Toshiba creates 128GB flash memory chip

Toshiba chip

Toshiba has created the highest density NAND flash memory module in the world, with a 128GB chip that is designed for smartphone and tablet use.

The Japanese tech giant will make samples available in September this year, with mass production set to kick off in the fourth quarter of 2010.

The chip combines the power of 16 64Gbit NAND chips, cramming it into a case that is just 22mm long, 17mm wide and 1.4mm thick.

Advanced chip thinning, layering and wire bonding was used by Toshiba to produce individual chips just 30 micrometers thick and to become the first firm to integrate that number of 64Gbit NAND chips.

Once embedded in a system, the module is able to record up to 2,222 hours of music at a 128Kbps bit rate as well as 16.6 hours of full spec high definition video and 38.4 hours of standard definition video.

Demand is rising for high density chips that can support high resolution video and provide improved storage performance, according to the manufacturer, which claimed to be a leader in the field.

From August, Toshiba will also be sending out samples of 64GB chips in the same size as the 128GB model.

Tom Brewster

Tom Brewster is currently an associate editor at Forbes and an award-winning journalist who covers cyber security, surveillance, and privacy. Starting his career at ITPro as a staff writer and working up to a senior staff writer role, Tom has been covering the tech industry for more than ten years and is considered one of the leading journalists in his specialism.

He is a proud alum of the University of Sheffield where he secured an undergraduate degree in English Literature before undertaking a certification from General Assembly in web development.