IC design house Etron Technology has launched EV166T, a single-channel TLC (triple-level cell)-supporting USB 3.0 flash drive controller IC that costs only US$0.50 more than a comparable USB 2.0 model, according to the company.

USB 3.0 for flash drives has not been popular because prices for 2- and 4-channel USB 3.0 controller ICs are significantly high, Etron indicated. The cost of EV166T is low enough to make the BOM (bill of materials) for a USB 3.0 flash drive only US$0.50 more than that for a USB 2.0 model, Etron pointed out. The low cost is expected to win wide adoption in the second half of 2012, Etron said.

EV166T is equipped with ECC (error correction code) and supports TLC/MLC/SLC NAND flash based on 1x, 2x and 3x nm processes as well as Toggle Mode and ONFI 2.2, Etron noted. Etron will begin production of EV166T based on 19nm process in June.

Etron said currently 90% of its revenues come from ICs related to memory products.