Hitachi, Ltd.(NYSE:HIT)today announced the release of two new flash memories, the 128-Mbit 
HN29W12814A and 168-Mbit HN29W16814, with large capacity achieved through the use 
of a Hitachi double density package (DDP), for data storage in digital cameras , handheld 
PCs and other portable information devices, handheld terminals, communication devices, 
and similar products.  Sample shipments will begin in December 1998.

Two memory chips-two 64-Mbit flash memories in the HN29W12814A, and two 84-Mbit 
flash memories in the HN29W16814-are mounted in the DDP using Hitachi's original  
stacking technology, providing twice the previous capacity in the same size of chip, and 
simplifying replacement.

With the current demand for large-capacity data storage using flash memory in products 
such as digital cameras and portable information devices, one particular concern has been 
how to increase the capacity of flash cards, within their limited mounting space.

Hitachi has responded by increasing flash memory capacities, and is currently mass-
producing 64-Mbit flash memories, and plans to mass produce of 256-Mbit flash memories 
using a multi-level-cell technology in 1999.  For flash card applications, Hitachi also mass 
produces large-capacity 150-Mbyte PC-ATA cards using Hitachi's original stacked-
mounting technology which involves the stacking of two thin TCPs (tape carrier packages).  
However, because TCPs are so thin, they are susceptible to damage during the mounting 
process, making them difficult for the general user to handle.  As a solution to this problem 
Hitachi developed the DDP, with two chips mounted in a conventional TSOP-II package, 
and has used this new package for the 128-Mbit HN29W12814A and 168-Mbit 
HN29W16814 flash memories.

The HN29W12814A contains two high-speed HN29W6411A 64-Mbit AND-type flash 
memories, while the HN29W16814 contains two high-speed HN29W8411 84-Mbit AND-
type flash memories.  A 48-pin TSOP-II package is used, the package being the same size 
(12.70x19.68x1.20 (mm3)) for both the HN29W6411A and the HN29W8411.  The fact 
that the HN29W6411A and HN29W8411 use only the left-hand pins on the package has 
been exploited by mounting an additional chip in the DDP, using the previously unused 
right-hand pins.  Arranging the pins for one memory chip on the left of the package, and 
those for the other memory chip on the right, allows each chip to operate independently.  
Since the footprint is the same, memory capacity can be doubled simply by replacing the 
currently used memory package.

These new flash memories also feature high-speed operation, with a programming time of 
0.3ms(typ.)per sector, and an erase time of 0.8 ms(typ.)per sector or block.
Hitachi also plans to use this DDP technology for the next generation of products.

< Typical Applications >
- Flash memory cards: CompactFlash(TM)* and PC-ATA cards
- Handheld PCs and similar portable information devices
- Handheld terminals
- Voice recorders

Note*: CompactFlash is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation and is licensed to the CFA 
(CompactFlash Association).  Hitachi is a member of the CFA.  Hitachi CompactFlash(TM) 
conforms to the CompactFlash specification proposed by the CFA.