JEDEC Forecasts Late-2010 Publication for Universal Flash Storage Standard

ARLINGTON, Va., USA – MARCH 24th, 2010 – JEDEC Solid State Technology Association, the global leader in standards development for the microelectronics industry, today announced plans to publish its anticipated Universal Flash Storage (UFS) standard in late-2010. JEDEC UFS is being designed as a next-generation specification that will enable higher performance and greater efficiencies when flash memory is used in products such as laptops, mobile phones, including smart phones, and other consumer electronics devices.

 

The proposed UFS Standard will define a multi-gigabit per second high speed interface for embedded mass storage and removable cards, and will address the need for a high-speed, high-capacity mass storage device, as well as support for XiP, bootable storage devices and I/O devices. Power, performance, pin count and system scalability are the main focus for the future UFS Standard.

 

Strong industry support is expected for the UFS standard. The proposed standard is being developed by principal consumer electronic and cell phone OEMs, in conjunction with major chip manufacturers.

 

Several JEDEC member companies involved with the development of the standard have decided to form a separate, independent association for the purpose of coordinating and promoting widespread adoption of UFS. This organization, to be called the Universal Flash Storage Association (UFSA), is seeking interested member companies. Interested parties should contact Desi Rhoden (desi.rhoden@brite-sun.com), Chairman JEDEC Memory Committee JC-42, for more information.

 

“Today’s multiple form factors for flash memory cards represent a significant design bottleneck, a major compatibility issue and a roadblock to end-user convenience. JEDEC’s move toward an industry-wide flash storage standard will address market demands for faster data access while resolving interoperability concerns,” said Mian Quddus, Chairman of the JEDEC Board of Directors. “And those companies who come together to promote UFS through UFSA will help ensure this proposed standard has the best chance for rapid, widespread deployment in the marketplace.”

 

JEDEC is the leading developer of standards for the microelectronics industry. Over 3,000 participants, appointed by nearly 300 companies, work together in 50 JEDEC committees to meet the needs of every segment of the industry, manufacturers and consumers alike. The publications and standards that they generate are accepted throughout the world. All JEDEC standards are available online, at no charge. For more information, visit www.jedec.org.