could this news be contributing to today's weaknes?:
Hitachi Introduces 64-MByte MultiMediaCard -- an Industry First -- to Boost Storage Capacity of Portable Devices such as MP3
Players
August 8, 2000
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SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--August 7, 2000 via NewsEdge Corporation -
The Rugged, Solid-State Device is a Perfect Solution for
Consumers Who Want to Store Larger Files On Convenient,
Small-Form-Factor Plug-in Flash Modules
Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc. today introduced the industry's largest-capacity Flash MultiMediaCard(TM)(MMC) device: the
HB288064MM1. This very small, lightweight, 64-MByte module stores enough digital data for a full hour or more of recording and
playback in voice recorders and portable music players such as MP3 players. The economical high-capacity Flash card also allows
increased image storage in high-resolution digital cameras, longer data acquisition times in remote monitoring equipment, larger
reference maps in GPS navigation systems, bigger data files in palm-size PCs, and more sophisticated programs in game
machines and toys.
Hitachi's HB288064MM1 64-MByte Flash card conforms to the increasingly popular MMC international standard supported by the
MultiMediaCard Association. Convenient, removable and readily transportable, it facilitates easy, plug-in data transfers and program
updates between a growing range of products and computer systems. For applications that require less storage capacity, Hitachi is
introducing a 32-Mbyte MMC device, the HB288032MM1. In addition, the company currently offers a 16-MByte version, the
HB288016MM1.
Fast Read/Write Speeds for High-Performance Products
Besides all the standard MMC features -- simple 7-pin serial interface, rugged construction, low-voltage operation (2.7 to 3.6 V), and
more -- the HB288064MM1 64-MByte MMC device offers fast read and write speeds that enhance product/system performance.
Read speed is 14 Mb/s and write speed is 3 Mb/s, which allows a high-speed data transfer path to PCs, handheld devices and the
Internet.
Hitachi achieved the Flash card's breakthrough density and high performance using its 256-Mbit AND-type Flash memory chips,
built with Multi-Level Cell technology in a proven 0.25-um process, and a cell-based IC (ASIC) control device based on a 32-bit
SuperH(R) RISC microprocessor core. An advanced stacking technology is used to assemble the semiconductor chips inside the
MMC form factor.
Large Capacity MultiMediaCards are Now in High Demand
According to Mark D'Arcangelo, product manager, Nonvolatile Memory at Hitachi, "There's an incredibly high demand for
large-capacity MultiMediaCards now. This is especially true for recording products that combine long record and playback times
with the convenience and versatility of a plug-in solid-state storage media. By putting 64 MBytes of memory in the compact
MultiMediaCard form factor, Hitachi's HB288064MM1 makes it easy for design engineers to implement enhancements and upgrades
in a wide range of applications. The high-capacity Flash card also gives consumers a simple, economical way to achieve the
expanded storage they seek.
"Hitachi is enthusiastic about the MultiMediaCard standard because of the many benefits MMC devices can provide. In the future we
plan to produce a 128-Mbyte MMC device using the 512-Mbit Flash memory chips we are now developing. We also expect to offer
large-capacity Secure MultiMediaCards that provide reliable content protection." Hitachi's new 64-MByte and 32-MByte MMC Flash
cards conform to the latest version (v2.11) of the MultiMediaCard system specification established by the MultiMediaCard
Association -- the international consortium of about 80 companies that's driving the expanding acceptance of MultiMediaCards
worldwide. Moreover, all Hitachi MMC devices have been designed in collaboration with Infineon Technologies AG, inventor of the
MultiMediaCard.
Price and availability
The 64-MByte MultiMediaCard (Hitachi part number HB288064MM1) is $110 in 10,000 quantity, and the 32-MByte MultiMediaCard
(Hitachi part number HB288032MM1) is $60 in 10,000 quantity. These MMC devices will be available in sample quantities in August
2000. Volume shipments will begin in 4Q2000.
Protocol Analyzer Aids System Design
A test and measurement instrument can help engineers integrate Hitachi 64-Mbyte, 32-MByte and 16-MByte MultiMediaCard
devices into products and systems. The MultimediaCard Protocol Analyzer(R) from Nissei Sangyo Co., Ltd., electronics division
(www.nissei.com), captures the Flash card's control and data signals and voltage and current levels and displays them on a host
computer in real time for analysis and debug.
Specifications for Hitachi's New High-Capacity MultiMediaCards -0- *T Characteristic Specification Memory capacity --
HB288064MM1: 64 MBytes
-- HB288032MM1: 32 MBytes Interfaces -- MultiMediaCard (serial)
-- SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) Read/write -- 512-byte block read/write
(Multi-block read/write is also possible)
-- Read: 14 Mb/s, typ. (multi-block read)
-- Write: 3 Mb/s typ. (multi-block write) Power supply -- Operating voltage: 2.7 V to 3.6 V
-- Read current: 40 mA
-- Write current: 40 mA Operating temperature range -- -25 to +85(degree)C External dimensions -- 32 mm x 24 mm x 1.4 mm *T
About Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc.
Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc. -- a subsidiary of Hitachi America, Ltd., in turn a subsidiary of Hitachi, Ltd. (NYSE:HIT) --
supports the requirements of the North American marketplace with a broad range of standard and low-power semiconductor
solutions. Offering some of the industry's most popular RISC microprocessors and memory components among other
semiconductor solutions, Hitachi provides chips to the world's leading device manufacturers within industrial, consumer and
emerging market applications. Hitachi's substantial design engineering, research and development facilities in the United States
help bring the world's best technology to U.S. customers.
Reader contact
Readers can find additional product and contact information on Hitachi Semiconductor's website at
hitachi.com or by calling (800) 285-1601. For more information on the MultiMediaCard Association, visit
its website at mmca.org
Note to Editors: MultiMediaCard is a trademark of Infineon Technologies AG of Germany. SuperH is a registered trademark of
Hitachi, Ltd.
CONTACT: The Weber Group | (for Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc.) | Jack Bunting, 415/616-6141 |
jbunting@ca.webergroup.com |
