Non-Volatile File System
| Industry | Consumer electronics, software |
|---|---|
| Products | Non-Volatile File System (NVFS) |
Non-Volatile File System (NVFS) is a type of flash memory file system implemented in various Palm Personal Digital Assistant devices, including models like the Tungsten T5, Tungsten E2, Palm TX, Z22, the Treo 650/700/680/755p series, and the Palm Centro.
NVFS Overview
Created by palmOne, NVFS provides persistent data storage that remains intact even if the device loses power, a significant improvement over earlier volatile memory systems where data was erased when batteries died. This flash-based solution was developed to address user concerns regarding data loss during power interruptions, eliminating the previous requirement for constant charging to safeguard information.
A comparable persistent storage mechanism is also found in PDAs operating on Windows Mobile 5.0.
Design and Technical Details
NVFS utilizes NAND flash memory technology to maintain stored information through battery replacements or power failures. palmOne emphasizes that this flash memory approach reduces the frequency of charging and minimizes energy consumption. However, the introduction of NVFS's new data structure led to compatibility challenges with some software originally designed for devices without NVFS.
User Response and Controversy
The NVFS system organizes data in 512-byte clusters, which results in roughly a 33% increase in storage consumption compared to the 14-byte blocks used by volatile memory systems. To mitigate this issue, palmOne provided select customers with complimentary 128 MB SD cards. The company also committed to delivering ROM updates aimed at decreasing NVFS overhead; subsequent device releases incorporated these improvements by default—for instance, the Tungsten E2 adopted 4 KB block sizes. Early users of Treo 650 and Tungsten T5 models were urged to apply the NVFS Fix updates promptly. Despite enhancements, NVFS faced criticism from advanced users, affecting the perception of devices such as the Tungsten T5 and Treo 650.
Subsequent Enhancements
The initial Sprint Treo 650 Updater from palmOne reduced block size overhead from 512 bytes down to between 16 and 32 bytes, significantly optimizing NVFS file system memory management. A second update for the Sprint Treo 650 was released on June 16, 2005, alongside an Unlocked GSM Firmware Upgrade that further improved NVFS efficiency and resolved known problems. Similarly, the Rogers Wireless Treo 650 Firmware Update, accessible through Rogers support channels, delivered comparable bug fixes and enhancements to NVFS. Early production runs of the palmOne Tungsten E2, Verizon Wireless Treo 650, and Earthlink Wireless Treo 650 included these NVFS system improvements pre-installed.
On June 22, 2005, palmOne launched the Tungsten T5 Version 1.1 Update addressing longstanding NVFS inefficiencies since its November 2004 debut while also upgrading the operating system to Garnet version 5.4.8. Following this, on July 25, 2005, a Cingular Treo 650 Fix was issued targeting NVFS performance issues; users of this model were advised to install this Flash ROM Update without delay.
See also
External links
- palmOne Treo 650 Updater – NVFS Features
- palmOne Tungsten T5 Version 1.1 Update – Garnet 5.4.8 upgrade
- palmOne Tungsten T5 new features
- palmOne Tungsten T5 KB Article 34247
- palmOne Tungsten E2 NVFS Information
- palmOne NVFS Overview
- Palm Infocenter – palmOne NVFS Controversy
- Palm Focus – Treo 650 Software Compatibility
- Palm Focus – Tungsten T5 Software Compatibility
- Hobbyist Software – Cache Crash Fix