Three TDK 6Gb SATA Small SSD Modules: M.2, mSATA and HalfSlim for Industrial Applications

TDK Corporation launched three SATA modules in May 2016: M.2.2242 (SNS1B series), mSATA (SMS1B series), and HalfSlim (SHS1B series).

These modules are equipped with the SATA 6Gb/s-compatible, NAND-type, flash memory-controlled IC GBDriver GS1.

In recent years, there has been a growing need for small and large-capacity SATA SSD modules in industrial applications. SATA SSD modules have become more diversified to accommodate various sizes and device uses.

This need has led to the simultaneous release of three series of SATA 6Gb/s module-shaped SSD modules equipped with TDK’s own GBDriver GS1. The modules deliver the reliability needed for industrial applications, and boast higher reading and writing speeds than our conventional products.

Industrial applications also increasingly call for solid state drives with MLC NAND type memory. In such cases, improved data retention capability as well as high reliability becomes important considerations along with the regular benchmark test results.

To satisfy these requirements, the new controller features more than just the recovery and refresh functions present in the existing GBDriver series. It also comes with a data protection algorithm that works when the power of the GBDriver is interrupted, and a new backup circuit for an internal power supply with a total of three series, including the 22mmx42mm and ultra-compact M.2. This ensures robust data reliability when using the MLC.

The standard lineup also provides the choice of pSLC flash memory, which offers higher robustness than MLC and lower cost per bit than SLC, resulting in a good balance of reliability and cost.

Data security has also been enhanced. In addition to the standard ATA security complement, AES 128-bit and 256-bit encryption and a TDK proprietary security function are also available. This makes it possible to store data in the NAND type flash memory in encrypted form, to guard against the risk of data leaks and tampering, resulting in robust storage security.

The SNS1B, SMS1B, and SHS1B series were exhibited at Embedded Technology (ESEC) 2016, held at Tokyo Big Sight from May 11 to 13, 2016.

Main applications

Factory automation equipment such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, NC machine tools, sequencers, programmable logic controllers, panel computers, and embedded CPU boards
Railway and transport equipment such as automated ticket gates, automated ticket vending machines, commuter pass vending machines, train operation management systems, automated air ticket vending machines, and automated check-in systems
Cashless registers and other point-of-sales (POS) equipment, convenience store and kiosk terminals, ATMs and other banking terminals
Terminals and thin-client computers, SATA RAID SSD installations and other IT equipment for cloud computing systems
Automotive equipment such as car navigation systems, digital tachographs, drive recorders, and rear-view monitors
Office equipment such as multi-function printers (MFPs), commercial projectors, telephone conferencing systems, and electronic blackboards
Amusement devices such as karaoke on demand, arcade games, and game consoles
Advertising display equipment such as digital signage, electronic billboards, and electronic point-of-purchase displays
Medical and measuring instruments and nursing care equipment such as diagnostic imaging systems, blood analysis equipment, medical PCs, electronic patient records systems, DNA microarray systems, automatic biochemistry analyzers, remote medical care devices, and automated care devices
Base station equipment for 4G mobile data communication systems such as LTE-Advanced/WiMAX2 and other communications and broadcasting equipment and information system devices
Smart grid equipment such as smart electricity meters, power grid infrastructure equipment, automated power equipment control systems, energy management systems, and building air conditioning systems
Security and surveillance equipment such as biometrics authentication systems, entry/exit control systems, and security terminals for surveillance cameras
Disaster prevention related equipment such as earthquake early warning systems and household fire detectors

Main features

Uses GBDriver GS1 NAND Flash Memory Controller Developed by TDK
The memory controller chip determines SSD performance and data reliability. The drives use the GBDriver GS1 developed by TDK. By reflecting the latest NAND flash memory specifications and developments in the controller design, TDK enhances performance of SSDs and ensures compatibility among flash memory generations. This means that the same product line can meet the flash storage needs of industrial and embedded applications, and the same configuration can be used to fit various flash storage needs and offer enhanced replacement products.

High-Speed Access Combined With Data Reliability
Compliant with SATA Revision 3.1 Specification. Compatible with SATA 6Gb/s and NCQ commands. Supports 345MB/s read access and 145MB/s write access.

Standard Support for Products Using SLC NAND, MLC NAND and pSLC NAND
Besides products using the latest SLC NAND type flash memory, MLC NAND products and pSLC NAND products are also included in the standard lineup. This allows customers to select the solution for their needs.

Global Static Wear Leveling
TDK’s proprietary global static wear leveling algorithm counts the number of times each memory block is programmed (erased) and replaces all blocks uniformly. Static blocks such as for the OS are also periodically leveled, which drastically improves the lifespan of the installed flash memory. The range for static wear leveling can be freely set. (In this case, dynamic wear leveling is used for other areas.)

Improved Power Interruption Tolerance
A power interruption tolerance algorithm on the SSD onboard controller and an internal power supply protection circuit reliably prevent collateral data errors such as corruption of data other than the data being written if power is interrupted when writing data. This provides reliability against sudden power supply problems.

Error Recovery
The auto-refresh function reads all data of the flash memory including little used areas and automatically performs error correction if required. This guards against data loss due to read disturbance errors and data retention errors. Auto refresh processing is performed in the background, so even when performing correction processing, there is virtually no delay in command response.

Data Delete Function
A function for specifying a data range and completely deleting all data in it is also available. This is useful to protect personal information in keeping with a privacy policy.

Security Functions

AES 128/256-bit encryption: Encryption support has been extended to AES 256-bit. The 128/256-bit AES encryption function automatically encrypts data when writing to the NAND flash memory, to prevent leaking of and tampering with personal data and confidential information. (Option)
Protection function: Incorporation of an ATA standard protection function allows customers to set and remove a password to implement independent authentication and protect important data.
TDK proprietary security function: Mutual authentication of host and SSD makes it possible to block access and response by unauthorized third parties through spoofing etc. (Contract for protection of confidential information required separately.)

Support for SMART Command
The number of times all memory blocks have been programmed (erased) can be obtained using the SMART command, which allows for easy determination of the flash memory status and facilitates appropriate lifespan management. Proprietary software from TDK can be used for this purpose free of charge.

Solution Support
TDK has independently developed and marketed the GBDriver series of NAND type flash memory controllers since 2000. It provides technical support to customers in Japan and overseas backed up by proprietary technologies, including dispatch of field application engineers and support for implementation of reliability monitoring functions, for which there is a demand in the industrial equipment embedded flash storage market.

Production and marketing schedule:

Production location: Taiwan
Production capacity: 10,000 units per month per series
Start of production: April 2016 (SMS1B series), June 2016 (SHS1B series), and August 2016 (SNS1B series)