Memory Business Unit. “Our announcement of BiCS FLASH, the industry’s first 48-layer 3D technology, is very significant in that we are enabling a competitive, smooth migration to 3D flash memory to support the storage market’s demand for ever-increasing densities.”

Toshiba has a long-standing commitment to flash memory, and is currently readying for mass production of BiCS FLASH in the new Fab2 at Yokkaichi Operations, its production site for NAND flash memories. Fab2 will be completed in the first half of 2016.

For additional company and product information, please visit http://www.toshiba.com/taec/, toshiba.com/taec/adinfo/technologymoves/ and follow the company on Facebook.

Notes:

*1: A structure stacking Flash memory cells vertically on a silicon substrate to realize significant density improvements over planar NAND Flash memory, where cells are formed on the silicon substrate.
*2: As of August 4, 2015. Toshiba survey.
*3: As of August 4, 2015. Toshiba survey.
*4: Product density is identified based on the density of memory chip(s) within the Product, not the amount of memory capacity available for data storage by the end user. Consumer-usable capacity will be less due to overhead data areas, formatting, bad blocks, and other constraints, and may also vary based on the host device and application.

BiCS FLASH is a trademark of Toshiba Corporation

*About TAEC

Through proven commitment, lasting relationships and advanced, reliable electronic components, Toshiba enables its customers to create market-leading designs. Toshiba is the heartbeat within product breakthroughs from OEMs, ODMs, CMs, VARs, distributors and fabless chip companies worldwide. A committed electronic components leader, Toshiba designs and manufactures high-quality flash memory-based storage solutions, solid state drives (SSDs), hard disk drives (HDDs), solid state hybrid drives (SSHDs), discrete devices, custom SoCs/ASICs, imaging products, microcontrollers, wireless components, mobile peripheral devices, advanced materials and medical tubes that make possible today’s leading smartphones, tablets, cameras, medical devices, automotive electronics, industrial applications, enterprise solutions and more.

Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. is an independent operating company owned by Toshiba America, Inc., a subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan’s largest semiconductor manufacturer and the world’s sixth largest semiconductor manufacturer (Gartner, 2014 Worldwide Semiconductor Revenue Estimates, December 2014). Founded in Tokyo in 1875, Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of over 590 consolidated companies employing over 200,000 people worldwide. Visit Toshiba’s web site at www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm.

2014 Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. All rights reserved.
Information in this press release, including product pricing and specifications, content of services and contact information, is current and believed to be accurate on the date of the announcement, but is subject to change without prior notice. Technical and application information contained here is subject to the most recent applicable Toshiba product specifications.