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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1998-0170

Fujitsu Develops Data Control Software for Flash Memory Devices

-- Also Introduces 4Mbit Dual Operation Flash Memory --

Tokyo, August 19, 1998----Fujitsu has developed and begun sampling a new software product, called Sophisticated Flash File System (SoFFS), that controls write/erase unit size and timing for flash memories. At the same time, complementing its existing line of 8Mbit dual operation flash products, the company has begun marketing a 4Mbit dual operation flash memory device (x8, x16 structure), the MBM29DL400TC/BC, which performs read and write operations simultaneously.

Generally speaking, flash memory write operations are carried out in bytes while erase operations are done by sector unit. When overwriting new data, an erase operation must first be run as it is not possible to overwrite the new data directly onto the old data sector. And because there is a limit to the number of rewrite operations that can be performed, frequent rewriting within a specific address must be avoided. To cope with these issues, software is required to control such operations as the even apportionment of write data throughout all sectors of the memory and the erasure of unneeded data along with the old sector after writing only the desired data from one sector onto a new one. This frees up overall sector space and enables byte- unit writing access.

Fujitsu's new SoFFS software manages write/erase operations in smaller apparent units and device timing to respond to these needs. And the company's MBM29DL400TC/BC 4Mbit dual operation flash memory device enables read operations to be performed in one part of the device while write or erase operations are being carried out in another part of the device, and vice versa.

By incorporating Fujitsu's dual operation flash memory devices and SoFFS software, customers will be able to decrease the cost of system design as well as reduce system size, increase functionality amd lower power consumption. The new products are especially suitable for portable equipment such as as cellular phones, mobile PCs and car navigation systems.

Product Highlights

SoFFS Developers Kit *

pricing: 500,000 yen (license contract; no charge for running royalties)
shipment: from end of August, 1998
sales target: 100,000 units per month

* SoFFS is based on the Phoenix PicoStar(TM) product of noted U.S.-based BIOS vendor Phoenix Technologies, Ltd.. The product has been reduced in size and optimized for Fujitsu's flash memory devices, and it is offered to customers via source code. Phoenix PicoStor is a trademark of Phoenix Technologies, Ltd.
MBM29DL400TC/BC 4Mbit dual operation flash memory

pricing: 700 yen (sample price)
shipment: from end of August, 1998 (volume)
sales target: 1 million units per month

* All company / product names mentioned may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders and are used for identification purpose only.

Fujitsu Limited

Fujitsu Limited is a leading provider of information technology products and solutions for the global marketplace. Founded in Japan in 1935 as a telephone equipment maker, the Fujitsu Group had consolidated revenues of $37.7 billion in the fiscal year ended March 31,1998.

With over 500 group companies, including Amdahl and ICL, Fujitsu is one of the world's largest suppliers of computers and information systems solutions, telecommunications and semiconductor products, software and services. The Fujitsu Group has over 180,000 employees worldwide and operations in more than 100 countries. Homepage: http://www.fujitsu.com/

Press contacts

Asako Umano, Bob Pomeroy
Fujitsu Limited, Public Relations
Tel : +81-3-3215-5236 (Tokyo)
Fax : +81-3-3216-9365

 Customer contact

Fujitsu Limited, LSI Products Group
Tel: +81-44-754-3767
Fax: +81-44-754-3629
e-mail: query-memory@sales.ed.fujitsu.co.jp



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