Nonvolatile memory requirements in a mobile computing environment

Abstract

In order to discuss the nonvolatile memory requirements of mobile systems it is first necessary to define what is meant by "mobile computing environment". This paper begins by distinguishing what is meant by a mobile computing environment and how this environment dictates certain design goals. It is these design goals that are driving two distinct classes of mobile computing products: handheld devices (PDAs, calculators) and mobile computers (notebooks, subnotebooks). These classes are defined in terms of the end-user model on which they are based. It is this end-user model that dictates the architectural requirements of the class. The architecture of the class certainly places demands on the system which in part are being met with nonvolatile memory. The demands that are currently being met with nonvolatile memory are explored for both of the classes of mobile systems. The paper then discusses the current state of the mobile computing environment and how the evolution of this environment will result in the erosion of the architectural differences between the two classes. As the two architectures become less delineated there will be other opportunities for nonvolatile memory. These other opportunities are explored and the role that nonvolatile memory will serve in future mobile systems is discussed.