Micron and Intel have jointly announced a new 3-bit-per-cell NAND device that Micron will begin producing in the fourth quarter of 2009.
The new chip will be manufactured in 32-gigabit densities, at the 34-nm manufacturing node. The technology was developed by IM Flash Technologies, the joint venture between the two companies.
Like the name suggests, the 3bpc technology stores three bits per cell. So-called SLC flash memory stores a single bit per cell, while the more common MLC technology usually stores two bits per cell. Storing more bits per cell allows a chip manufacturer to produce flash memory with a higher bit density, allowing a chip maker to essentially shrink the die size.
