One memory card format to replace all others?

Samsung was said today to be developing the first Universal Flash Storage (UFS) memory cards based on a design developed by the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association. It expects to have the new format ready by the first half of 2011. The first generation of UFS is set to deliver 300Mbps data transfer speeds with future scalability. This compares very favorably with the recent announcement by Toshiba that its new Ultra High Speed I (UHS-I) will deliver maximum read rate of 95Mbps and write speeds of 80Mbps.

While it's not expected by Digitimes sources to challenge SD variants in the short term, it may pose more of a threat in the longer term as users become aware of the new alternative and its performance potential. Its planned uses are the same as for existing flash cards, but the aim is to develop a universal standard to reduce consumer confusion and enhance the interoperability of the cards with products from different vendors.

Other notable partners joining Samsung in the JEDEC Solid State Technology Association venture include Sony Ericsson, Nokia and Texas Instruments. It remains to be seen whether other companies, which have vested interests in pushing their proprietary technology will be persuaded by JEDEC, or by market forces, in moving to the UFS memory card format.

A schemata of the UFS format is included for reference below.

By Electronista Staff