Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC) * left side: RS-MMC * right side: Standard type MultiMediaCard (for comparison)

Tokyo, November 21, 2002— Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE: 6501) today announced the Reduced Size MultiMediaCard (RS-MMC^TM) offering the same functions as a MultiMediaCard^TM*1 in a package approximately half the size, as a data storage medium for small mobile devices including next-generation mobile phones and PDAs, and portable imaging products such as digital cameras.

As the first step, sample shipments of the 16 Mbyte HB28H016RM2, 32 Mbyte HB28D032RM2, and 64Mbyte HB28B064RM2 will start on November 25, 2002 in Japan.

A reduced-size standard for the MultiMediaCard was approved at the MultiMediaCard Association (MMCA), the MultiMediaCard standardization body, and MMCA announced RS-MMC on November 11 , 2002 ( http://www.mmca.org/). Hitachi's cards are the first commercial models of RS-MMC, featuring the world's smallest flash card size of 18 mm × 24 mm × 1.4 mm. They will respond to the needs of end-product downsizing, and will also contribute to the future advent of even smaller, wearable devices.

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

< Background >

MultiMediaCards are small-sized, large-capacity, removable data storage media whose ease of use has led to their widespread use in such products as mobile phones, digital cameras, PDAs, and portable music players, and demands for these cards are expected to continue to grow in the future.

Hitachi currently offers a lineup of 16-, 32-, 64-, and 128-Mbyte MultiMediaCards, meeting demands for small size, large capacity, and high speed. Now, Hitachi has developed three models of the RS-MMC based on MMCA standard specifications, and approximately half the size of current MultiMediaCards, to meet the need for higher density and smaller size in next-generation mobile phones and similar portable devices, and contribute to the development of wearable devices.

< About this product >

The RS-MMC employs Hitachi's Multi Chip Module mounting technology, and incorporates Multi Level Cell*2 AND type flash memories and a controller in a card approximately half the size of a current MultiMediaCard. The RS-MMC uses the same flash memory and controller as Hitachi's HB28xxxxMM2 Series high-speed MultiMediaCard series, and provides the same performance in a smaller size.

The main features of the RS-MMC are as follows.

1. World's smallest and lightest flash card
   The RS-MMC has the same 1.4 mm (typ.) thickness as a MultiMediaCard, but is virtually half the size, with dimensions of 18 mm × 24 mm as compared with 32 mm × 24 mm, as well as approximately half the weight of 0.8g. This enables high density and small size to be achieved in high-performance portable devices such as next-generation mobile phones, and allows RS-MMCs to be used not only as removable media but also as ultra-compact built-in memory modules that can be easily added or replaced.
   
   
2. MultiMediaCard compatibility
   Functions, pin count, and thickness are all identical to those of standard-size MultiMediaCards, providing MultiMediaCard compatibility.
   This means that, by using an adapter ( called a mechanical expander) planned to be offered separately by third-party suppliers, the package size can be made the same as that of a standard-size MultiMediaCard, enabling RS-MMCs to be used in products designed for MultiMediaCard use.
   
   
3. Industry's top-level write speed and low power consumption
   The RS-MMC achieved the same 1.0 Mbyte/sec* write speed as Hitachi's high-speed version MultiMediaCards.
   (* Write time for the card itself, not including processing time in the player) In addition, low power consumption has been achieved, with a read current of 28 mA (typ.) and write current of 33 mA (typ.), helping to extend the battery life of mobile devices.

< Support Tools >

When designing a system using an RS-MMC, the same kind of support tools can be used as for Hitachi MultiMediaCards. Support tools developed by third-party suppliers include driver, file manager, and other software*3, hardware such as an H8S microcomputer-based development platform, and also analytical tools such as a dedicated MultiMediaCard protocol analyzer*4.

Various third-party suppliers*5 also plan to offer an adapter for making the package size the same as that of a standard-size MultiMediaCard to allow use of an RS-MMC in a product designed for MultiMediaCard use, and smaller sockets for mounting an RS-MMC on a mounting board for embedded applications.

Hitachi will continue with the development of larger-capacity models, and plans to release 128- and 256-Mbyte versions in the latter half of 2003.