Western Digital Flash Innovations Unlock Powerful New Experiences for Next-Generation 5G Smartphone Users

Rhea-AI Summary

Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) has launched its second-generation UFS 3.1 storage solution, the iNAND® MC EU551, tailored for 5G smartphones. This new offering enhances performance with a 100% boost in random read speeds and significant improvements in write speeds, enabling advanced applications like 8K video and AR/VR. The device is sampling now with volume availability slated for July 2021, supporting capacities of 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB. IDC projects that 5G smartphones will grow to 69% of global shipments by 2025, highlighting a promising market for this technology.

Positive

• 100% improvement in random read performance
• 90% improvement in sequential write speeds
• 30% improvement in sequential read speeds
• Supports emerging 5G applications including AR/VR and 8K video
• First product on the new UFS 3.1 platform
• Sampling now with volume availability planned for July 2021

Negative

• None.

Western Digital Corp. (NASDAQ: WDC) today announced its second-generation UFS 3.1 storage solution for 5G smartphones. The new Western Digital iNAND^® MC EU551 delivers the high-performance storage consumers need to be able to use their phones for emerging applications like ultra-high-resolution cameras, AR/VR, gaming and 8K video.

The new Western Digital iNAND® MC EU551 delivers the high-performance storage consumers need to be able to use their phones for emerging applications like ultra-high-resolution cameras, AR/VR, gaming and 8K video. (Graphic: Business Wire)

IDC expects 5G smartphone shipments to account for more than 40% of global volume in 2021 and grow to 69% in 2025. As networks continue to expand available bandwidth and offer lower latency to enable new user experiences, Western Digital’s iNAND solutions deliver the high-capacity, high-performance embedded storage needed to power these exciting new applications.

“We rely on smartphones in virtually every aspect of our lives. Coupled with high-speed 5G networks, sensor innovation and AI, the average capacity in phones is growing as is the need for higher performance to handle new multimedia capabilities,” said Huibert Verhoeven, senior vice president, Automotive, Mobile and Emerging Markets, Western Digital. “With this new UFS 3.1 iNAND solution, we allow users to tap into data-rich applications and enjoy faster streaming for new ways to play, work and learn.”

The iNAND^® MC EU551 mobile storage device is the first product built on Western Digital’s new UFS 3.1 platform, first announced on May 26 at the company’s Flash Perspective event. Leveraging faster NAND, a faster controller, and an improved firmware design, the iNAND MC EU551 delivers the following improvements over the previous generation, with up to a:

• 100% improvement in random read performance and up to 40% on random writes, to help support mixed workload experiences like running multiple applications simultaneously
• 90% improvement in sequential writes to help realize the new 5G and Wi-Fi 6 download speed potential. This gives consumers a better experience when streaming rich media files such as 8K video, as well as improved performance for applications like burst mode photography
• 30% improvement in sequential reads lets applications launch faster with shorter boot-up time, and enables faster upload speeds

The device is designed to meet the JEDEC UFS 3.1 specification requirements and uses the latest Write Booster technology based on Western Digital’s 7^th generation SmartSLC^TM. It also features Host Performance Booster version 2.0, further combining the latest advancements in the standard.

Ecosystem Support

The iNAND MC EU551 is the latest addition to the iNAND family, which has been trusted by all major smartphone manufacturers around the world for more than a decade. As part of its work in the mobile ecosystem, Western Digital continues to work with leading system on SoC designers to qualify its UFS 3.1 solution for smartphone reference designs that offer a pre-tested solution for manufacturers to integrate.

Availability

The Western Digital iNAND MC EU551 UFS 3.1 embedded flash drive (EFD) is sampling now with volume availability planned in July 2021. The storage solution is available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB* capacities.

Additional Resources:

• Western Digital iNAND MC EU551 Product Brief
• Blog: Flash Perspective: A Conversation with Rob Soderbery
• Video: Huibert Verhoeven: A Fresh Perspective on Embedded Storage

About Western Digital

Western Digital creates environments for data to thrive. As a leader in data infrastructure, the company is driving the innovation needed to help customers capture, preserve, access and transform an ever-increasing diversity of data. Everywhere data lives, from advanced data centers to mobile sensors to personal devices, our industry-leading solutions deliver the possibilities of data. Western Digital data-centric solutions are comprised of the Western Digital®, G-Technology™, SanDisk® and WD® brands.

* 1GB = 1 billion bytes and 1TB = one trillion bytes. Actual user capacity may be less due to operating environment.

Western Digital, the Western Digital logo, iNAND and SmartSLC are registered trademarks or trademarks of Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Product specifications subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products. Not all products are available in all regions of the world.

© 2021 Western Digital Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210622005315/en/

FAQ

What are the improvements in the new Western Digital iNAND MC EU551 UFS 3.1 storage solution?

The iNAND MC EU551 features a 100% improvement in random read performance, a 90% improvement in sequential writes, and a 30% improvement in sequential reads.

When will the Western Digital iNAND MC EU551 be available in volume?

Volume availability of the iNAND MC EU551 is planned for July 2021.

What capacities are offered by the new Western Digital iNAND MC EU551?

The iNAND MC EU551 will be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB capacities.

How does the iNAND MC EU551 support 5G smartphone applications?

The device enhances performance required for high-demand applications like 8K video streaming and AR/VR gaming.

What market growth is predicted for 5G smartphones according to IDC?

IDC predicts that 5G smartphone shipments will increase to 69% of global volume by 2025.