KIOXIA First to Introduce JEDEC XFM Removable Storage Device Compliant with Ver.1.0 PCIe/NVMe Spec

[btarunr]

KIOXIA America, Inc. today announced sampling of the industry's first XFM DEVICE Ver. 1.0-compliant removable PCIe standard attached, NVMe storage device: the XFMEXPRESS XT2. With a new form factor and connector, the XFM DEVICE Ver. 1.0 standard delivers an unparalleled combination of features designed to revolutionize ultra-mobile PCs, IoT devices and a variety of embedded applications.

First introduced in August of 2019, and then presented as a proposal to the JEDEC Subcommittee for Electrical Specifications and Command Protocols, KIOXIA XFMEXPRESS XT2 is a new form factor for PCIe/NVMe specification devices. Featuring a powerful combination of small size, speed and serviceability, XFMEXPRESS technology was developed to enhance next-generation mobile and embedded applications. The XFMEXPRESS XT2 from KIOXIA is the first product to meet the specification of the new JEDEC standard.



Recognizing the need for a new class of removable storage, KIOXIA leveraged its extensive background in single package memory designs to develop the XFMEXPRESS XT2. KIOXIA will demonstrate its XFMEXPRESS XT2 solution live at Interop Tokyo 2022 in Makuhari Messe, Japan, from June 15-17 in Hall 5 booth # 5P15. The same demonstration will be given at Embedded World 2022 in Nurnberg, Germany from June 21-23 in Hall 3A booth #3A-117. KIOXIA will also be on hand to demonstrate the new XFMEXPRESS XT2 at the Flash Memory Summit 2022 from August 2-4 at the Santa Clara Convention Center.

KIOXIA XFMEXPRESS XT2 Key Features and Benefits:

Game-Changing Serviceability
The XFMEXPRESS XT2 enables a new category of small storage devices that are easy to service or upgrade. By pairing a robust, compact package with removable storage functionality and flexibility, the XFMEXPRESS XT2 helps diminish technical barriers and design constraints.

Mobile-Friendly Footprint
The JEDEC XFM DEVICE Ver.1.0 form factor's small size and low profile (14 mm x 18 mm x 1.4 mm) offers a 252mm2 footprint, optimizing the mounting space for ultra-compact host devices without sacrificing performance or serviceability. With this minimized z-height, the XFMEXPRESS XT2's form factor is excellent for thin and light notebooks and creates new design possibilities for next generation applications and systems.

Interface
Designed for speed, the XFMEXPRESS XT2 implements a PCIe 4.0 x2 lanes, NVMe 1.4b interface. The XFMEXPRESS XT2's industry-leading performance capabilities and durable form factor provide a compelling alternative to other SSD form factors (such as M.2), enabling superior computing and entertainment experiences.

"Our award-winning KIOXIA XFMEXPRESS technology is redefining flash storage to enable the thinner, smaller, serviceable form factors of the future," noted Brian Kumagai, director of business development for KIOXIA America, Inc. "As the inventors of flash memory, KIOXIA will continue to innovate and lead the way forward with breakthrough storage solutions that solve complex design challenges."

View at TechPowerUp Main Site

 

[TheLostSwede]

I'm curious to see how this will be used. Doubt we'll see it in anything smaller than a laptop and possibly only in some niche embedded products.

 

[InVasMani]

I could see a new version of Steam Deck using it.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I could see a new version of Steam Deck using it.

Makes a lot of sense, considering how space limited it is. Would allow for comparatively easy user upgrades too.

 

[InVasMani]

Just having the interface will allow for the potential of storage expansion and possibly some performance improvements from this form of storage itself depends how well it already bottlenecks the interface limitation or how closely it gets at the same time in part, but just mixed workloads could improve a fair bit I figure.

Other devices that could make sense is a new version of the Nintendo Switch or if Sony were to introduce a new modern version of Playstation Vita and you can't rule out Microsoft coming out with handheld console of their own either it's not far fetched to think they'd consider it.

There is a really strong chance motherboard maker's could even leverage this storage rather than other options as compromise to PCIE lanes and how to divide them up due to the x2 link bus width and allows for greater flexibility in terms of ways to make use of them. You might also see KIOXIA later leverage this same type of storage with x4 link speed, but use x2 the way it is and the remaining x2 link for WIFI/BT integration or a adapter it's inserted into that leverages it and the entire device mounts in a M.2 slot. In a adapter scenario you might see DSLR camera's leverage the storage/wifi option CFexpress selectively depending on the storage performance trade off and how it weighs with the wifi convenience aspect.

 

[konga]

For reference, a microSD card is 15.0×11.0×1.0 mm while this is 18.0×14.0×1.4 mm, so they're actually pretty close in size. I could see this becoming a staple in handheld gaming devices. 2 lanes of PCIe 4.0 is more than enough for gaming.

 

[Tek-Check]

Is this flash storage going to go into laptops and cameras primarily, perhaps tablets too? It'd be great to have 5.25 expansion slot for PCs too, with a few of those.