Maxwell Introduces First-Ever High-Density Space-Qualified Flash Memory
New 32Mb FLASH Memory Product is 2-4 Times Faster than EEPROMs
SAN DIEGO, CA -- Maxwell Technologies, Inc. today announced the release of its new 29F0408 high-density 32Mb FLASH memory - the first on the market to be qualified for use in space environments. Similar to EEPROM devices, FLASH memory contents are not erased when the power is turned-off or is disconnected, classifying it as non-volatile. The 29F0408 is radiation characterized for both SEL (60 MeV/mg/cm2) and SEU (37 MeV/mg/cm2), and when packaged in Maxwell's Rad-Pak ® provides greater than 100 krad (Si) radiation dose tolerance in a typical GEO orbit.
This new high-density, low-power solution is offered in a compact design for use in space applications, where size and weight are crucial, according to Rich Balanson, President of Maxwell Technologies.
"As important as the benefits of this space-qualified FLASH are to the military and aerospace industries, is that the 29F0408 represents a continuation of our line of leading-edge space technologies driven by our new product strategy of guaranteed performance, guaranteed radiation tolerance, and guaranteed life-of-the-application availability," states Balanson.
The FLASH memory technology utilized in the 29F0408 varies from EEPROM in that data is programmed-in by the user, rather than being written directly. FLASH memory was first used in commercial applications in conjunction with PC motherboards for storage of BIOS code due to write/erase times approximately two to four times faster than that of EEPROM, as well as its ability to protect various blocks from accidental re-write. Maxwell's 29F0408 is an optimum solution for large, non-volatile data storage applications such as solid state recorders, digital voice recorders, and other applications requiring mass memory storage.
"Due to its high-reliability – one million program/erase cycles, and ten year data retention – and a density thirty times greater than EEPROM for the same footprint and weight, this new space-qualified FLASH memory is ideal for future satellite platforms," states Chad Thibodeau, Product Manager for Maxwell Technologies. "The hardware data protection provided by this memory technology is also a significant advantage over EEPROM, as it helps prevent against accidental write/erases during power transitions," Thibodeau continued.
The ability of Maxwell to provide the most up-to-date features of a space-qualified FLASH memory component - as introduced in the 29F0408 - positions the company to offer high-density alternatives for non-volatile memory; complementing its use of commercial die and building upon its approach of supplying component-level radiation mitigation strategies to the space industry.
Maxwell Technologies manufactures and markets high-reliability power and computing components and systems and automated test instruments. The company's microelectronic products include power modules, integrated circuits and single board computers that combine commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) components and Maxwell's proprietary radiation mitigation technology to provide optimal performance and reliability in aerospace, military and other applications. Maxwell's PowerCache™ ultracapacitors are high-density energy storage cells that deliver bursts of high power on demand in applications such as automotive electrical systems and power trains, wireless communications and consumer and industrial electronic devices. The company's instrument products include automated accelerated reliability test systems (AARTS) for RF and photonic components. For more information, please visit the company's web site: www.maxwell.com.
This news release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. These include development and acceptance of products based on new technologies, demand for original equipment manufacturers' products reaching anticipated levels, general economic conditions in the markets served by the companies' products, cost-effective manufacturing of new products and the impact of competitive products and pricing. These and other risks are detailed from time-to-time in Maxwell Technologies' SEC reports, including their reports on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2001. Actual results may differ materially from those projected. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this news release. The Companies disclaims any intent or obligation to update these forward-looking statements.