Toshiba Pushes USB 3.0 USB Flash Keys

At International CES 2012, Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc. (TAEC), will be demonstrating the latest additions to flash memory offerings – the TransMemory-EXseries of USB flash memory products.

The new drives are compliant with the new USB 3.0 standards. Initial storage capacities include a 32GB and a 64GB model.

Utilizing Toshiba’s Double Data Rate (DDR) NAND, the new products offer maximum data transfer rates of 220 MB/sec for reading and 94 MB/sec for writing – or 22 times and 18 times faster transfer rates, respectively, when compared with Toshiba’s previous models. Additionally, Toshiba achieved this performance with low power consumption of 300 mA or less – one of the lowest in the industry. Toshiba’s new drives are backward-compatible with the USB 2.0 standard.

The new products can transfer 25GB of video content in approximately five minutes, which would take the previous model about 30 minutes. The new devices meet user needs for portability of video content and other large data and for high-speed data transfer between digital products.

"Today’s consumers have a need for speed, and they want a truly interactive experience," noted Brian Kumagai, senior business development manager, NAND flash memory products for TAEC. "Devices and peripherals are becoming faster and faster, and the USB transfer speed needs to increase in order to keep up. Eventually, all motherboards and laptops will be designed with USB 3.0 ports, allowing for consumers to take advantage of the increased speed and improved performance it offers."

Key Features:

• Compliant with the USB 3.0 Super Speed USB standard: established in 2008, maximum transfer rates of 220 MB/sec for reading and 94 MB/sec for writing are achieved. Also connectable to computers equipped with USB 2.0 hosts, maximum transfer rates of 34 MB/sec for reading and 30 MB/sec for writing are achieved.
• Low power consumption: achieved thanks to Toshiba’s  technology, such as multi-layering of high-speed NAND flash memory and a dedicated low-power-consumption ASIC controller. As a result, power consumption of notebook PCs is minimized even when using a USB flash memory.
• Windows ReadyBoost capability: The new products support Windows ReadyBoost that allows use of external memory storage as a cache for a hard disk drive of a PC. Windows ReadyBoost capability contributes to enhanced PC performance, such as reduced time required for starting up PC software. This function is available for computers incorporating Windows 7 or Vista.
• Toshiba’s original security software: The new products incorporate application software that allows protection of a particular block with a password lock so that data and files stored in that block cannot be accessed without the password.

Main Specifications

• Product Name: TransMemory-EX
• Capacity: 64GB, 32GB
• ReadyBoost Function: Available for computers incorporating Windows 7 or Vista
• Interface: USB 1.1/ Hi Speed USB 2.0, Super Speed USB 3.0
• Power Supply Voltage: Powered through USB port
• Exterior Dimensions: 68.8 (L) × 21 (W) × 10.5 (H) mm
• Weight: Approx. 14 g (main unit only)
• Operating Environment: Operating temperature: 0-50oC; storage temperature: -20-60oC; operating and storage humidity: 5-95 %RH (no condensation)
• Compatible Devices: Computers with USB Interface (A type) and equipped with one of the following operating systems: Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS 10.0.2 or later (only support USB 2.0)