UFS 2.1-compliant flash memory for automotive applications

The new embedded NAND flash memory products integrate NAND chips fabricated with 15nm process technology and a controller in a single package. Five different capacities of 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256GB support a variety of automotive applications. These include infotainment, which typically needs high-capacity storage, and wireless communications, which may need only a small capacity.

Storage requirements for automotive applications continue to increase as systems including automotive information and entertainment systems and ADAS become more sophisticated. UFS supports their high performance and density needs. The addition of automotive UFS expands Toshiba Memory Europe’s line-up of embedded NAND flash memory products for automotive applications, which currently includes automotive e-MMC products.

Utilising the UFS interface allows the new products to achieve sequential read of 850MB/s and random read of 50kIOPs, which are approximately 2.7 times and 7.1 times faster than their current e-MMC counterparts, respectively.

Other new functions specifically suited to automotive applications have been added to the new UFS products, including refresh, thermal control and extended diagnosis. Refresh can be used to refresh data stored in the UFS and can contribute to the extension of the data’s life span. Thermal control protects against overheating in the high temperatures that can occur in automotive applications. Extended diagnosis helps users to understand the condition of the product.

Toshiba Memory’s UFS products have been used to boost overall system performance in mobile devices, and the introduction of automotive UFS products is expected to have a similarly positive impact on the development of automotive information and entertainment systems and ADAS. Toshiba Memory is already in discussion with major automobile makers on the possibility of implementing the new line-up in next-gen projects.

As the storage requirements for automotive applications continue to grow, Toshiba Memory will continue to lead the market by reinforcing its line-up of high-performance, high-density memory solutions targeting the sector.