16/32/64-Mbyte capacity cards - approximately half the size of a MultiMediaCard, for use in next-generation mobile phones and wearable devices

San Jose, Calif., December 04, 2002 --- Hitachi Semiconductor (America) Inc. today announced the Reduced Size MultiMediaCard*� (RS-MMC™), approximately half the size of the existing MultiMediaCard, while boasting the same level of data storage capacity. The small, rugged removable cards are an ideal data storage medium for mobile devices including next-generation mobile phones and PDAs, and portable imaging products such as digital cameras.

To meet the growing demands for smaller size memory devices with large data storage capacity and high speed processing performance, Hitachi built the compact size cards in 16-, 32- and 64-Megabyte (MB) densities, using Hitachi's unique multi-level cell (MLC) AND flash technology*�. The RS-MMC only weighs 0.8 g, with dimensions of 18 mm x 24 mm x 1.4 mm. The size advantages also enable the cards to be used as ultra-compact built-in memory modules that can be easily added or replaced.

The RS-MMC devices achieve write speeds of 1.0 MB/sec*�, equal to Hitachi's current industry-leading MultiMediaCards. At the same time, the new cards achieve very low power consumption, with a read current of 28 mA (typ.) and a write current of 33 mA (typ.) to help extend the battery life of power sensitive mobile devices. By snapping on a simple mechanical adapter, the RS-MMC can be used for products designed for standard-size MultiMediaCards.

Specifications for the RS-MMC were approved by the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA), the MultiMediaCard standardization body recently( http://www.mmca.org/ ). Hitachi's cards are the first commercial models of RS-MMC, featuring the world's smallest flash card in response to the needs of downsizing end products and the future advent of even smaller, wearable devices.

Hitachi plans to release 128- and 256-Mbyte models in the latter half of 2003.