Samsung Says 32 GB Memory Cards Could Be Out Next Year

Samsung announced today that it has developed the technology it needs to make the world's smallest 2 GB memory chip.

This is compact enough that 16 of them can be combined on one memory card.

These NAND flash chips will be manufactured with 50-nanometer (nm) technology and Samsung's proprietary 3D-transistor architecture.

Big Capacity, Small Size

The 32 GB memory cards will compete against microdrives for use in handhelds, smartphones, music players, and other portable electronics.

However, this won't happen for a while. Samsung said that commercial production of memory chips using its new technology won't begin until late 2006.

Still, it will allow flash memory cards to jump out ahead of microdrives in capacity. Hitachi says that it won't have a 20 GB microdrive on the market until 2007.

The Way of the Future

Not surprisingly, Samsung believes that Flash memory will eventually replace microdrives completely.

"The future of NAND is setting the stage for an irreversible shift in the design of digital end products as NAND becomes the key storage medium for data in virtually any portable form," said Dr. Chang-Gyu Hwang president and CEO of Samsung Electronics' Semiconductor Business.

"NAND flash will eventually replace other storage mediums, especially those used in mobile products," Dr. Hwang added.

Thanks to Engadget for the tip.

Related Links

• Hitachi Lays Groundwork for the 20 GB Microdrive