Embedded flash memory targets next-gen smartphones
In order to deliver the fast embedded storage transfer speeds of the next generation of smartphones, Kioxia Europe has introduced 256Gbyte, 512Gbyte and 1Tbyte embedded flash memory devices.
The UFS (Universal Flash Storage) Version 4.0 devices deliver fast embedded storage transfer speeds in a small package. The improved performance enabled by these memory devices allows smartphones to take advantage of 5G’s connectivity benefits, leading to faster downloads, reduced lag time and an improved user experience, said Kioxia.
UFS 4.0 devices integrate Kioxia’s BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory and a controller in a JEDEC-standard package. They also incorporate MIPI M-PHY 5.0 and UniPro 2.0 and support theoretical interface speeds of up to 23.2Gbits per second per lane or 46.4Gbits per second per device. UFS 4.0 is backwards compatible with UFS 3.1.
The memory devices exhibit an improved performance, compared to the previous generation with an increase of 18 per cent in sequential write, a 30 per cent increase in random write and a 13 per cent increase in random read performance.
They also support high speed link startup sequence (HS-LSS) features. This increases the start up and initialisation sequence between the device and host to around 1248Mbits per second, compared with around 9Mbits per second when using link start up.
Security is enhanced by using advanced RPMB (replay protected memory block) for faster read and write access to security data. For example, RPMB purge ensure discarded data is sanitised securely and rapidly.
There is also support for extended initiator ID (Ext-IID) which is used with MCQ (multi circular queue) at the UFS 4.0 host controller for improved random performance.
Sample shipments of the 256Gbyte and 512Gbyte devices began this month, with the 1Tbyte device scheduled to follow after October. Specification of the samples may differ from commercial products.
Kioxia Europe (formerly Toshiba Memory Europe) is the European-based subsidiary of Kioxia, supplying flash memory and solid-state drives (SSDs). From the invention of NAND flash memory to its BiCS FLASH, the company says it pioneers memory solutions. It says that its BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology is shaping the future of storage in high-density applications, including advanced smartphones, PCs, SSDs, automotive and data centres.
