Fujitsu, NEC, and Toshiba Agree on Specifications for Next-Generation Memory Package

Strategic Insights -

The development of mobile equipment, particularly in the cellular phone market, has driven demand for smaller and more efficient memory solutions. In response to this need, Fujitsu, NEC, and Toshiba have jointly agreed upon specifications for a Stacked Multi-Chip Package (MCP) that integrates NOR flash memory and static RAM (SRAM) on a single package, reducing space requirements by 70% compared to conventional methods. This new design also enables the use of future generations of high-density flash memory.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new Stacked MCP design reduces space requirements by 70% compared to conventional methods, making it an attractive solution for mobile equipment manufacturers.
  • The MCP supports various combinations of flash memory and SRAM, including flash memory from 4Mb to 128Mb and SRAM from 1Mb to 128Mb.
  • The design incorporates a terminal that allows switching between 8-bit and 16-bit output, and supports various output combinations for flash memory and SRAM.
  • Fujitsu, NEC, and Toshiba plan to individually manufacture and market MCPs mounting 16Mb or 32Mb flash memories and 2Mb or 4Mb SRAM.
  • The designers used a SRAM die with a pin assignment compatible with that of the flash memory, allowing for minimal wiring and stacking with future generations of high-density flash memory.
  • The jointly-agreed specifications include a BGA-type configuration, with an 8x8 metal ball assignment using 56 balls to connect the MCP to the circuit board.

Statistics:

  • The new MCP design reduces space requirements by 70% compared to conventional methods.
  • The MCP supports flash memory from 4Mb to 128Mb and SRAM from 1Mb to 128Mb.
  • The design incorporates a terminal that allows switching between 8-bit and 16-bit output.
  • Fujitsu Limited had consolidated revenues of $37.7 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31, 1998.
  • NEC Corporation saw net sales in fiscal year 1997-98 amount to 4,901 billion yen (approximately US$40 billion).
  • Toshiba Corporation has 186,000 employees worldwide and annual sales of over US$ 40 billion.

Sources:

  • Fujitsu Limited, NEC Corporation, and Toshiba Corporation (June 1998)
  • Fujitsu Limited - Fujitsu Group Profile (March 1999)
  • NEC Corporation - NEC Global homepage
  • Toshiba Corporation - Toshiba Global homepage