TDK Launches SDG2A Series Solid-State Drives

TDK Corporation announced today the launch in late May 2009 of the SDG2A series of serial ATA(SATA) II compatible industrial solid state drives(SSDs) with a maximum memory capacity of 64 GByte.
These products are industrial SATA Flash discs equipped with GBDriver RS2 SATA controller ICs developed by TDK. They support high-speed access with an effective read speed of 95 MByte/second and effective write speed of 55 MByte/second. They also feature powerful error correction capabilities scalable to 15-bit/sector ECC(error correction code), providing high levels of data reliability. The use of an internal power supply protection function prevents errors in the event of a power interruption. These SATA drives are also equipped with an auto-recovery function that automatically recovers data when read disturbance errors occur from repeated reading of data, making them ideal for use on automotive application such as car navigation systems.
TDK has achieved a substantial improvement in the life spans of semiconductor memory storage devices. An advanced static wear leveling function developed by TDK equalizes data writing among all of the Flash memory blocks, maximizing the life span of the memory. SMART(self-monitoring and analysis reporting technology) data makes it possible to determine the number of times each memory block is erased, facilitating quantitative assessment of silicon disc life spans in real time.
The drives also feature an advanced encryption function using the 128-bit AES encryption that has been registered as United States Department of Commerce Federal Information Processing Standards FIPS PUB197. Data is automatically encrypted before writing to the Flash memory, preventing data tampering and leaks. A high level of storage security is provided to prevent unauthorized copying and other data risks by using both ATA standard security functions and an original TDK password lock function.
TDK’s SDG2A series of industrial SSDs are SATA discs suitable as replacements for hard disc drives(HDDs) and provide high-speed performance, data reliability, storage life span, and data security at the highest levels in the industry. In addition to the 2.5-inch discs currently available, TDK launch the series of 1.8-inch SDG2A SSDs.

Main Applications

• Thin client PCs, tablet PCs, etc.
• Automotive devices such as car navigation systems and portable navigation devices(PNDs).
• Office equipment such as multi-function printers(MFPs) and commercial projectors.
• Amusement devices such as karaoke on demand and arcade games.
• Factory automation equipment such as NC machine tools, sequencers, PLCs, panel computers, touch panel systems, and embedded CPU boards.
• Railway and transport equipment such as automated ticket gates, automated ticket vending machines, commuter pass vending machines, automated air ticket vending machines, and automated check-in systems.
• Banking terminals such as POS devices, convenience store and kiosk terminals, and ATMs.
• Medical and measuring instruments such as diagnostic imaging systems, blood analysis equipment, medical PCs, and electronic records systems.
• Communications and broadcasting equipment and information system devices for base stations such as third-generation mobile phone data communications systems.
• Security terminals and security devices such as digital signage, entry control systems, and monitoring cameras.
• Disaster prevention related equipment such as earthquake early warning systems and household fire detectors.

Main Features

1. Uses GBDriver RS2 NAND Flash Memory Controller ICs Developed by TDK
   The memory controller IC determines SSD performance and data reliability, and these drives use the GBDriver RS2 NAND Flash memory controller ICs developed by TDK. By reflecting the latest NAND Flash memory specifications and developments in the controller design, TDK enhanced performance as NAND Flash drives and ensured compatibility among Flash memory generations. This means that the same product line can meet the Flash storage needs of industrial and embedded applications and make suitable proposals for enhanced replacement products.
2. High-Speed Access
   Compliant with Serial ATA Revision 2.6 Specification. Compatible with Gen.1(1.5 Gbps), and Gen.2(3.0 Gbps). Supports read access speeds up to 95 MByte/second and write access speeds up to 55 MByte/second.^*3
3. Error Correction and Recovery
   A Flash identification function enables selection of 8 bit/sector ECC or 15 bit/sector ECC to provide error correction capabilities with room to accommodate future NAND developments. An auto-recovery function is also included to correct bit errors automatically when reading data repeatedly(read-disturbance errors).
4. Static Wear Leveling Function for All Blocks
   A new static wear leveling algorithm developed by TDK counts the number of times each memory block is erased and replaces blocks uniformly. Fixed blocks such as OS/FAT are also periodically equalized, making it possible to maximize the lifespan of the installed Flash memory and substantially lengthening the life of Flash memory storage.
5. SMART Command Support
   The number of times all memory blocks are erased can be obtained using SMART Command, which allows for easy determination of NAND Flash memory status and facilitates appropriate lifespan management. The use of TDK SMART information increases the precision of RAS(reliability, availability, and serviceability) functions.
6. Improved Power Interruption Tolerance
   A power interruption tolerance algorithm for the onboard controller completely prevents collateral data errors such as corruption of data other than the data being written if power is interrupted when writing data. In addition, an internal power supply protection circuit prevents power interruption errors.
7. Automated Encryption Using 128-bit AES(Advanced Encryption Standard)
   A 128-bit AES encryption function automatically encrypts data and writes it to the Flash memory, preventing leaks of and tampering with personal data and confidential information.
8. Other Functions(Optional)

   (a)
   Total Sector Number-Setting Function
   The number of logical blocks allocated to a data area can be adjusted up or down in individual sector units. For example, the number of times data can be written can be increased by reducing the number of logical blocks in the data area. Conversely, in the case of applications that do not require an extended life span, the memory capacity can be maximized by increasing the number of logical blocks in the data area. CHS settings can be freely adjusted for easy installation with customer systems.

   (b)
   Protection(Password) Function
   Incorporation of an ATA-standard protection function allows customers to set and remove a password to protect important data.

   (c)
   Solution Support
   TDK has independently developed and marketed the GBDriver series of NAND Flash memory controllers ICs since 2000 and provides technical support to customers in Japan and overseas backed up by its advanced technologies including dispatch of field application engineers and implementation of reliability monitoring functions, for which there is strong demand in the embedded system market.

9. Solution Support
   TDK has independently developed and marketed the GBDriver series of NAND Flash memory controllers since 2000 and provides technical support to customers in Japan and overseas backed up by its advanced technologies including dispatch of field application engineers and implementation of reliability monitoring functions, for which there is strong demand in the embedded system market.

Production and Sales Plan

• Production location: Taiwan
• Production capacity: 10,000 units/month at launch
• Start of production: May 2009

Source: TDK