A re-configurable FTL (Flash Translation Layer) architecture for NAND flash based applications

In this paper, we propose a novel FTL (Flash Translation Layer) architecture for NAND flash based applications such as mp3 players, DSCs (Digital still camera) and SSDs (Solid-state disk). Even though the basic function of an FTL is to translate a logical sector address to a physical sector address in flash memory, its efficient algorithms have a significant impact on performance as well as lifetime. After we categorize dominant parameters that affect performance and endurance, we explore the design space of the FTL architecture based on a diverse workload analysis. With our FTL architectural framework, we can decide which configuration of FTL mapping parameters yields the best performance depending on each NAND flash application behavior.