The Kynix Blog

Today I want to share an LED strobe design project I found in electronic-lab, which you can do it by yourself. Strobe provides regular flashes of light. Usually Strobes are designed using Xenon Tubes. Here is LED based simple solution that can be used as strobe for entertainment and events and also as warning signals. Project is based on PIC16F1825 micro-controller with two digit frequency display. Project provides TTL output signal, frequency 1Hz-25Hz, Tact switches provided to set the frequency. This project works along with DC Output Solid State Relay Features 1.Supply 4.5 to 5V DC2.Frequency 1Hz To 25Hz3.Easy Interface with Relay Board4.Easy Interface with Solid State Relay5.On Board Power LEDOn Board Output LED6.Onboard Switch to set the frequency7.2X7 Segment 0.5 Inch Display Applications 1.Strobe for Entertainment2.Traffic Signal3.Warning Signal4.Ambulance Warning Signals Schematic   Parts List Connections Photos Working Diagram Ref.PIC16F1825 

SummaryIt has been successfully demonstrated that a nanocrystal of of perovskite can serve as a quantum emitter of light, and, when coupled with a nanophotonic cavity, can dramatically improve the efficiency of the light emission by an international research team from the University of Maryland and ETH Zurich in Switzerland.  A new device features perovskite nanocrystals and a series of nanophotonic cavities. The arrows indicate the way that the UV laser used to excite the crystals, and the light  the crystals produce, move in and out of the device. Described in the Journal Applied Physics Letters ,the resulting device and method could be used to build nanolasers and optical devices that exhibit much faster response times than currently possible. Previously, there have been other quantum emitting materials that have been coupled to nanophotonic cavities. In this area, epitaxial materials such as quantum dots have garnered the most research interest. Distinct advantage to using PerovskiteHowever, the researchers believe there are some distinct advantages to using perovskite nanocrystals instead of epitaxial materials, which involve the fairly complex deposition of a crystalline layer on a crystalline substrate.Instead of the epitaxial techniques, the perovskite nanocrystals are synthesized using inexpensive colloidal chemistry techniques. This also makes it possible for these crystals to be placed on a broad range of substrates using simpler solution-deposition techniques when they are coupled to various photonic structures. The other main set of advantages for perovskites in light-emitting applications relates back to why they have become such a darling in photovoltaics: their optical and electrical properties. Perovskites exhibit a slow non-radiative decay rate and low densities of carrier-trapping defects, which contributes to their high photoluminescence efficiency at room temperature.In addition, the emission spectrum could cover the whole visible range by controlling the size and material composition, especially for the blue-green wavelengths that are otherwise difficult to access. The device operates by exciting the coupled system using a UV laser. This excites the perovskites to a higher energy level. Within a nanosecond, the exciton (an excited electron-hole pair) will decay to its ground state while transforming its energy in the form of an emitting photon. The cavity introduces more decay channels to the emitting materials, so a majority of the photons are coupled into the cavity and form the standing mode of the cavity. Finally, the researchers are able to detect the photons leaking away from the cavity, which is the emission signal. Difficult metThe problem that previous attempts have encountered in working with nanocrystal perovskites has been the material quality. “We need emitters with good photostability, so it can hold the performance when coupling to the cavities, said Yang. “Our collaborators from ETH provided perovskites that make this coupling possible.” In addition to nanolasers and faster optoelectronics, Yang believes the device they have made could increase the efficiency of existing perovskite emitting devices, such as LEDs, which could open up real-world applications in efficient illumination and displays. Before these aspirations can be realized, Yang concedes that they will need to further improve the performance and stability of the material itself. Second, it would be better to excite the material electrically rather than optically for practical use.Yang will try to realize similar devices spanning the whole visible range and the next step it to find ways to further improve and stabilize the performance and also utilizing electrical gates to excite the material in devices. Article source: Applied Physics LettersArticle edited by kynix 

What about using wax with a processor as part of a technique to stave off smartphone overheating? Can wax be the answer to the thermal problem confronting smartphones? That is the proposal coming from a University of Pensylvania and University of Michigan team of researchers, who have been studying ways to manage the chip performance of smartphones. Milo Martin, an associate professor with the University of Pennsylvania and his colleagues at the two schools believe the answer is in computational sprinting involving wax. "When someone cranks the chip well beyond its recommended speeds, the wax absorbs the extra heat coming off the silicon, and at 54 degrees Celsius, it starts to melt," said a report about their research in Wired. Small mobile devices don't have room for the large fans that cool a laptop. If mobile phones actually used all of their transistors at the same time, they would overheat. Only a portion of a smartphone chip's transistors can operate at once. If you hear the term "dark silicon" it refers to the large portions of a silicon chip that must remain off at a given time. As transistors get smaller, the heat problems may only get worse.This is where computational sprinting comes into view. Under the concept of computational sprinting, a chip temporarily exceeds its sustainable thermal power budget to provide instantaneous throughput, after which the chip returns to nominal operation to cool down. The team from the two schools have been exploring computational sprinting for several years. This is a technique that uses all transistors at once, using the sprint-and-rest technique of periodic boosts.In 2012, the researchers presented a paper at the High Performance Computer Architecture (HPCA) symposium, where they noted how many mobile applications do not demand sustained performance; rather, they comprise short bursts of computation in response to sporadic user activity. To improve responsiveness for such applications, the authors explored activating otherwise powered-down cores for subsecond bursts of intense parallel computation.The authors concluded that "Although numerous engineering challenges remain (in cost, thermal materials, packaging, and power supply), our study indicates that it is feasible to capture the responsiveness of a 16W chip within the engineering constraints of a 1W mobile device via parallel computational sprinting."Back in 2012 they had wax in mind as a heat-spreading structure that includes an encapsulated phase change material—like candle wax—which would absorb heat by melting during the sprint, then slowly dissipate it by hardening while the device is at rest, according to a University of Michigan News Services report.This year, reported Wired, "they set up an Intel Core i7 test processor with a custom cooling system that could run comfortably at a maximum of 10 watts of power. In their tests, though, they would periodically boost the chip to 50 watts."That is enough to overheat the chip in seconds, "but it speeds up the chip's clock speed and it uses more transistors." The team thinks they could possibly boost the chip up to 100 watts for short periods, becoming very hot, and that is where the wax could absorb much of the heat quickly until it melts.Related products:KY56-KST2222KY56-KST06KY56-KSH2955 

You might run into a few common problems when you work with a transistor series voltage regulator. These include overheating, noise or ripple, output instability, blown fuses after swapping out parts, and even trouble from mismatched replacement regulators.Overheating often comes from poor heat sinking.Noise and ripple can mess with sensitive circuits.Instability might show up if you use the wrong parts or have poor feedback.If you’re a hobbyist, student, or just getting started with electronics, this guide gives you simple, step-by-step fixes for each issue.Regulator BasicsKey PartsWhen you look at a transistor series voltage regulator, you will see a few important parts working together. Here’s what you’ll usually find:Transistor (Q1): This acts like a smart switch. It controls how much current flows to your load. The transistor changes its resistance to keep the output voltage steady.Zener diode: This tiny part gives you a stable reference voltage. It helps the circuit know what voltage to aim for, even if things change elsewhere.Resistors: These set the right amount of current for the transistor and Zener diode. They make sure each part gets what it needs to work well.Capacitors: You’ll spot these near the input and output. They smooth out bumps in the voltage and help cut down on noise.Heat sink: The transistor can get hot. A heat sink pulls heat away so the transistor stays cool and keeps working.Temperature compensation parts: Sometimes, you’ll see extra parts that help the circuit handle changes in temperature.Tip: If you ever build or fix one of these circuits, always check that the heat sink fits well and the Zener diode is the right value.Operation OverviewYou might wonder how a transistor series voltage regulator keeps your voltage steady. Here’s how it works:The Zener diode sets a reference voltage.The transistor sits in series with your load, acting like a variable resistor.If your output voltage drops, the transistor lets more current through. This brings the voltage back up.If the output voltage rises, the transistor cuts back on current. This lowers the voltage again.The circuit uses feedback to watch the output and make quick changes. This way, you get a steady voltage, even if your load changes or your input voltage jumps around.This real-time adjustment is what makes the transistor series voltage regulator so reliable for powering sensitive electronics.Output InstabilityInstability SymptomsYou might notice your voltage regulator acting up in a few ways. Here are some common signs that point to output instability:You hear high-frequency noise or buzzing, sometimes as high as 80 MHz.The output voltage jumps up (overshoot) or drops down (undershoot) suddenly.The voltage keeps swinging back and forth, never settling at one value.Your circuit seems noisy, or the voltage changes a lot when you add or remove a load.Tip: If your circuit acts strange when you connect a new device, unstable output could be the reason.Common CausesSeveral things can make a transistor series voltage regulator unstable. Watch out for these troublemakers:Feedback loops inside the circuit can start to oscillate if not set up right.Not enough capacitance at the input or output lets the voltage swing too much.Changes in the transistor’s base-emitter voltage can throw off stability.Power supply impedance changes with frequency, which can mess with feedback.Poor filtering or missing compensation parts can make the voltage bounce.Parasitic inductance and capacitance in the wiring or parts can create unwanted oscillators.Troubleshooting StepsYou can fix output instability by following these steps:Look over the circuit board for burnt parts or cracked solder joints.Check the input voltage. Make sure it matches what your regulator needs.Measure the output voltage. Compare it to the value you expect.Use a multimeter to check for short circuits at the output.Inspect capacitors, diodes, and resistors. Make sure they have the right values and work well.Feel the regulator after it runs for a while. If it’s too hot, you may have a problem.Disconnect the load and test again. If the output stabilizes, your load might be too heavy.Swap out the regulator for a new one if nothing else works. Make sure you use the right part and solder it well.Note: Good quality capacitors and a proper heat sink can prevent many instability issues before they start.Overheating IssuesSigns of OverheatingYou can spot overheating in a transistor series voltage regulator pretty easily if you know what to look for. The most obvious sign is when the device feels too hot to touch. Sometimes, you might even notice a burning smell coming from the regulator. This usually means the regulator is working too hard and is getting hotter than it should.Here are some common signs you might notice:The regulator or transistor feels extremely hot.You smell something burning near the circuit.The regulator shuts down or acts strangely after running for a while.You see discoloration or burn marks on the board.Tip: If you ever touch the regulator and it feels hotter than a cup of coffee, you should turn off the power and check for problems right away.Causes of Excess HeatYou might wonder why your regulator gets so hot. The main reason is power dissipation. The regulator drops the extra voltage as heat. If you have a big difference between your input and output voltage, and your circuit draws a lot of current, the heat builds up fast.The formula for heat in a linear regulator is:Power (W) = (Input Voltage - Output Voltage) × Output CurrentThe transistor inside acts like a resistor, turning extra voltage into heat.If you use a small heat sink or none at all, the heat cannot escape.High input voltage or heavy loads make the problem worse.Sometimes, missing bypass capacitors or wrong pin connections can also cause overheating.Note: Linear regulators always waste some energy as heat. If you need to drop a lot of voltage or supply a lot of current, consider using a switching regulator instead.Solutions and PreventionYou can keep your voltage regulator cool and safe by following a few simple steps:Attach a proper heat sink to the regulator. This helps pull heat away and keeps the temperature down.Use current limiting circuits. These protect the regulator from drawing too much current and overheating.Add series resistors before the regulator input to drop some voltage and reduce heat.For big voltage drops or high currents, switch to a step-down switching regulator (SMPS). These are much more efficient and stay cooler.Check the datasheet for your regulator. Use the formulas to size your heat sink correctly.Make sure you have all the right capacitors in place to prevent oscillation and extra heat.Choose regulators with built-in thermal protection if possible.Remember: Keeping your regulator cool not only prevents shutdowns but also helps your circuit last much longer.Poor RegulationRegulation SymptomsYou might notice your circuit does not keep the voltage steady. Sometimes, the output voltage drifts up or down when you add or remove a load. Maybe your devices reset or act strange when you turn on something new. You could see the voltage drop too much under heavy load or rise too high when the load is light. If you use a voltmeter, you may spot the voltage changing more than it should. These are all signs of poor regulation.Tip: If your lights flicker or your electronics restart for no reason, check the voltage regulator first.Zener Voltage ProblemsThe Zener diode plays a big role in keeping your voltage stable. When the current through the Zener diode drops too low, it cannot hold a steady voltage. This makes the output voltage of your regulator swing up and down. You need to make sure the Zener diode always gets enough current to stay in its breakdown region.The Zener diode acts like a variable resistor at low currents.Poor regulation happens when the Zener current is too low, causing voltage to change.You must control the load current to keep the Zener working right.Low voltage Zener diodes often have worse regulation at low currents, so the output can become unstable.If the Zener current falls below its minimum, the voltage regulation gets worse. Sometimes, the Zener diode can also add electrical noise to your output, making things even less stable.High Resistance PathsHigh resistance in your circuit can cause big problems for voltage regulation. If you have loose wires, bad solder joints, or thin traces on your board, you add extra resistance between the regulator and the load. The transistor in your regulator must work harder to keep the voltage steady. This extra resistance causes voltage drops that the regulator tries to fix, but it cannot always keep up.When resistance goes up, the transistor has to adjust more. This makes it heat up and can lead to poor voltage control. If the resistance changes with temperature, your voltage might drift even more. You want to keep all connections clean and solid to avoid these issues.Troubleshooting GuideYou can find and fix poor regulation by following these steps:Use a multimeter to measure the output voltage with no load. Write down the value.Connect your normal load and measure the voltage again. See if it drops or rises too much.Wiggle wires and gently press on solder joints. Watch the voltage for sudden changes.Check the Zener diode current. Make sure it stays above the minimum needed for stable operation.Inspect all connections for corrosion or loose parts. Fix any bad spots you find.Replace the Zener diode if you see voltage swings, even when the current looks right.If you still see problems, swap out the transistor. Sometimes, a weak transistor cannot keep up.Test the regulator under different loads. The voltage should stay close to the target value.Note: If your voltage goes above 14.5 volts or below 13.8 volts during these tests, your regulator may be faulty or your battery may be weak.You can solve most poor regulation problems by checking the Zener diode, cleaning up high resistance paths, and making sure your transistor series voltage regulator has good connections.Noise and RippleNoise SymptomsYou might notice some strange things happening in your circuit when noise creeps into your voltage regulator. Here are some common symptoms you can spot:Lights flicker, dim, or pulse. For example, your headlights might go from bright to dim and back again.Gauges on your dashboard act jumpy or flicker. This includes the speedometer, fuel gauge, or warning lights.Dashboard warning lights turn on and off for no clear reason.Noise in your regulator can also show up as tiny voltage spikes or sudden jumps. Sensitive circuits might pick up these disturbances and start acting weird. Sometimes, you hear buzzing or see your electronics reset without warning.Tip: If you see flickering or pulsing in your lights or gauges, check your voltage regulator for noise issues.Causes of RippleRipple is another troublemaker that can sneak into your voltage regulator’s output. Here’s what usually causes it:The output capacitor’s ability to filter ripple drops at higher frequencies.The regulator’s feedback loop cannot react instantly, so it lets some ripple through.At low frequencies, the regulator’s own output impedance controls how much ripple gets out.If your input supply has ripple, some of it can sneak past the regulator, especially if the feedback loop is slow.Not enough voltage difference between input and output (dropout voltage) can make the regulator lose control, letting more ripple through.You might also see ripple if your filter capacitors are too small or if you use the wrong type of capacitor.Fixes and Best PracticesYou can fight noise and ripple with a few smart moves:Use bigger capacitors (like 10–1000 μF electrolytic or tantalum) to smooth out voltage bumps.Add LC filters before the regulator to block noise and ripple from reaching your circuit.Try a capacitance multiplier circuit. This uses a transistor to make your filter capacitor act much bigger, cutting down ripple.Place bypass capacitors close to your load to stop noise from traveling through your wires.Keep radio frequency (RF) interference away by using filters before your regulator.Make sure your transformer and rectifier match your voltage needs.Use good grounding and shielding to keep outside noise from sneaking in.Test your power supply with a multimeter or oscilloscope to spot any leftover noise.Note: You don’t need fancy parts to get good results. Just pick the right capacitor size and use solid wiring. That will solve most noise and ripple problems in your voltage regulator circuits.Component FailuresFailed Transistor SignsYou might run into trouble if the main transistor in your regulator fails. When this happens, your circuit can act in strange ways. Sometimes, the output voltage drops to almost zero. Other times, the voltage shoots up close to the input level. You may notice the regulator gets very hot or even smells burnt. If you touch the transistor and it feels much hotter than usual, that’s a big warning sign. You might also see the output voltage jump around or become unstable. If your circuit keeps resetting or your devices stop working, check the transistor first. Swapping in a new one often solves the problem.Diode and Capacitor IssuesProblems with diodes and capacitors can cause your transistor series voltage regulator to stop working right. Here are some things to watch for:Using a regular diode instead of a Zener diode means you lose voltage regulation. The output voltage can rise almost as high as the input.The Zener diode keeps your voltage steady. If it fails or you use the wrong type, the regulator cannot do its job.Large output capacitors can damage the regulator during shutdown, especially if the input voltage drops quickly. Adding a bypass diode helps protect your circuit.If the transistor leaks current, you need a minimum load for the regulator to work as expected.The resistors that feed the Zener diode must be the right size. If not, the Zener and transistor won’t get enough current, and your voltage will not stay stable.Tip: Always double-check your diodes and capacitors before powering up your circuit. A small mistake here can cause big problems later.Incorrect ValuesUsing the wrong resistor or capacitor values can create all sorts of headaches. If you pick a resistor that is too small, it can get hot and even burn out. Too large, and your Zener diode might not get enough current, so your voltage will drift. The transistor needs the right amount of base current to work well. If the Zener cannot supply enough, the regulator will not keep the voltage steady. Sometimes, the transistor leaves its active region and stops regulating. You might see the output voltage drop when you add a load or swing up and down with changes in input voltage. The negative feedback in your circuit depends on these values. If you get them wrong, the regulator cannot respond to changes, and your voltage will not stay stable. Always check the ratings and values before you build or repair your transistor series voltage regulator.Over-Voltage and Short CircuitsOver-Voltage SymptomsYou might notice some strange things if your voltage regulator faces an over-voltage problem. The transistor can get very hot, especially when your engine runs above 2000 RPM. Sometimes, you’ll feel the ignition key getting warm, or you might spot the 3AW relay heating up after just a few minutes. These heat-related signs mean your regulator is under stress. Over-voltage often makes the regulator work harder, trying to keep things steady. If you clean the ground connections and replace old battery cables, you may see the ignition key cool down and the voltage gauge return to normal. That’s a good sign your regulator is back to working right.Tip: If you ever smell something burning or feel parts getting hot, check for over-voltage right away.Short Circuit EffectsA short circuit can cause big trouble for your voltage regulator. When a wire touches where it shouldn’t, the load resistance drops very low. This makes a huge current rush through the regulator. Many modern regulators, like the 78xx series, have built-in safety features. These include thermal shutdown, which turns off the regulator if it gets too hot, and short-circuit protection, which limits the current. Some even reduce the current further as the voltage across the transistor rises, keeping things safer. Still, if the current gets too high, the regulator or pass transistor can get damaged. Simple current limiting helps, but it still lets a lot of heat build up. Foldback current limiting works better. It cuts the current way down during a short, so your parts stay safe.Protection MethodsYou can protect your circuit from both over-voltage and short circuits with a few smart tricks:Use Zener diodes or TVS diodes to clamp high voltages and keep your circuit safe. TVS diodes work well for big surges.Add a crowbar circuit. This uses a Zener diode and a transistor to disconnect the load if the voltage gets too high.For AC lines, MOVs (metal oxide varistors) help, but always pair them with a fuse.Place flyback diodes across relay coils to stop voltage spikes.Use resistors and RC or LC filters to shape and limit surges.Try ground isolation to keep surges from traveling through your system.Remember, fuses and breakers react too slowly for fast spikes, so use them as backup, not your main defense.Note: Combining these methods gives you the best shot at keeping your voltage regulator and connected devices safe from damage.Testing a Transistor Series Voltage RegulatorTest StepsTesting your transistor series voltage regulator is easier than you might think. You just need a few basic tools and a careful approach. Here’s how you can do it:Turn off the power to your circuit before you start.Check all connections. Make sure wires and solder joints look solid.Set up your load. Connect a normal load, like a light bulb or resistor, to the output.Turn on the power and use a multimeter to measure the output voltage.Compare the voltage you see with the value you expect. Write it down.Change the load by adding or removing devices. Watch how the voltage changes.Look for big drops or jumps in voltage. These show your regulator might have a problem.Feel the regulator after a few minutes. If it gets too hot, turn off the power and check for issues.Tip: Always test your regulator under real load conditions. This helps you spot problems that only show up when the circuit is working hard.Fault DiagnosisIf you spot something wrong, you can find the fault by following these steps:Look for damage. Check the transistor and other parts for burn marks or cracks.Use a multimeter. Switch to diode mode and test the transistor for shorts or open circuits.Check nearby parts. Sometimes, a bad resistor or diode can cause trouble.Swap out bad parts. Replace anything that looks damaged or fails your tests.Try an oscilloscope. Watch the output for strange signals or noise.Use thermal imaging. Hot spots can show you which part is failing.Test with a component tester. These tools give you more details about your transistor and diodes.Watch for warning lights. Some modern regulators have LEDs that show ground faults or overvoltage.Isolate the problem. Disconnect wires one at a time and see if the problem goes away.If you follow these steps, you can quickly find and fix most problems with your transistor series voltage regulator.You can keep your transistor series voltage regulator running strong by following a few simple steps:Check capacitors for stability.Make sure the heat sink works to prevent overheating.Replace poor-quality parts to cut down on ripple.Inspect wiring and connections if you see no output.Regular inspection helps you spot damage early and keeps your circuit safe. Testing with a multimeter or oscilloscope can catch problems before they get worse.If you have questions or want to share your own troubleshooting tips, drop a comment below! Your experience can help others, too.FAQWhat should I do if my regulator gets hot quickly?First, turn off the power. Check the heat sink. Make sure it fits well. Look for dust or dirt blocking airflow. If the problem continues, try a bigger heat sink or lower the load.Can I use any transistor in my voltage regulator?No, you need the right type. Always check the datasheet for voltage and current ratings. Using the wrong transistor can cause overheating or poor regulation. Pick one that matches your circuit’s needs.Why does my output voltage drop when I add more devices?This usually means your regulator cannot handle the extra load. Check the current rating. If you use too many devices, the voltage drops. Try using a regulator with a higher current limit.How do I know if my Zener diode is working?Use a multimeter. Set it to diode mode. Measure across the Zener diode. You should see a small voltage drop in one direction. If you see zero or no reading, the diode may be bad.What is the best way to reduce noise in my circuit?Add larger capacitors near the regulator output. Place them close to your load. Use short wires. Good grounding helps too. If you still hear noise, try adding a small ceramic capacitor for high-frequency filtering.

When in 2006, researchers at Harvard University, US, said they have made the best nanowire transistors to date. The devices consisted of germanium/silicon core/shell nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs) using high-κ dielectrics and a metal top gate geometry.  "We showed that our current Ge/Si nanowire FETs perform three to four times better than silicon CMOS [devices]," Charles Lieber of Harvard told nanotechweb.org, "thus demonstrating for the first time that there is a clear advantage to nanowire versus conventional planar FETs. This justifies further (aggressive) work on the nanowire FETs and, by reporting results in an industry standard, we hope we will also make industry better aware of the potential of this basic research." Lieber and colleagues used band structure design to create a hole gas in the Ge/Si core-shell system. "This has proved to be an ideal system with reliable ohmic contact and high mobility," said Lieber. The researchers employed a benchmark typically used by the semiconductor industry to characterize the on-current and intrinsic delay properties of their devices. The transistors exhibited a scaled transconductance of 3.3 mS µm-1 and on-current of 2.1 mA µm-1. Hole mobility, meanwhile, was 730 cm2 V-1 s-1 – 10 times higher than that of a silicon p-metal-oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). What's more, according to the scientists, the device's intrinsic switching delay was comparable to that of similar length carbon nanotube field-effect transistors and much better than the length-dependent scaling of planar silicon MOSFETs. Lieber reckons the devices could have applications in next-generation high-speed logic circuits after conventional CMOS technology hits its limits. "In addition, the high-performance nanowire transistors can also [work] on many unconventional substrates, such as glass or plastic for transparent or flexible applications, where conventional crystalline Si technology is not possible," he added. "The excellent mobility exhibited by the nanowires would greatly improve device speed for these applications." Now the researchers plan to improve the performance of the Ge/Si nanowire devices and scale them to smaller sizes; develop their ideas for other systems, for example by creating devices with a carrier gas of electrons rather than holes; and to create large-scale assemblies of the nanowire devices for integrated systems. 

Toshiba Memory has announced development of the world’s first BiCS FLASH three-dimensional (3D) flash memory utilising Through Silicon Via (TSV) technology with 3-bit-per-cell (triple-level cell, TLC) technology. Shipments of prototypes for development purposes started in June, and product samples are scheduled for release in the second half of 2017. The prototype of this ground-breaking device will be showcased at the 2017 Flash Memory Summit in Santa Clara, California, United States, from August 7-10.Devices fabricated with TSV technology have vertical electrodes and vias that pass through silicon dies to provide connections, an architecture that realises high speed data input and output while reducing power consumption. Real-world performance has been proven previously, with the introduction of Toshiba’s 2D NAND Flash memory. Combining a 48-layer 3D flash process and TSV technology has allowed Toshiba Memory Corporation to successfully increase product programming bandwidth while achieving low power consumption. The power efficiency of a single package is approximately twice that of the same generation BiCS FLASH memory fabricated with wire-bonding technology. TSV BiCS FLASH also enables a 1-terabyte (TB) device with a 16-die stacked architecture in a single package. Toshiba Memory will commercialise BiCS FLASH with TSV technology to provide an ideal solution in respect for storage applications requiring low latency, high bandwidth and high IOPS/W, including high-end enterprise SSDs. Ref.KY32-CG7937AAKY32-CG7797AAT