STMicrolectronics claims to have developed a 4 Gb NAND flash capable of transmitting data at 36 MB/s. This rate, according to the company, is 50% better than the best results achieved to date. ST used an embedded error-correction processor that can detect and correct up to five errors per page employing a technique called BCH (Bose-Chaudhuri-Hocquenghem). The device was described at the International Solid State Circuits Conference (ISSCC).
Corsair has added a 2 GB kit to its DDR400 XPERT series featuring 2-3-3-6 timings. The modules, equipped with black cast aluminum heatspreaders, are tested to operate at 2.75 volts. The XPERT series uses an integrated microcontroller and embedded sensors to measure voltage, temperature and frequency and show it on a configurable alphanumeric display.
OCZ Technology has launched a new DDR2 memory clocked at 800 MHz and featuring its Xtreme Thermal Convection (XTC) heatspreader. The PC2-6400 EL Platinum XTC Edition brings latencies of 4-5-4-15 and operates at 2.1 volts (guaranteed up to 2.2 volts plus 5% withouth invalidating the warranty). The DDR2 memory is available in 512 MB modules and 1 GB dual channel kits (2 x 512 MB).
Mushkin has released new DDR2-667 modules as part os its Xtreme Performance series. The XP2-5300 has latencies of 3-3-3-10 and operates between 2.1 and 2.3 volts. The product, said to provide plenty of headroom for overclocking, includes a black heatspreader. The memory is available in 512 MB and 1 GB modules as well as 1 GB (2 x 512 MB) and 2 GB (2 x 1 GB) dual channel kits.
Lexar demonstrated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) a USB flash drive equipped with a storage capacity meter. To avoid excessive power consumption, the company used an electronic paper display from E Ink, instead of the traditional LCD. The bar meter is not as clear, but is completely readable. Actual launch dates were not disclosed by Lexar.
AMD has licensed a variety of patents from intellectual property firm Rambus. The USD 75 million deal comprises technology used in DDR2, DDR3, FB-DIMM and XDR controllers, among others. The agreement will last at least five years and, after this period, there is the possibility of renewal or extension. Specific terms, including financial details, were not disclosed. AMD might use Rambus’ DDR2 tech in its first processors supporting the standard to be released in the second quarter.
Pretec has released a new 8 GB USB drive as part of its i-Disk II lineup. The device, expected to be available this month for close to USD 600, is said to transfer data at up to 166x (25 MB/s). The 8 GB i-Disk II includes FlashMail, MobileLock and SecretZip software for data encryption, compression and write protection.
Unveiled last October, OCZ’s Xtreme Thermal Convection (XTC) heatspreaders, featuring an exclusive honeycomb design, are now available in DDR2 modules. The PC2-4200 and PC2-5400 Gold GX XTC have latencies of 3-3-3-12 and 4-4-4-12. Both operate at 1.9 volt, but are guaranteed up to 2.2 volts plus 5%. The DDR2 memories are available in 512 MB and 1 GB modules as well as 1 GB and 2 GB dual channel kits.
Imation has released, exclusively in Japan, a special line of USB drives in the shape of furry animals. The 128 MB devices measure 2.3x1.9x4.3 inches (6x5x11 cm) and are available in three options: crocodile, dog and hippopotamus. The connector is located inside the mouth of the animals. Suggested retail price is around USD 30.
Hynix has announced the availability of the world’s first 512 Mb GDDR4 devices. The new standard is said to improve data processing speed by close to two times that of GDDR3. Hynix’s 16Mx32 512 Mb GDDR4 operates at 2.9 Gbps. Mass production is expected to start in early 2006. Last October, Samsung announced the development of 256 Mb GDDR4 parts, slated to enter mass production in the second quarter of 2006.
