Intel launches upgraded Flash chip

3-Volt Synchronous is four times faster than traditional Flash memory

Intel has introduced a new Flash memory chip designed to improve the performance of wireless devices.

The company claimed that the new version of the Intel StrataFlash range, the 3-Volt Synchronous, is four times faster at executing code and storing data than traditional Flash memory.

Manufactured on 0.18micron process technology, it becomes the chip maker's third-generation multi-level cell technology, which Intel said can double the amount of data in a single memory cell.

Darin Billerbeck, vice president at Intel's Flash products group, said that StrataFlash memory has set industry benchmarks for value, but suggested that the new product for wireless devices raises the bar.

"We've shipped more than two billion megabits of StrataFlash memory since 1997 and we expect this number to increase significantly in the next year as more cell phones, personal digital assistants and other devices use our technology," he explained.

The new Flash memory range is available at 64Mb and 256Mb. A 128Mb memory version is undergoing sampling and is expected to be released in April 2002.

Dave Flack, marketing director at distributor Memory Plus, agreed that there is a market for these products in the wireless arena. "We are seeing increased demand for Flash memory devices now that more mobile phones can use them," he said.