The Next Evolution Stage of SSD Solutions

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Dennis Smith
5 years ago
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One Package SSD Module essd (embedded-ssd) series The Next Evolution Stage of SSD Solutions The adoption of solid state drives (SSDs) as storage devices that substitute and complement HDDs is rapidly

TDK s new One Package SSD Module essd Series is a SATA storage IC in which single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash memory and an advanced memory controller IC GBDriver RS3 are combined in a single package

1 One Package SSD Module essd (embedded-ssd) series The Next Evolution Stage of SSD Solutions The adoption of solid state drives (SSDs) as storage devices that substitute and complement HDDs is rapidly increasing for various electronic devices. The memory controller IC mounted in the SSD determines its performance. TDK s new One Package SSD Module essd Series is a SATA storage IC in which single-level cell (SLC) NAND flash memory and an advanced memory controller IC GBDriver RS3 are combined in a single package in a ball grid array (BGA) format, using multi-chip packaging technology. Since the product can be directly mounted onto the motherboard without using a module connector, it can realize significant space conservation and mounting cost reduction. The essd can be applied to a broad range of fields, including mobile devices, audio-visual devices such as 3DTVs, blu-ray disc players/recorders, digital cameras and camcorders, and other embedded devices including multifunctional printers and banking/atm/kiosk terminals. SSD solutions are about to enter a new era through the achievement of system-in-a-package technology that responds to market needs. 01

2 A Storage System for the Cloud Era in Which SSDs and HDDs are Segregated While Working Together Due to the spread of digitalization, the Internet and cloud computing, the amount of information generated daily is increasing at an accelerated pace, exceeding the total storage capacity in Since then, the gap between the amount of generated information and storage capacity is only becoming wider. Though nearly 80% of the storage capacity is handled by HDDs, there has been a significant increase in the number of SSDs. Although SSDs are more expensive than HDDs per bit, they feature high-speed access and low heat generation, contributing to a reduction in power consumption. For this reason, in places such as data centers, storage systems are tiered to handle the increasing amount of information (e.g. using SSDs for storing frequently-accessed active data and magnetic tapes or optical disks for archiving data that is rarely overwritten, while using HDDs as the main storage location). The essd is a storage system for the cloud computing era in which SSDs and HDDs are segregated while working together, taking advantage of their characteristics. By placing an SSD as the top tier of the tiered storage system, a reduction in the introduction cost and running costs, including cooling costs, can be achieved, leading to an improvement in the efficiency of the entire system. Moreover, with the increase of multifunctional and highperformance electronic devices, SSDs have recently started being used in audio-visual equipment and digital home appliances, as well as car navigation systems. In addition, since they are small, lightweight and impact-resistant, and consume less power than HDDs, they also serve as optimal storage devices for mobile devices. Amount of generated digital information and storage capacity 3000 Amount of information (exabyte = Bytes) It is assumed that the amount of generated digital information began to exceed the available storage capacity around Amount of generated digital information Storage capacity Flash memory Magnetic tape Optical disk HDD (Year) Approximate comparison Storage system tiering Access speed (nanosecond) Optical disk HDD Nonvolatile memory SDD Volatile memory DRAM Processing speed By tiering the storage system with a high-speed, low-power-consumption SDD SSD at the top layer, increased speed, efficiency improvement and power saving can be promoted for the entire storage system. High-speed HDD Low/medium-speed HDD Magnetic tape, optical disk SRAM 1 1M 1G 1T Memory capacitybit Memory capacity 02

3 Memory Controller IC and Flash Memory in One Package SSDs were originally developed as storage devices that were compatible with 2.5 inch HDDs. An SSD consists of components such as NAND flash memory and a memory controller IC, and it executes communication with its host computer, etc. various interfaces, including PATA (IDE), SATA and generalpurpose memory buses. It now boasts cumulative shipments of 50,000,000 units, mainly for industrial applications and embedded devices. The rewrite speed, life and reliability of an SSD are largely affected by the memory controller IC. It is therefore said that the memory controller IC is the heart and brain of an SSD. TDK s memory controller IC "GBDriver" series receives a high evaluation from the industry due to its reliability realized through an algorithm that has been uniquely developed by TDK. GBDriver is a series of high performance and highly reliable memory controller ICs, and since the release of the SA series in 2001, the GBDriver series has been developed for Miniaturization of TDK s SSDs equipped with the GBDriver series is also progressing. Following the release of the 2.5 inch type and the Half Slim type, TDK has developed the new "One Package SSD Module essd Series". It is a small, on-board type SATA storage IC, integrating an advanced memory controller IC GBDriver RS3 featuring high-speed and high reliability and SLC NAND flash memory. The new series can be applied to mobile devices, digital home appliances and embedded devices, thus widely expanding the application possibility of SSDs. Evolution of TDK's memory controller IC "GBDriver" Year NAND design tool NAND SLC block size MLC GBDriver Bus ATA SATA 250nm SA 160nm 16kByte SA2 RA RA2 130nm RA3 90nm 6x nm 5x nm 4x nm 3x nm 2x nm 1x nm 128kByte 256kByte 512kByte 256kByte 512kByte 1MByte XR RA6 RA7 RA8 RA4 RS1 RS2 RS3 Capacitance CF SSD 2GB 4GB 8GB 16GB 32GB 8GB 16GB 64GB 128GB GBDriver ECC capability NAND Endurance NAND Retention 300,000 times 2bit 4bit 8bit 15bit 44bit 100,000 times 50,000 times 10 years Access speed comparison of the "GBDriver" series (Comparison of 256-sector burst write/read speed, measured by HD Bench on a PC) RA4 RB4 RA6 Write Read RA7 RS1 RA8 RS2 In the advanced GBDriver RS3 series, high-speed access with a read speed of 200 MB/s and a write speed of 90 MB/s is achieved. RS MB/s *Measured with HDD tester 03

4 One Package SSD Module essd Series Equipped with Various Functions that Realize High Reliability and Long Life Although, unlike HDDs, SSDs do not have a mechanical structure, they have a fundamental weakness that prevents life extension; there is a limit to the number of write operations in flash memory. If write operations are concentrated in a specific block, the oxide film of the memory device will be damaged, eventually disabling data writing. To cope with this problem, write (erase) operations counts are distributed evenly to each memory block through a special algorithm, so as to equalize the degree of wear of memory devices. This technique is called wear leveling. In the memory controller IC GBDriver RS3 incorporated in TDK s essd series, an advanced global static wear leveling technique is employed, named TDK Smart Swap. This is a function that counts the number of write (erase) operations in all memory areas (all memory blocks) and evenly replaces blocks using the algorithm developed uniquely by TDK. In addition, there is a risk with flash memory that, if a power interruption or momentary blackout occurs during a data write operation, not only will the data being written be lost but previously saved data may be lost as well. The GBDriver RS3 series is furnished with a function that minimizes the risk of such collateral data errors using TDK s unique algorithm. Furthermore, it is also equipped with various functions including a reliable security function against tampering, leakage or illegal copying of data, and a SMART Command that visualizes the SSD life. The essd series incorporating the advanced memory controller IC GBDriver RS3 is a family of flash storage ICs that has pushed SSDs to the next stage of their evolution. By incorporating the controller IC with the flash memory in a single package in a BGA format that can be directly mounted onto the motherboard, the application range of SSDs has been expanded to devices and equipment including mobile devices, audio-visual equipment, industrial equipment and embedded devices, contributing to SSD solutions in a wide variety of fields. Main functions of "GBDriver RS3" incorporated in the one package SSD module "essd series" One package SSD module essd series Solder ball BGA (Ball Grid Array) package that can be directly mounted onto the motherboard SATA2 interface Flash memory Memory controller IC "GBDriver RS3" RAM CPU Application Each function which realizes high reliability and long life Global static wear leveling function This function counts the number of write (erase) operations in all memory areas (all memory blocks) and evenly replaces blocks using the algorithm developed uniquely by TDK. Data randomizer function This function automatically prevents errors during write operations by randomly distributing and writing data writing patterns to avoid the occurrence of the same data in succession. Read-retry function (optional) This function reduces the write count of the flash memory by cutting down the number of error correction. This function realizes long SSD life, while maintaining data reliability. Auto-refresh function This function automatically refreshes internal data to return data to its correct status when there is no access from the system. Security function A reliable security function including the password lock function, the AES128 bit encryption function (CBC mode), and the complete data erase function (Trim command-compatible). SSD life monitor software "TDK SMART" This function enables "visualization" of the SSD lifespan using the life monitor software "TDK SMART" available on the TDK website. Major application fields of one-package SSD module "essd Series" [Audio-visual equipment, mobile devices] Digital TVs, Blu-ray players/recorders, digital cameras, camcorders, etc. [Amusement] Arcade game machines, etc. The application range of SSDs has been expanded through SiP technology [Railways] Automatic ticket gates, railroad vehicle equipment, etc. [Office automation equipment] Multifunctional printers, electric whiteboards, business-use projectors, etc. [Automobiles] Car navigation systems, drive recorders, digital tachographs, etc. [Crime prevention/security] Crime/Disaster-prevention devices, surveillance camera systems, digital [FA/Measurement] Numerically-controlled machines, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, sequencers, measuring devices, etc. 04 signage electronic boards, security authorization systems, etc. [Finance] ATMs in the suburbs, Internet transaction systems of securities companies, etc. [Logistics] POS terminals, kiosk terminals, RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) systems, etc.

5 Main Features A flash storage IC that can be directly connected to SATA interfaces, integrating high-speed, high-durable SLC NAND flash memory and the memory controller IC GBDriver RS3 developed in-house into a single package. Provides a storage capacity of 1-4GB in a 17mm X 17mm 208-ball BGA package. Compatible with SATA Rev.2.6 Gen. 1 (1.5Gbps) /Gen. 2 (3.0Gbps); realizes high-speed access, with read speeds of 55MB/s and write speeds of 30MB/s Equipped with 15bit/sector ECC (BCH) capability Minimizes collateral data errors during power interruptions and momentary blackouts through the controller algorithm Equipped with TDK s unique global wear leveling function (TDK Smart Swap), which dramatically improves write life Equipped with the data randomizer function, which significantly reduces the risk of data errors Equipped with an auto refresh function that realizes high data reliability through automatic data recovery Supports NCQ (Native Command Queuing) Features SMART Command support, enabling memory life diagnosis Technical support by dedicated FAEs (Field Application Engineers) is provided. In addition, an msata board and an msata-sata converter board are also available as evaluation boards for this product. Main applications msata board msata-sata converter board For amusement and game equipment; audio-visual equipment including 3DTVs, smart TVs, Blu-ray players and recorders, digital cameras and camcorders; embedded devices including multifunctional printers (MFP), banking/atm/kiosk terminals, digital signage and security authentication systems. Main specifications

High-speed SATA 3Gbps SMART CFast TM

High-speed SATA 3Gbps SMART CFast TM TDK CFast TM CAG3B series Next-generation CompactFlash for the Future Social Infrastructure Flash memory storage offers features such as high-speed access, outstanding shock resistance, compactness, light