Sharp Microelectronics Introduces Sharp MLC Flash for the North American Market
CAMAS, Wash., June 23, 2003 – Building on its global expertise in flash
memory devices, Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas today introduced Sharp MLC, its first multi-level cell flash component designed
specifically for the North American user community. The introduction of MLC
Flash is part of Sharp’s Integrated Circuits (IC) group’s multi-year technology
initiative to supply memory devices specifically designed to meet the needs of
the growing Flash memory user base.
Sharp MLC chips are designed to meet customers’ memory device requirements
for applications developed in North America, such as networking applications,
industrial controls, set-top boxes and wireless devices. The first execution of
the Sharp MLC technology initiative is the availability of 64Mbit MLC
symmetrical-block Flash. Other products being developed through this technology
initiative include 128Mbit Flash Memory, slated for July 2003.
"Sharp is supporting the immediate needs of our North American customers by
creating the memory devices they require now, namely 64Mbit and 128Mbit MLC
Flash, " said Mark Hampson, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Sharp
Microelectronics of the Americas. "The engineering community will demand
advanced MLC Flash to support increasingly more complex applications. SHARP has
demonstrated expertise in MLC Flash and is able to support its customers. "
For this technology initiative, SHARP is leveraging its dominance in the global memory market and its expertise in packaging to meet
the design needs of its customers.
The first Sharp MLC products -- the 64Mbit and 128Mbit components -- are high
density, nonvolatile, read/write storage solutions for a wide range of
applications. The products can operate at VCC = 2.7 V to 3.6 V and VPEN
= 2.7 V to 3.6 V. Other features include:
- High performance page mode, which allows code execution to be conducted
directly from Flash, thus eliminating time-consuming wait states;
- OTP (One Time Program) block that provides an area to store secure code
and to protect code from erasure;
- Operating temperature of -40°C to +85° C;
- CMOS process (P-Type silicon substrate);
- Extended cycling capability (100,000 block erase cycles min.);
- 56-Lead TSOP standard pinout (normal bend).
Availability
Mass production quantities of the 64Mbit Sharp MLC (LH28F640SPHT-PTL12) are available now. Samples of the 128Mbit Sharp MLC (LH28F128SPHTD-PTL12) will be available in July 2003.
About Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas
Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas, Camas, Wash., is a U.S.-based company
and a division of Sharp Electronics Corporation, which is a subsidiary of Sharp
Corporation, Osaka, Japan. SHARP is a worldwide developer of core digital
technologies that are playing an integral role in shaping the next generation of
electronic products for consumer and business needs. Sharp Microelectronics of
the Americas offers breakthrough memory, LCD, Opto, CCD, RF/IR, microcomputer
and System-on-Chip components, along with packaging and integration skills that
help design engineers throughout North and South America bring their ambitious
ideas to market. Sharp Microelectronics of the Americas is dedicated to
improving people’s lives through the use of advanced technology and a commitment
to innovation, quality, value and design. For more information, visit www.sharpsma.com.
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