Target applications include thin clients, point-of-sale terminals, gaming equipment, single-board computers, and other embedded systems.

Microsoft endorsed the new capability, which was announced at this week's Embedded Systems Conference. "M-Systems' uDiskOnChip USB 2.0 flash disk boot solution is an example of the innovative and flexible solutions that bring added value to our Windows XP Embedded customers," said Jane Gilson, director for the Mobile and Embedded Devices Division at Microsoft. "Microsoft works closely with companies such as M-Systems to bring the best user experience to our embedded customers."

M-Systems has been promoting the uDiskOnChip as an embedded Flash module standard since mid-2003. In addition to flash memory, the small module also contains a 32-bit ARM processor, a flash memory controller, and a security/encryption coprocessor. It interfaces with the system via an 18-pin (2 line x 9 pin) header rather than a conventional USB connector.


uDiskOnChip plugs in via an 18-pin header
Key features of uDiskOnChip, according to M-Systems, include:

• High-performance acceleration algorithms to maximize the capabilities of USB 2.0
  
• Flash-management algorithms to maximize data reliability
  
• Hardware-based security and cryptography

The uDiskOnChip supports write rates up to 10 Mbytes/second and read rates as high as 20 MBbytes/second on a 1.6-GHz Pentium-M system.

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