Toshiba Memory launches new form factor for very small NVME SSDs

Toshiba Memory presents Xfmexpress, a form factor for very small NVME SSDs. The system consists of a socket for memory cards with dimensions of 18x14x1.4mm. This makes NVME SSDs about half the size of micro SD memory cards.

The overall dimensions of Toshiba’s Xfmexpress form factor are 22.2×17.75×2.2mm. This concerns the outer dimensions of the socket in which the nvme memory chips can be placed. The form factor should be an alternative to bga-ssds, emmc and ufs modules that are soldered to motherboards, something that happens in very thin laptops, for example. Using the Xfmexpress form factor would make it easier to expand or upgrade the storage space of such devices.

Xfmexpress ssds can offer the same performance as soldered bga variants. The form factor works with the PCI-e interface with two or four lanes. There is support for pci-e 3.0 and 4.0. Fast SSDs in small format are often limited by the heat generation and the socket is designed in such a way that a metal lid can be used to dissipate that heat.

It is not yet known whether and when companies will use the Xfmexpress form factor. In the press release published by Toshiba, Lenovo does express support for the concept. That could indicate that at least that manufacturer will use the new form factor.