Intel Corp. and its allies Hynix Semiconductor, Micron Technology, Phison Electronics Corp. and Sony Corp. announced Wednesday the foundation of the formation of the open NAND flash interface (ONFI) working group. The mission of the ONFI Working Group is to simplify integration of NAND flash memory into consumer electronics (CE) devices and computing platforms. The new program, however, lacks the main NAND flash memory supplier – Samsung Electronics.

The interface will enable NAND devices to self-describe their capabilities to the host, including memory layout, timing support and enhanced features. The specification will also standardize the command set for NAND, put infrastructure in place for future evolution of NAND capabilities, and provide flexibility for supplier-specific optimizations. Additionally, the specification will define common pin-outs in order to avoid board layout changes when using a new NAND device from different vendors.

NAND flash memory is used to store data within the devices, such as Apple iPod digital media player. Apple Computer, the maker of the most successful digital music player, has signed an agreement to supply NAND flash memory with Hynix Semiconductor, Intel Corp., Micron, Samsung Electronics and Toshiba. Even though Samsung and Toshiba are not in the ONFI at this point, it if highly likely that they would become part of it at a point in future to satisfy the needs of Apple, who is one of the largest NAND flash customers in the world.

The group continues to work with other industry-leading companies, including NAND suppliers, to form the board of directors. Additional founding members are expected to be announced within the quarter as the process is completed. The specification is scheduled to be completed by the ONFI working group in the second half of 2006.

“Establishing a standard interface technology will help companies accelerate time to market and enable new products to use NAND-based memory,” said Celeste Crystal, senior research analyst for IDC. “Working together to establish an industry standard, such as ONFI, will help simplify the integration of NAND flash memory into PCs and consumer electronics”.