Intel announces world's first 25nm nand technology

The two companies say the nand technology provides a cost effective path for increasing storage capacity in consumer products ranging from personal music and media players to high performance solid state drives. Manufactured by IM Flash Technologies (IMFT), the 25nm process is said to produce 8GB of storage in a single nand device. It measures 167mm² and packs more than 10 times the data capacity of a standard cd. The device is sampling now and is expected to enter mass production in the second quarter of 2010. For consumer electronics manufacturers, the device has been designed to provide a single 2 bits per cell multi level cell die to fit an industry standard, thin small outline package. Multiple 8GB devices can be stacked in a package to increase storage capacity. The device is said to reduce chip count by 50% compared to previous process generations, allowing for smaller, yet higher density designs and greater cost efficiencies. According to Intel, a 256GB ssd can now be enabled with 32 of these devices (versus 64 previously), a 32GB smartphone needs four, and a 16GB flash card requires two. Brian Shirley, vice president of Micron's memory group, said: "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. This production technology will enable significant benefits to our customers through higher density media solutions." Tom Rampone, vice president and general manager, Intel NAND Solutions Group, added: "Through our continued investment in IMFT, we're delivering leadership technology and manufacturing that enable the most cost effective and reliable nand memory. This will help speed the adoption of solid state drive solutions for computing."