Friday, April 15, 2011

Intel (INTC), Micron (MU) Shrink NAND Flash Chips

Once again Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and Micron (NASDAQ:MU) has shrunk the size of NAND chips, as evidended in the introduction of their new 20 nm process that produces an 8-gigabyte, multi-level cell NAND flash device, which offers a high-capacity, small-storage option for saving music, video, books and other data on smartphones, tablets and computers.

Storage space via the process ends up with a reduction of from 30 to 40 percent from the current 25 nm 8GB NAND device.

What this means for devices like smartphones and tablets is manufacturers will be able to use the additional space for making largers screens and batteries, or add a chip to offer new features.

Glen Hawk, vice president of Micron’s NAND Solutions Group, said, “Close customer collaboration is one of Micron’s core values and through these efforts we are constantly uncovering compelling end-product design opportunities for NAND flash storage. Our innovation and growth opportunities continue with the 20 nm NAND process.”

“Our goal is to enable instant, affordable access to the world’s information,” added Tom Rampone, vice president and general manager of Intel Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group. “The Intel-Micron joint venture is a model for the manufacturing industry as we continue to lead the industry in process technology and make quick transitions of our entire fab network to smaller and smaller lithographies.”

Micron was trading at $10.73, gaining $0.09, or 0.80 percent, as of 2:43 PM EDT. Intel was trading at $19.65, up $0.07, or 0.33 percent.

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