SanDisk Introduces 140MB FlashDrive, the Industry's Highest Capacity Embedded Flash Storage Device

Business Wire, Oct 1, 1996

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 1, 1996--SanDisk Corp. (NASDAQ:SNDK) today introduced a 1.8-inch form factor IDE 140MB FlashDrive, the industry's highest capacity embedded flash storage device.

Sampling shipments of the new, solid-state FlashDrive start this month with volume shipments scheduled for Q4, 1996.

The rugged flash storage device (SDIB-140) is targeted at OEM (original equipment manufacturers) who produce computers and networking and communications equipment for industrial markets such as manufacturing, aviation, electronics and military agencies. The FlashDrive is priced at $2,075 for high-volume OEM purchases.

Jeff Ellerbruch, a SanDisk product manager, said, "Our highest capacity FlashDrive had been an 80MB device, but our customers often request a higher capacity product because they need more storage for their growing applications. With its industry-standard IDE interface, low power requirements, 3.3 volt support and reliable performance, we expect that this device will be in high demand."

The FlashDrive uses less than 10 percent of the power required to operate rotating, magnetic 1.8" and 2.5" hard disk drives. With an operating shock rating of 1,000 Gs (equivalent to a six-foot drop to the floor) the FlashDrive can withstand at least five times more shock and vibration than rotating 1.8" and 2.5" drives.

Many computing devices used in industrial operations such as process control, instrumentation and measurement, require very durable storage devices as they are often subjected to shock vibration, extreme heat and cold, dust and high humidity. An extended temperature version of the SDIB-140 -- operating temperature range of -40C to 85C -- is available.

SanDisk Corp., based in Sunnyvale, designs, manufactures and markets industry-standard, solid state data, image, and audio storage products using proprietary, high density, flash memory and controller technology.

SanDisk has strategic alliances with Seagate Technology, Matsushita Electronic Corp., NEC Corp. and LG Semicon. Seagate holds a 25 percent equity stake in SanDisk.

CONTACT: SanDisk Corp., Sunnyvale

Nelson Chan, 408/542-0456

Bob Goligoski, 408/542-0463