Which component of an SSD serves as a bridge between the flash memory and the system?

The controller is a crucial component of an SSD (Solid State Drive), acting as the intermediary between the flash memory and the host system. Its primary function is to manage data transactions and ensure efficient communication between the processor and the storage medium. The controller coordinates the reading, writing, and erasing processes on the flash memory cells, optimizing how data is stored and retrieved.

It handles various tasks such as wear leveling, garbage collection, and error correction, all of which contribute to the performance and longevity of the SSD. The controller also translates commands from the operating system into a format that the flash memory can understand, effectively bridging the gap between the software and hardware components of the SSD.

In contrast, the other components mentioned play different roles. The memory chip refers to the actual storage medium where data is held, the interface board provides the physical connection to the host system, and cache memory, while useful for speeding up operations, does not serve the bridging function that the controller does. Therefore, understanding the role of the controller is key in grasping how SSDs operate overall.