The Kingmax Group (Computex Taipei Hall 1, Booth A932) is showcasing at Computex 2006 its latest-generation DRAM modules and flash memory products, with the primary focus on mobile applications. New DRAM modules include 1GB DDR2-800 and DDR2-1066 DIMMs and a 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMM, all utilizing x8 DRAM components and scheduled for volume shipments in coming months. For flash memory products, the two main attractions at the Kingmax booth are the ultra-small Super Stick flash USB drive (34x12.4x2.2mm), available in capacities up to 1GB, and a 512MB microSD card.

DDR2 products currently represent about 30% of DRAM-module shipments from Kingmax, and the company expects this will increase to 50% in the third quarter and then 70% in the fourth quarter. Volume shipments of 1GB DDR2-800 DIMMs are expected to start in July, followed by 1GB DDR2-1066 DIMMs in September or October, according to Kingmax. The 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMM will likely appear in the mass market in August to be in time for the planned launch of Intel's Merom processor, the company said.

Kingmax flash memory products are offered by Kingmax Digital, an affiliate of the Kingmax Group, and the key feature of these products, including the Super Stick and microSD cards, is Kingmax's patented PIP (Product In Package) technology, which is a type of packaging technique known as SIP (System In Package). Based on this technology, Kingmax flash memory products contain flash memory chips, a controller and passive components all mounted on the same PCB substrate and placed horizontally alongside each other at one or both sides of the substrate. The technology implementation also includes the COB (Chip On Board) method that utilizes wire bonding to attach chips to a PCB. Kingpak, another member of the Kingmax Group, has 250 wire bonders from US-based Kulicke & Soffa Industries to handle this part of the production.

According to Kingmax, 70% of its flash memory card shipments are now contributed by cards for mobile applications, such as MMCmobile, miniSD and microSD. The cards utilize flash memory chips manufactured under processes down to the 70nm node, Kingmax said. The company's list of NAND flash memory suppliers includes Samsung, Hynix, Micron, Powerchip Semiconductor (PSC) and STMicroelectronics. By the fourth quarter, Kingmax plans to introduce a 1GB microSD card.

Kingmax plans to begin shipments of 1GB DDR2-800 DIMMs in July, and its 2GB DDR2-667 SO-DIMMs will likely appear in the market in August.

By: DocMemory
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