This standard defines JEDEC requirements for solid state drives. For each defined class of solid state drive, the standard defines the conditions of use and the corresponding endurance verification requirements. Although endurance is to be rated based upon the standard conditions of use for the class, the standard also sets out requirements for possible additional use conditions as agreed to between manufacturer and purchaser.

Qualification of a solid state drive involves many factors beyond endurance and retention, so such qualification is beyond the scope of this standard, but this standard is sufficient for the endurance and retention part of a drive qualification. This standard applies to individual products and also to qualification families as defined in this standard.

The scope of this standard includes solid state drives based on solid-state non-volatile memory (NVM). NAND Flash memory is the most common form on memory used in solid state drives at the time of this writing, and this standard emphasizes certain features of NAND. The standard is also intended to apply to other forms of NVM.