SanDisk Corp. had developed the world's smallest 128Gb NAND flash memory chip currently in production. The three-bit-per-cell (TLC) semiconductor device’s die size is just 170mm² in size and is made using 19nm process technology.

"Building a 128Gb NAND flash memory chip with this level of complexity is an incredible achievement. This innovation allows SanDisk to continue to be a leader in helping our customers deliver smaller, more powerful products capable of doing more at lower cost," said Mehrdad Mofidi, vice president of memory design at SanDisk..

At 19nm, SanDisk is deploying its ninth generation of multi-level cell (MLC) NAND products and fifth generation of TLC technology. This combination of manufacturing and technical expertise helps SanDisk pack more information into each memory cell making it possible to create a smaller, denser NAND flash memory chip. In addition to reduced size, the 128Gb NAND flash chi has an industry-leading TLC write performance of 18MB/s, according to SanDisk. This level of performance is achieved using SanDisk's patented all bit line (ABL) architecture and means that TLC technology could be extended to certain product categories that use MLC NAND flash memory.

Products based on the 128Gb three-bit per cell technology began shipping late last year and have already started to ramp into high volume production. SanDisk has also developed a derivative product based on the success of the 128Gb chip - a 64Gb, TLC NAND flash memory chip that is compatible with the microSD format. The company has also started to ramp production of this additional chip technology.

Tags: SanDisk, SSD, Flash, NAND, 19nm, TLC