NAND flash read/write cache directions for the personal computing platform

In 2007, NAND flash memory was first introduced into the personal computing platform by Intel in the form of a non-volatile read/write cache to augment the PC computing platform memory subsystem. This innovation provided faster random access to key data and files instead of requiring access to the magnetic hard disk drive. In its introductory form, utilizing then available NAND flash memory generation and architecture, the NAND flash read/write cache performed well on a PCI-express bus. However, the PC computing platform is evolving to further utilize the benefits of NAND flash memory to enable a better user experience to include: faster hibernations and resumes; a virtual SATA SSD (Solid State Drive) partition; user controls to select which applications receive accelerated execution; and increased data access speed for frequented data. In this paper, the changing PC platform and the NAND flash architecture, performance demands, memory interfaces, and the heightened reliability usage model creating the new computer platforms will be discussed.