SanDisk Introduces ExtremeFFS

By DE Editors

SanDisk Corporation (Los Angeles, CA) unveiled an advanced flash file system for solid-state drives (SSDs) that yields improvement in performance and reliability for computing applications: ExtremeFFS, a next-generation patented flash-management system that has the potential to accelerate random write speeds by up to 100 times over existing systems will ship in SanDisk products during 2009.

SanDisk also proposes two metrics for end-users to measure performance and endurance: virtualRPM (vRPM) and Long-Term Data Endurance (LDE). vRPM allows consumers to measure and compare SSD and hard disk drive performance. The industry is encouraged to adopt a simple endurance metric to determine the lifespan of an SSD.

To maximize random write performance, SanDisk developed the ExtremeFFS flash file management system. This operates on a page-based algorithm, which means there is no fixed coupling between physical and logical location. When a sector of data is written, the SSD puts it where it is most convenient and efficient. The result is an improvement in random write performance -- by up to 100 times -- as well as in overall endurance.

ExtremeFFS incorporates a fully non-blocking architecture in which all of the NAND channels can behave independently, with some reading while others are writing and garbage collecting. Another key element of ExtremeFFS is usage-based content localization.

Apart from vRPM, SanDisk is proposing Long-Term Data Endurance (LDE), which simplifies endurance as a useful number, as the first industry metric of long-term data endurance. LDE represents the total amount of data writes allowed in the lifespan of an SSD. SanDisk will spec LDE on its future PC SSD products.

For the LDE proposal and white paper, along with a backgrounder on vRPM, visit SanDisk Corporation.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.