Intel Introduces Faster Flash Memory

Intel has shown off its Synchronous StrataFlash Memory, a new type of flash memory chip that can access data up to four times faster than current ones, making it a good solution for storing data and executing code on handheld devices.

Synchronous Intel StrataFlash memory increases fast-read speeds by adding a 66-MHz burst mode. This increases memory throughput up to 92 MB/s, effectively four times faster than asynchronous reads on standard flash memory products.

For devices not capable of synchronous burst mode, the new chip also features an eight-word page mode that reads data more than twice as fast as traditional asynchronous flash memory products.

What's possibly more significant, Intel devices designed to use these chips can run applications directly from the flash memory chip, without loading it into RAM first.

Production is expected to start in April 2002.

In July, Palm announced that Intel would be one of the companies making the processors for its next generation of handhelds. Intel hasn't said whether or not it will use its Synchronous StrataFlash in future Palm OS handhelds.

Related Information:

• PR: Intel Introduces New Intel StrataFlash Memory
• Cnet: Intel shows off flashier flash memory
• PIC: Intel and Motorola to Make Future Palm Microprocessors