Toshiba Now Offers Serial E2PROM in Its Ultra-Thin US8 Package; World's Smallest, Thinnest 8-Pin 1Kb E2PROM Addresses Needs of the Portable Market.

Business Editors and High-Tech Writers

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 28, 2000

Continuing to maintain its leadership as the predominant developer of small packaging, Toshiba America Electronic Components Inc. (TAEC) Monday announced that Toshiba Corp. has integrated its serial 1 kilobit (Kb) electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (E2PROM) device into its ultra-small 8-pin (US8) packaging.

Toshiba developed this new device to meet the demand for smaller and thinner packages for portable electronic products such as cellular phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).

"Design engineers are consistently challenged with providing more functionality in less space," stated Peter Ikalowych, business development manager, Logic and Small Signal Devices Business Unit for TAEC.

"To address this need, Toshiba utilized our packaging expertise to introduce this new E2PROM. Anticipating the continued demand for shrinking real estate, Toshiba plans to develop and offer additional devices in this ultra-small packaging."

Serial E2PROMs are used in the recording identification data (ID) arena, making them ideal for hand-held devices needing an abundance of storage. According to San Jose, Calif.-based market research firm, Dataquest/GartnerGroup, the Serial E2PROM market was approximately $1 billion in 1999 and is growing by 10 percent each year.

Product Features:

Measuring 2.0 millimeters (mm) x 3.1mm x 0.8mm, Toshiba's newly packaged 1Kb serial E2PROM, the TC9WMA1FK, is approximately 50 percent smaller in size than existing 1Kb E2PROMs packaged in a TSSOP or MSOP.

--  The TC9WMA1FK is offered in 8-pin (US8) packaging with a 0.5mm pin
    pitch that is easy to assemble.
--  128MB memory storage, 128 alphanumeric characters.
--  Serial data input/output minimizes I/O port.
--  Built-in booster for single power supply.
--  Low current dissipation: Stand-by Mode 5(mu)A. Built-in timer sets
    up the programming time, 10ms.
--  Non-dry pack improves flexibility for production process.

Product Specifications:

Power Supply                        2.7V to 3.6V
Operating Frequency                 1MHz (max.)
Quiescent Supply Current            ICC Stand-by = 5(mu)A
Programming Time                    10ms Max. @ 3.0V to 3.6V
Data Storage                        10 Years
Number of Programming               100K Times
Operating Temperature               -40 degrees to 85 degree C
Latch Up                            +/-300mA
ESD                                 +/-200V (Machine Model)/+/-2000V
                                    (Human Body)

Pricing and Availability

Engineering samples are currently available with mass production beginning in October 2000. All samples will have a unit price of $1.

About TAEC

TAEC, recognized as one of the largest suppliers of semiconductor, electronic component, and storage solutions, is the North American engineering, manufacturing, marketing, and sales arm of Japan's Toshiba Semiconductor Co. and Toshiba Display Devices and Components Co.

The Toshiba Semiconductor Co. is one of the world's leading manufacturers and suppliers of semiconductor products including LSIs, microprocessors and controllers, and advanced memory products, in addition to discrete and analog peripheral components.

TAEC is also responsible for sales and marketing of other major electronic components including liquid crystal displays, color display and picture tubes, lithium-ion and other secondary batteries. For additional information, visit TAEC's Web site at www.toshiba.com/taec.

Photo available upon request, contact Yvette Lane at 949/260-1300.

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