M-Systems announces x4 technology
As a proprietary msystems’ technology encompassing unparalleled flash management and control algorithms, x4 technology is designed to enable utilization of 4-bit/cell NAND flash, previously considered to be a practical and physical impossibility. x4 NAND components, likely to be mass produced during 2007, are to be comprised of the first-ever 4-bit/cell NAND flash media and an indispensable x4 technology controller. Thanks to msystems’ technological breakthrough, NAND flash manufacturers are expected to realize over 30% cost savings in comparison with the most advanced 2-bit/cell multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash wafers manufactured to date through equivalent lithography. This is accomplished by doubling bit density in comparison with such MLC NAND flash, and quadrupling it when compared with single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash. Furthermore, as msystems’ x4 technology requires no changes to manufacturing processes, it stands to increase fab profitability.