X4 memory chip packs in four bits per
cell
SanDisk says that its X4 technology will pack four bits of data into
each memory cell nearly double what is currently available.
The company has
built the technology with Toshiba using 43-nanometer technology. X4 is going
to be built around Secure Digital flash cards that hold 64GB of data. The best
on the market are pricey 32GB cards.
In addition to the memory chip, the die
also includes an X4 controller and the whole lot will be flogged as an
integrated product. Data speeds are about 7.8 megabytes per second which is
comparable to what others are producing at lower bits per cell.
They will hit
the shops in the first half of 2009.