Micron has announced the sampling of an enhanced version of the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 4.0
2024-03-04
Micron Technology, Inc., has announced the sampling of an enhanced version of the Universal Flash Storage (UFS) 4.0 mobile solution, featuring breakthrough proprietary firmware capabilities and adopting the industry-leading compact UFS package (9 x 13mm). Built on advanced 232-layer 3D NAND technology, the Micron UFS 4.0 solution can achieve up to 1 TB capacity, and its exceptional performance and end-to-end technological innovation will help flagship smartphones achieve faster response times and a more sensitive user experience.
The sequential read and write speeds of Micron UFS 4.0 are up to 4300 MBps and 4000 MBps, respectively, doubling the performance compared to previous generations and providing a superior user experience for data-intensive applications. With high-speed performance, users can launch commonly used productivity, creativity, and emerging AI applications faster. Loading times for large language models in generative AI applications can be increased by 40%, providing a smoother user experience for conversations with AI digital assistants.
Micron’s latest UFS 4.0 solution adopts the industry-leading compact UFS packaging, delivering top-notch storage performance while reducing power consumption. This solution, with its breakthrough firmware upgrade, ensures smartphones maintain a smooth operating condition as when first unboxed, while further enhancing mobile storage performance standards through stronger performance, flexibility, and scalability, accelerating the widespread adoption of generative AI features in smartphones.
The compact packaging design lays the foundation for ultra-thin, energy-saving smartphones. After launching a UFS 4.0 solution with an 11mm x 13mm package specification last June, Micron further minimized the UFS 4.0 form factor to achieve a more compact 9mm x 13mm managed NAND packaging. The smaller UFS 4.0 opens up more possibilities for the design of next-generation foldable and ultra-thin smartphones, allowing manufacturers to place larger batteries with the saved space. Moreover, the new UFS 4.0 solution can improve energy efficiency by 25%, offering users longer battery life when running high-consumption applications such as AI, AR, gaming, and multimedia.
Micron’s proprietary firmware innovations further elevate mobile flash storage standards. This enhanced UFS 4.0, based on Micron’s UFS 4.0 product mass-produced last year, offers several proprietary firmware update features, including:
High-Performance Mode (HPM): This proprietary function boosts the performance of smartphones during intensive use by prioritizing critical tasks over background tasks. Activating HPM doubles storage access speed, helping to increase app launch speeds by over 25% when starting multiple applications.
One-Key Refresh (OBR): The OBR function helps users maintain enduring high performance by automatically cleaning and optimizing data, keeping the smartphone running smoothly as if it were brand new. Faster read/write performance can improve app launch speeds by 10%, achieving quicker photo gallery access and smooth multitasking for a better user experience.
Zoned UFS (ZUFS): Micron UFS 4.0 now supports host-specified different data storage areas to enhance the device’s long-term use experience. ZUFS effectively addresses the issue of write amplification, extending the lifespan of smartphones without sacrificing performance by making the most of the limited programming and erase cycles, thus maintaining a smooth user experience over time.
Micron’s engineering team, through predicting emerging use scenarios, simulating real application environments, and closely collaborating with customers for feedback in its global labs, has successfully created these innovative firmware functions. In customer joint labs located in the United States, China, and Korea, Micron works closely with smartphone manufacturers, developing targeted solutions to address technical bottlenecks by understanding the challenges manufacturers face.
Micron’s enhanced UFS 4.0 is now available for sampling, with capacity options of 256 GB, 512GB, and 1TB. The expanded capacity supports flagship smartphones to accommodate all data analyzed and generated by device-end AI assistants and the increasing number of user photos, unleashing the advantages of AI and offering higher security than cloud storage. With local data storage, users can access personal data at any time, even when offline or in areas with unstable network signals, benefiting from powerful AI features.
