256 Gigabit 3-Bits-Per-Cell Chip is the Smallest in the Industry
IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) today announced that it has
successfully developed its next generation 3D NAND technology, BiCS3,
with 64 layers of vertical storage capability. Pilot production of the
new technology has commenced in the Yokkaichi, Japan joint venture
facilities and initial output is expected later this year. Western
Digital expects meaningful commercial volumes of BiCS3 in the first half
of calendar 2017.
"The launch of the next generation 3D NAND technology based on our
industry-leading 64 layer architecture reinforces our leadership in NAND
flash technology," said Dr. Siva Sivaram, executive vice president,
memory technology, Western Digital. "BiCS3 will feature the use of
3-bits-per-cell technology along with advances in high aspect ratio
semiconductor processing to deliver higher capacity, superior
performance and reliability at an attractive cost. Together with BiCS2,
our 3D NAND portfolio has broadened significantly, enhancing our ability
to address a full spectrum of customer applications in retail, mobile
and data center."
BiCS3, which has been developed jointly with Western Digital's
technology and manufacturing partner Toshiba, will be initially deployed
in 256 gigabit capacity and will be available in a range of capacities
up to half a terabit on a single chip. Western Digital expects volume
shipments of BiCS3 for the retail market in the fourth calendar quarter
of 2016 and to begin OEM sampling this quarter. Shipments of the
company's previous generation 3D NAND technology, BiCS2, continue to
customers in retail and OEM.
About Western Digital
Western Digital is an industry-leading provider of storage technologies
and solutions that enable people to create, leverage, experience and
preserve data. The company addresses ever-changing market needs by
providing a full portfolio of compelling, high-quality storage solutions
with customer-focused innovation, high efficiency, flexibility and
speed. Our products are marketed under the HGST, SanDisk and WD brands
to OEMs, distributors, resellers, cloud infrastructure providers and
consumers. Financial and investor information is available on the
company's Investor Relations website at investor.wdc.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements, including
expectations for 3D NAND technology, including its development, timing
for initial output, commercial volume production, product sampling and
shipment, capabilities, performance improvements, applications,
capacities and customers. There are a number of risks and uncertainties
that may cause these forward-looking statements to be inaccurate
including, among others: volatility in global economic conditions;
business conditions and growth in the storage ecosystem; impact of
competitive products and pricing; market acceptance and cost of
commodity materials and specialized product components; actions by
competitors; unexpected advances in competing technologies; our
development and introduction of products based on new technologies and
expansion into new data storage markets; risks associated with
acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures; difficulties or delays in
manufacturing; and other risks and uncertainties listed in the company's
filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"),
including the company's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 9, 2016, as
well as SanDisk's Form 10-Q filed with the SEC on May 2, 2016, to both
of which your attention is directed. We do not intend to update the
information contained in this release.
Western Digital, WD, the HGST logo and SanDisk are registered trademarks
or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the
U.S. and/or other countries. Other trademarks, registered trademarks,
and/or service marks, indicated or otherwise, may be the property of
their respective owners.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160726005589/en/
Western Digital Corporation
Bob Blair
Investor Relations
949.672.7834
robert.blair@wdc.com
or
Jim
Pascoe
Media Relations
408.717.6999
jim.pascoe@wdc.com
Source: Western Digital Corp.
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