Intel StrataFlash™ Memory-Based Miniature Card Offers Most Cost-Effective Removable Media For Digital Consumer Products

4-, 8- and 16-Mbyte Densities Offers Cost-Effective Memory for Intel PC Camera Initiative

FOLSOM, Calif., Nov. 10, 1997 — By combining the inherent cost efficiencies of Intel StrataFlash™ memory technology with the linear flash design of the Miniature Card, Intel now offers one of the most cost-effective removable-media solutions for digital products, such as those based on the new Intel 971 PC Camera kit. Introduced today, the new family of Miniature Card products is called Intel Series 200 Flash Memory Miniature Cards.

"Intel StrataFlash memory components and Intel Flash Miniature Cards are made for one another," said Curt Nichols, marketing manager, Intel Memory Components Division (MCD). "Unlike ATA cards, linear flash Miniature Cards are not burdened with microcontrollers, RAM and ASIC. Combining this low-cost approach with the breakthrough technology of Intel StrataFlash memory allows Intel to offer an outstanding memory value. In fact, we believe this combination will push Miniature Card pricing down in the range where consumers will purchase multiple cards for a variety of digital applications."

The new line of Miniature Cards is based on the recently introduced Intel StrataFlash memory. Intel StrataFlash memory devices are the first flash memory products to storemultiple bits of digital information in one memory cell. By providing "2x the bits in 1x the space," Intel StrataFlash memory allows for greater densities at a significant cost reduction, while continuing to offer the core benefits of flash memory -- non-volatility, high reliability and a smaller form factor.

Based on the Miniature Card industry specification for small, removable memory media, the Intel Series 200 Flash Memory Miniature Cards are a PC-compatible digital media that store image, text and voice data in a variety of digital consumer products. The Intel Series 200 Miniature Card will be available in 4-, 8- and 16-Mbyte densities. The 4-Mbyte Series 200 Miniature Card utilizes one Intel 28F320J5 TSOP component. The 8-Mbyte Series 200 Miniature Card uses one 28F640J5 mBGA* component and the 16-Mbyte Series 200 Miniature Card uses two Intel 28F640J5 mBGA components. All Intel Series 200 flash Miniature Cards support 5-volt read/write operations.

Ideal Removable Media For Intel PC Camera
The rugged Intel Flash Miniature Card, designed to be reused repeatedly without loss of image quality, is a convenient way to move image files from today's filmless digital cameras and portable PC cameras back to the PC. The Intel Series 200 Miniature Card family will support affordable easy-to-use digital camera solutions like the new Intel 971 PC Camera kit.

"Intel is committed to providing the consumer with affordable, easy-to-use portable PC Cameras," said Peter Green, general manager of Intel's Digital Peripherals Division (DPD). "This was demonstrated last week with the announcement of Intel's 971 PC Camera kit. Now with the addition of Intel StrataFlash memory-based Miniature Cards, Intel extends the 971 PC Camera kit solution with a rugged, removable media that offers higher densities for greater image storage at significantly reduced costs."

In addition, a variety of products based on the Miniature Card specification provide multiple options for transferring digital data, such as photo images, to the PC. These include reader/writers in Universal Serial Bus (USB) and parallel port versions, and passive adapters to facilitate Miniature Card data transfer via PCMCIA slots.

Availability and Pricing
The 4-, 8-, and 16-Mbyte Intel Series 200 Flash Memory Miniature Cards will be sampling in Q1'98 with production units available in Q2'98. 10K OEM pricing for 1H'98 is as follows:

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