M-Systems has announced embedded Linux support for its series of flash drives with capacities of 512MB and 1GB. The H1 DiskOnChips target memory-intensive embedded applications, such as automotive audio and navigation, high-end printers, and portable devices with multimedia requirements for handheld gaming, GPS, and MP3 playback.

The DiskOnChip H-series product line was initially announced in December of last year. It uses M-Systems's advanced x2 technology for multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash silicon, allowing for a lower cost, high-capacity product. Like other DiskOnChip products from M-Systems, the H1 features a legacy NOR-compatible interface, allowing it to be used with practically any chipset, the company says.

M-Systems lists the following “technical highlights” for the H-series DiskOnChip:

• Technology — 90nm MLC NAND. 70nm expected by end 2005
• High capacity — 512 megabytes and 1 gigabyte
• Device cascade capacity — up to 2 gigabytes
• Small form factor — 115-ball FBGA 12x18mm package
• Interface: NOR / SRAM compatible
• Built-in eXecute In Place (XIP) Boot Block
• Performance — optimized for multimedia, 2.2 megabytes per second sustained write, 5 megabytes per second sustained read (including software overhead)
• Hardware protection and security enabling features
• Robust Error Detection Code / Error Correction Code (EDC/ECC) tailored for MLC NAND flash technology
• Maximized flash endurance with TrueFFS software support
• Compatible with major CPUs and processors.

“Applications like automotive GPS maps require rugged but economical storage in the gigabyte range, [and] the sheer size of this data has forced auto makers to store their data in CD-ROMs, with all the limitations and reliability concerns inherent to mechanical systems,” said Jim Handy, director of non-volatile memory services at Semico.

Availability

Device drivers supporting DiskOnChip H1 under Linux and are scheduled for general availability in the third quarter of 2005, according to the company. Drivers for VxWorks, INTEGRITY, and QNX Neutrino are scheduled for general availability in the fourth quarter.

 
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