256GB Solid State Drives with MLC Technology by Toshiba
On September 26, 2008 Toshiba has launched a 256GB SSD using multi-level cell (MLC) technology. MLC technology offer competitive read and write speeds at a lower price point than single-level cell (SLC) SSDs. The drives will use the SATA II interface, and will be read at up to 120 mbps. The new 256GB SSD mounts NAND flash memory on a 70.6mm (L) x 53.6mm (W) x 3.0mm (H) platform. The drive offers performance characteristics essential for today’s mainstream notebook PCs: highly reliable, high density data storage and support for fast data transfer rates, with a maximum read speed of 120MB a second and maximum write speed of 70MB a second, via a high speed SATA 3.0Gb/s interface.
Flash Modules are fabricated on a 50mm x 30mm platform and offer a maximum read and write speeds of 80MB and 50MB a second, respectively. Flash Modules are also compatible with the SATA interface and will support continued development of the fast growing market for netbook PCs, UMPCs and mobile and peripheral applications by offering developers a wider range of SSD for integration in differentiated products.
Outline of New Products
| Type | Product Number | Capacity | Samples | Start of Mass Production |
| 256GB SSD 2.5 ” SATA |
THNS256GE8BC | 256GB | Sep, 2008 | 4Q, 2008 |
| Flash Module SATA |
THNSA08G0P4L | 8GB | Sep, 2008 | 4Q, 2008 |
| THNSA16G1P4L | 16GB | Sep, 2008 | 4Q, 2008 | |
| THNSA32G1P4L | 32GB | Sep, 2008 | 4Q, 2008 |
256 SSD Specification
| Interface | Serial ATA-2 (3Gbps) |
| Voltage | 5V (2.5” type) |
| Reading speed | Maximum speed at 120MB a second (sequential mode) |
| Writing speed | Maximum speed at 70MB a second (sequential mode) |
| Temperature | 0 to 70 degrees Celsius |
Flash Module
| Interface | Serial ATA-2 (3Gbps) |
| Voltage | 5V |
| Reading speed | Maximum speed at 80MB a second (sequential mode) |
| Writing speed | Maximum speed at 50MB a second (sequential mode) |
| Temperature | 0 to 70 degrees Celsius |

