DiskOnChip G4 128MB (1Gb)/256MB (2Gb) 1.8V
10 Data Sheet (Preliminary) Rev. 0.3 92-DS-1105-00
2. PRODUCT OVERVIEW
2.1 Product Description
DiskOnChip G4 is the latest addition to M-Systems’ DiskOnChip product family. DiskOnChip G4,
packed in a small FBGA package with 128MB (1Gb) capacity, is a single-die device with an
embedded thin flash controller and flash memory. It uses Toshiba’s cutting-edge, 90nm NAND-
based Multi-Level Cell (MLC) large block flash technology, enhanced by M-Systems’ proprietary
x2 technology. A dual-die device is available with a single chip capacity of 256MB (2Gb).
MLC NAND technology enables two bits of data to be stored on a single cell, cutting in half the
physical die size. M-Systems’ proprietary x2 technology overcomes MLC-related error patterns and
slow transfer rates by using a robust error detection and correction (EDC/ECC) mechanism.
Furthermore, it provides performance enhancement with multi-plane operation, DMA support, turbo
operation and MultiBurst operation. The combination of MLC and x2 technology results in a low-
cost, minimal-sized flash disk that achieves unsurpassed reliability levels and enhanced
performance.
This breakthrough in performance, size and cost makes DiskOnChip G4 the ideal solution for
product manufacturers who require high-capacity, small size, high-performance, and above all,
high-reliability storage to enable applications such as Digital TVs (DTVs), rugged handheld
terminals, Digital Still Cameras (DSCs), Mobile Point of Sale (POS), telecom equipment,
multimedia phones, camera and Video on Demand (VOD) phones, MP3 phones, enhanced
Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), gaming, video and Personal Information Management
(PIM) on mobile handsets, and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs).
As with the DiskOnChip G3, DiskOnChip G4 content protection and security-enabling features
offer several benefits. Two write- and read-protected partitions, with both software- and hardware-
based protection, can be configured independently for maximum design flexibility. The 16-byte
Unique ID (UID) identifies each flash device, eliminating the need for a separate ID device on the
motherboard. The 16KB One Time Programmable (OTP) area is written to once and then locked to
prevent data and code from being altered, is ideal for storing customer and product-specific
information.
DiskOnChip G4 has a 2KB Programmable Boot Block. This block provides eXecute In Place (XIP)
functionality, enabling DiskOnChip G4 to replace the boot device and function as the only
non-volatile memory device on-board. Eliminating the need for an additional boot device reduces
hardware expenditures, board real estate, programming time, and logistics.
M-Systems’ patented TrueFFS software technology fully emulates a hard disk to manage the files
stored on DiskOnChip G4. This transparent file system management enables read/write operations
that are identical to a standard, sector-based hard disk. In addition, TrueFFS employs patented
methods, such as virtual mapping, dynamic and static wear-leveling, and automatic block
management to ensure high data reliability and to maximize flash life expectancy.