Samsung 2nd-Gen SmartSSD Computational Storage Drive With Upgraded Processing Functionality

Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. developed a second gen of its SmartSSD.This proprietary computational storage incorporates data processing functionality within a high-performance SSD. Unlike existing SSDs, the firm’s SmartSSD can process data directly, thereby minimizing data transfers between the CPU, GPU and RAM. This technology can avoid the bottlenecks that often occur when moving data between storage devices and CPUs, resulting in markedly improved system performance and much higher energy efficiency.

The SmartSSD is playing an increasingly role, especially with the growth of next-gen technologies such as AI, ML and 5G/6G, which require large amounts of data processing.

Leveraging software and IP developed by customers, along with in-built Arm cores, this second-gen SmartSSD enables much more efficient data processing. Compared to conventional data center SSD, processing time for scan-heavy database queries can be slashed by over 50%, energy consumption by up to 70% and CPU utilization by up to 97%.

Since its development in 2020 through the joint efforts of Samsung and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices Inc.), the first-gen SmartSSD is being supplied to IT companies including video communications platform providers. It was recognized as an Innovation Awards Honoree at CES 2021 for its performance and energy efficiency.

“Commercialization of the first-generation SmartSSD, in collaboration with AMD, established that the computational storage market has great potential,” said Jin-Hyeok Choi, EVP and head, memory solution product and development, Samsung. “With the upgraded processing functionality of the second-gen SmartSSD, Samsung will be able to easily address increasing customer needs in the database and video transcoding sectors, as we expand the boundaries of the next-generation storage market.”

“Powered by Xilinx Versal Adaptive SoCs from AMD, second-gen Samsung SmartSSDs enable improved CPU efficiency and greatly reduced energy consumption by efficiently integrating the computing and storage functions in data centers,” said Sina Soltani, corporate VP, sales, AECG, data center and communication group, AMD. “As data-intensive applications continue to grow, second-generation Samsung SmartSSDs will deliver the superior performance and efficiency required for this expanding market.”

Samsung Electronics is leading efforts to standardize SmartSSD technology through close collaboration with the SNIA and with NVM Express, Inc., while seeking to expand the boundaries of SmartSSD devices through technological validation for a variety of applications.