Kioxia Samples UFS 4.1 Memory for Automotive Systems

Kioxia has begun sampling its latest UFS 4.1 embedded memory, developed specifically for automotive systems. Built on the company’s eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D NAND and in-house controller, the devices are available in 128 GB, 256 GB, 512 GB, and 1 TB configurations.

The lineup is intended for data-heavy systems like infotainment platforms, ADAS, vehicle computers, and telematics. All versions meet AEC-Q100/104 Grade 2 requirements and operate at case temperatures up to 115°C.

Noticeable Speed Gains

Compared to the company’s previous 512 GB UFS 3.1 device, the new UFS 4.1 version delivers clear performance improvements:

• Up to 2.1 times faster sequential reads
• Around 2.5 times the sequential write speed
• 2.1 times faster random reads
• Nearly 4 times the random write performance

For automotive engineers, that means quicker boot times, faster map or video loading, and better performance in systems that continuously read and write large volumes of data.

Flash Architecture That Packs a Punch

Kioxia’s eighth-gen BiCS FLASH introduces a key architectural change: CBA, or CMOS directly bonded to the memory array. This design brings the logic and storage layers physically closer, which helps reduce signal delay, improve efficiency, and pack more capacity into a given space.

From a system perspective, it allows engineers to handle higher workloads without the usual penalties in power consumption or latency.

Features That Go Beyond Speed

Performance isn’t the only update. The new memory also adds flexibility and monitoring tools that simplify integration and lifecycle management.

For example, UFS 4.1 includes:

• WriteBooster enhancements, such as buffer resizing and pinned partial flush mode, giving developers more control over how data is managed
• A new vendor-specific health descriptor, which makes it easier to monitor memory wear and support predictive maintenance
• Backward compatibility with UFS 3.1 and 4.0 designs, easing the upgrade path

Together, these features make the devices a strong fit for platforms that need reliability as much as raw speed.

Use Cases That Benefit

This new UFS 4.1 generation is well suited to:

• Infotainment systems with demanding multimedia loads
• ADAS units processing real-time sensor data
• Telematics modules where storage durability matters
• Centralized vehicle computers that handle updates, diagnostics, and live data streaming

Final Thoughts

Kioxia’s UFS 4.1 sampling program gives automotive developers access to faster, more efficient embedded storage, with features tailored to modern vehicle architectures. For any team building next-gen ECUs, domain controllers, or software-defined systems, it’s a solid option worth exploring.

Learn more and read the original press release here.