JEDEC Published JESD220E Universal Flash Storage (UFS) V.3.1

JEDEC Solid State Technology Association announced the publication of Universal Flash Storage (UFS) version 3.1, JESD220E.

In addition, an optional companion standard, JESD220-3: UFS Host Performance Booster (HPB) extension, has also been published.

Developed for mobile applications and computing systems requiring performance with low power consumption, UFS 3.1 introduces features intended to help maximize device performance while minimizing power usage. Both JESD220E and JESD220-3 are available for download from the JEDEC website.

JESD220E UFS 3.1 defines following updates over prior version of standard:

• Write booster: a SLC non-volatile cache that amplifies write speed

• DeepSleep: a UFS device low power state targeting lower cost systems that share UFS voltage regulators with other functions

• Performance throttling notification: allows the UFS device to notify the host when storage performance is throttled due to high temperature

JESD220-3 Host Performance Booster (HPB) Extension provides an option to cache the UFS device logical-to-physical address map in the system’s DRAM. For UFS devices with a large density, using system DRAM provides larger and faster caching thereby improving the read performance of the device.

“The development of UFS 3.1 is a prime example of the ongoing commitment within JEDEC to continually improve and enhance JEDEC standards to meet the needs of the industry and, ultimately, the consumer,” said Mian Quddus, chairman, board of directors, JEDEC, and JC-64 committee for embedded memory storage and removable memory cards. The new features introduced with UFS 3.1 and UFS HPB will offer product designers greater flexibility in managing power consumption and enhancing device performance.“

About UFS
It is an open standard, performance interface designed for use in applications where power consumption needs to be minimized, including mobile systems such as smartphones and tablets as well as automotive applications. Its fast serial interface and optimized protocol enable improvements in throughput and system performance. The prior version of the standard, UFS 3.0, introduced 2 features specifically for the automotive market: the ability to function at an extended temperature range (-40°C/105°C) and refresh operation with added host control mechanism to improve device data reliability.

MIPI collaboration
To achieve performance and power efficient data transport, JEDEC UFS leverages specs from the MIPI Alliance to form its Interconnect Layer. This collaboration continues with UFS version 3.1, which references the MIPI M-PHY v4.1 physical layer spec and the MIPI UniPro v1.8 transport layer spec.

Partnership with UFSA
JEDEC partners with the Universal Flash Storage Association (UFSA), which was created to support the adoption and acceptance of the JEDEC UFS standard. UFSA’s primary mission includes the promotion of UFS technology and infrastructure by providing product compliance and UFS logo certification management. Through compliance testing UFSA provides input back to JEDEC for future spec development.