SanDisk Introduces iNAND Standard Embedded Flash Drive (8GB and 16GB)

SanDisk Corporation announced the iNAND Standard embedded flash drive (EFD), an ideal storage solution for entry-level tablets and smartphones in China and other high-growth markets.

The new 1Y nm 3-bit-per-cell (X3) NAND flash storage solution enables OEMs to quickly introduce new, affordable tablets and smartphones with reliable performance.

“China is the most dynamic smartphone and tablet market today, with state-of-the-art high-end smartphones and new powerful, but affordable, entry-level devices,” said Mr. Drew Henry, SVP and GM, mobile and connected solutions, SanDisk. “We leveraged our flash technology expertise to specifically design our new iNAND Standard for the high-volume China budget mobile device market. Because we work closely with mobile systems providers, it offers near plug-and-play capability that enables OEMs to rapidly introduce highly capable entry-level tablets and smartphones that are optimal for the China mass market.”

Rising consumption of data continues to drive demand for richer digital experiences and more connected devices around the world, with particularly strong growth at the entry-level price points. In 2013, the number of active smart devices, including smartphones and tablets exceeded 700,000,000 in China alone. SanDisk embedded storage sales in China rose by 570% from 2012 to 2013.

Strong Mobile Ecosystem Relationships Shorten Time to Market
SanDisk works with smartphone and tablet makers, as well as processor and OS companies in China and around the world, including Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics Co., Ltd. Because of those relationships, iNAND Standard seamlessly works with current mobile devices systems and can be implemented right out of the box. This enables the potential for OEM customers, as well as small device makers, to reduce the time from product development to product availability.

“The combination of the application performance of our Rockchip processor and the cost-effective and trusted flash storage delivered by iNAND Standard provides a platform for China OEMs to bring new possibilities to the entry-level tablet market,” said Mr. QiuPing Hu, CTO, Fuzhou Rockchip Electronics.

SanDisk Flash Technology Means Performance
iNAND Standard is the fourth e.MMC solution from SanDisk to be built on the company’s X3 NAND flash memory technology since 2010.

Leveraging SanDisk’s X3 flash storage and high-speed e.MMC 4.51+ HS200 industry specification, iNAND Standard offers affordable flash storage with responsiveness and reliability. When used with tablets, the standard supports a smooth user experience and strong application performance, whether consumers are navigating between applications, browsing their favorite websites, or playing digital video. iNAND Standard also provides storage performance when used in entry-level smartphones, enabling seamless multi-tasking and bringing enjoyable user experiences in photography and other popular applications.

iNAND Standard is part of a SanDisk portfolio of embedded solutions for the mobile market. Other iNAND products include iNAND Ultra and iNAND Extreme. iNAND solutions, available in EFDs and multi-chip-package forms, provide tablets, smartphones, e-book readers, personal media players, and other connected devices with faster system responsiveness, improved multitasking and performance, longer battery life and an enhanced user experience.

Features and Specifications:

• e.MMC 4.51+HS2.00 compliant
• Features SanDisk’s 1Y nm process technology
• Sequential write/read speeds up to 7.5MB/100MB/s (Up to stated speed; based on internal testing; performance may vary based on host device.); random write/read speeds up to 200/3000 IO/s
• Offered in a 11.5x13x1.0mm form factor

iNAND Standard is available in 8GB and 16GB capacities for use in tablets. iNAND Standard for smartphones will be available in the second half of 2014.

“Almost two out of three smartphones sold across high-volume emerging markets such as China, India are sold under sub-US $150 wholesale price band making it tough for OEMs to include high-performance quality components within their devices, thus compromising on the overall performance and user experience of the device. However, SanDisk’s new and highly innovative X3 NAND flash storage solution offers performance, speed and reliability maximizing the value proposition for OEMs. It allows them to adopt a sound low-cost strategy, faster time-to-market and at the same time offer their consumers a better quality and reliable budget smartphone experience. Win-Win for both OEMs and consumers in this highly competitive smartphone market,” said Neil Shah, research director, devices and ecosystems, Counterpoint Technology Research.

“Much the same way rising digital consumption continues to drive smartphone demand around the world, it is also driving sales of low-cost connected devices in high-growth markets. New innovations in flash storage, such as SanDisk’s iNAND Standard, are enabling both large and small OEMs, including local brands, to offer competitively priced tablets and smartphones that support a solid digital experience,” said Ryan Reith, program director for IDC’s mobile device trackers.

SanDisk will be displaying the new iNAND Standard at Computex Taipei.