Flash chips for cheaper handhelds

Intel and ST Microelectronics to make memory chips to common specifications

Intel and ST Microelectronics last week announced a partnership to make Flash memory chips for phones to common specifications. This will lower the cost of producing mobile handsets, according to the two firms.

The scheme targets NOR Flash chips, which are used in many mainstream handsets. Intel and ST said they are already shipping 512Mbit Multi-Level Cell (MLC) NOR chips to this common specification, manufactured using a 90nm process. Further products will be made using a smaller 65nm process and there are plans for 1Gbit chips.

In an effort to simplify handset design, the two companies said they will provide hardware- and software-compatible products based on common specifications. As a result, phone makers should see shorter development times and lower costs.

"ST and Intel have come together to provide handset makers with a stable supply of NOR Flash products that deliver fast performance, high density and low power consumption for multimedia phones with mega-pixel cameras, video, and high-speed data capabilities," said ST Microelectronics vice-president of memory products Giuseppe Crisenza.

Separately, Intel last month announced it had formed a new memory company with Micron Technology to make Nand Flash memory for mobile devices and the removable storage market.

NOR Flash memory is random access, and is typically used for storing executable code and configuration settings. Nand Flash must be read and written in blocks, and so is more commonly used for file storage. Both types are common in mobile devices such as smartphones and PDAs.