Microsemi mSATA SLC Secure SSD for Embedded Applications

Microsemi Corporation announced a compact form factor SATA SSD for industrial, defense, intelligence, unmanned aerial vehicles as well as secure laptops where security for data-at-rest is required.

The low power mSATA SSD has 64GB SLC flash capacity in a 50x30mm compact form factor and is 65% smaller than similar 2.5″ devices.

The SSD also features Microsemi’s Armor processor, which solves obsolescence issues common in industrial and defense applications by guaranteeing long-term security and performance.

“Microsemi’s miniaturization technology coupled with high-end security features in the Armor processor enable customers to design secure systems and reduce the footprint otherwise required,” said Bill Sorrentino, tactical marketing manager, Microsemi’s memory and storage business. “In the advanced deep sleep low power mode, the SSD is only using 150mW and can be ‘instant on.’ This feature will enable longer field life for battery powered applications. In addition, it will cut down on cooling required for products where heat is a concern.”

The device is Microsemi’s newest addition to the advanced TRRUST-Stor family of secure SSDs in a compact MO-300 mSATA form factor. This SSD includes security features such as hardware based AES-256 XTS encryption and advanced key management systems. The new Armor III processor also has the capability to sanitize the drive with the NSA 9-12 protocol in less than two minutes, which is up to three times faster than industry standard.

As part of the TRRUST-Stor SED technology, the product offers security in a standard mSATA SSD. Advanced key management modes and isolated key fill capabilities protect unpowered data at rest by assuring that the encryption key does not reside in the SSD once power is removed. For sensitive applications, a hardware or software signal can trigger an erase of the encryption key in less than 30ms. A second security layer can be activated to erase the entire storage media in less than 10s, rendering data forensically unrecoverable.

“Microsemi’s low power mSATA SLC-based SSD is specifically designed for embedded applications requiring the highest levels of security and reliability. Our mission is to help our customers solve the most demanding data reliability and protection challenges,” said Charlie Leader, VP and GM for Microsemi’s power and microelectronics group. “As a leader in the design and delivery of specialized, secure storage systems, Microsemi will continue our commitment to providing the highest levels of performance while meeting the most stringent security requirements.”

Key features include:

• 64GB capacity reliable SLC NAND flash (32GB and 128GB on roadmap)
• Compliant to industry standard SATA specifications
• Key management: multiple modes, including loadable (AES) keys
• Hardware-based AES-256 XTS encryption, protecting sensitive data
• DS-101 key fill port with key encryption key (KEK) and black key support (optional)
• TRRUST-Purge clears encryption key in less than 30ms
• Hardware based fast erase, erasing the entire drive in less than 10s with validation
• Industrial temperature
• Fast sanitization speed
• Mil sanitization methods/protocols
• Hardware authentication (optional) enables higher levels of security
• U.S.-made with full configuration control

Microsemi’s new TRRUST-Stor 64GB mSATA SSD is available to order.