Intel and Micron say their new 8GB 20nm flash device will be the industry's smallest, and ideal for use in smartphones, tablets, SSDs, and other small-form-factor devices.

Intel and Micron today introduced a new 20-nanometer (nm) process technology for manufacturing NAND flash memory. This process produces an 8GB, multi-level cell (MLC) NAND flash device, intended for use in smartphones, tablets, solid-state drives (SSDs), and other small-form-factor consumer and compute devices.

The two companies claim the new process is the industry's smallest and most advanced. In January 2010, they , which at that point was a first as well.

Measuring 118mm2, the new 20nm flash device also allows for a reduction in board space of between 30 and 40 percent (depending on package type), while maintaining similar performance and endurance characteristics, compared to the existing 8GB 25nm device.

The device will be produced by the companies' joint venture, IM Flash Technologies. According to an Intel-Micron press release, shrinking NAND lithography in this way is the most cost-effective method for increasing the output of fabs, in this case providing about 50 percent more gigabyte capacity from the same factories compared to current 25nm technology.

Tom Rampone, vice president and general manager of Intel's Non-Volatile Memory Solutions Group, said in a statement, "Our goal is to enable instant, affordable access to the world's information. Industry-leading NAND gives Intel the ability to provide the highest quality and most cost-effective solutions to our customers, generation after generation. The Intel-Micron joint venture is a model for the manufacturing industry as we continue to lead the industry in process technology and make quick transitions of our entire fab network to smaller and smaller lithographies."

Intel and Micron's 8GB 20nm device is sampling now; the companies expect it to enter mass production in the second half of 2011. A new 16GB device the companies intend to introduce at that time will make it possible to fit 128GB of NAND flash storage into a device smaller than a typical United States postage stamp.