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Toshiba announces 256GB SSD

Press release, September 29; Michael McManus, DIGITIMES Asia

Toshiba has announced enhancements to its line-up of NAND-flash-based solid state drives (SSD) with the addition of a 256GB SSD and the launch of a series of small-sized Flash Modules for netbook computers ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs) and other mobile and peripheral applications.

Samples of both the 256GB SSD and Flash mMdules are available now, and mass production following in the fourth quarter of this year.

Toshiba's new high density SSD brings 256GB of capacity, an original MLC controller that achieves higher read-write speeds, parallel data transfers and wear leveling to a 2.5-inch form factor drive. Alongside this, Toshiba provides support for the growing market for small, stripped down netbook computers and other personal equipment with the launch of flash modules, small SSDs supporting 8GB, 16GB, and 32GB densities.

The new 256GB SSD mounts NAND flash memory on a 70.6x53.6x3.0mm platform and support a maximum read speed of 120MB a second and maximum write speed of 70MB a second, via a high speed SATA 3.0Gb/s interface.

Flash modules are fabricated on a 50x30mm platform and offer a maximum read and write speeds of 80MB and 50MB a second, respectively. Flash Modules are also compatible with the SATA interface and will support continued development of the fast growing market for netbook PCs, UMPCs and mobile and peripheral applications.

Outline of the new Toshiba flash memory products

Type

Product number

Capacity

Samples

Start of mass
production

256GB SSD
2.5 " SATA

THNS256GE8BC

256GB

Sep, 2008

4Q, 2008

Flash Module
SATA

THNSA08G0P4L

8GB

Sep, 2008

4Q, 2008

THNSA16G1P4L

16GB

Sep, 2008

4Q, 2008

THNSA32G1P4L

32GB

Sep, 2008

4Q, 2008

Source: Toshiba, September 2008

256GB SSD product specification

Interface

Serial ATA-2 (3Gbps)

Voltage

5V (2.5" type)

Reading speed

Maximum speed at 120MB a second (sequential mode)

Writing speed

Maximum speed at 70MB a second (sequential mode)

Temperature

0 to 70 degrees Celsius

Source: Toshiba, September 2008

Flash Module product specification

Interface

Serial ATA-2 (3Gbps)

Voltage

5V

Reading speed

Maximum speed at 80MB a second (sequential mode)

Writing speed

Maximum speed at 50MB a second (sequential mode)

Temperature

0 to 70 degrees Celsius

Source: Toshiba, September 2008