Toshiba announces the release of a new XFMExpress non-volatile memory standard for use in thin and lightweight consumer electronics, ultra-thin notebooks and IO devices.
With XFMExpress, you can solve the problems of serviceability of slim and lightweight devices where the solid-state drive is firmly mounted on the motherboard and cannot be replaced. The M.2 drive alternative does not meet the thickness requirements of current devices.
Toshiba XFMExpress would be used in ultra-thin notebooks and IO devices
The manufacturer states that XFMExpress does not compete with SD Express because it is not a removable media solution, but an internal storage device that is easy to replace. XFMExpress consists of two components: an XFMExpress module in the format of an SD card (14 x 18 x 1.4 mm) and a connector developed by Toshiba in collaboration with JAE (Japan Aviation Electronics). Essentially, the connector is an LGA pin on the board and is a steel terminal.
In terms of performance and capacity, XFMExpress drives are no different from NVMe M.2 solid-state drives because they use the PCIe x4 interface and NVMe protocol. The XFMExpress module design includes the controller, DRAM cache, and NAND 3D flash memory.
With this new storage unit, Toshiba believes there is a market need for a storage standard that saves space and stays in the devices, but allows for repair when removed from the laptop or IO device.