SandForce SSD Controllers to Be Integrated by Smart Modular Technologies

SMART Modular Technologies, Inc., an independent manufacturer of memory modules, solid-state drives, embedded computing subsystems, and TFT-LCD display products, has selected the SF-1500 solid-state drive (SSD) processor from SandForce, Inc. for use in its next-generation enterprise-class XceedIOPS SATA SSDs.

   SF-1500 SSD Processors

The SF-1500 SSD processor enables industry-leading SSD performance, high reliability, and use of cost-effective multi-level cell (MLC) technology in enterprise storage systems. SSDs using SF-1500 SSD processors can sustain peak performance while consuming less than 2.5W, making them well suited for use in power-conscious datacenter applications.

"IT managers continue to seek ways to improve performance and total cost of ownership, without sacrificing system reliability and integrity," said Jeff Janukowicz, Research Manager, Hard Disk Drive Components and Solid State Drives at IDC. "Processors, like the SF-1500, are expected to enable the effective use of MLC NAND technology in the enterprise without sacrificing performance and reliability, thereby lowering the cost of solid-state storage. As the price gap between enterprise-class hard disk drives and MLC-based SSDs narrows, SSDs, such as SMART’s XceedIOPS SSD, can help to reduce the total cost of ownership and accelerate the adoption of SSD technology in the enterprise."

IDC expects worldwide shipments of SSDs in the enterprise market to exceed 4.4 million units in 2013, representing a CAGR of 154% from 2008-2013 (IDC, Worldwide Solid State Drive 2009?2013 Forecast and Analysis, Doc # 218553, June 2009). "As this market continues to grow, SMART remains committed to providing the best storage solutions for our customers," said Alan Gulachenski, SMART’s Vice President of Advanced Memory Solutions. "We are pleased to be implementing the SandForce SF-1500 SSD processor in our next-generation XceedIOPS SATA SSDs. It offers us impressive performance and low power consumption benefits as well as the opportunity to pass on the cost-benefits of MLC technology to our customers."

Featuring a SATA-II host interface connecting up to 512GB of MLC NAND flash memory, the SF-1500 SSD processor delivers up to 30K IOPS (random 4K read or write transfers), and up to 260MB/s (sequential 128KB read or write transfers) with 100µs latency. Unique DuraWrite’ technology enables peak performance throughout the life of the drive by optimizing the endurance of the SSD. The SF-1500 SSD processor also features DuraClass’ technology which combines powerful wear leveling, error correction, and RAISE (Redundant Array of Independent Silicon Elements) to guarantee high reliability and data integrity.

"Considering SMART’s longstanding history as a memory and storage solutions provider to Tier-1 OEMs, we are excited to support them as an early adopter of our technology," said Steffen Hellmold, Vice President Business Development for SandForce. "We expect that our SF-1500 SSD processor will bring tangible competitive advantages to SMART?s new SSD product offering."

SMART XceedIOPS SATA SSDs that include the SandForce SF-1500 SSD processor will be sampling in both 1.8- and 2.5-inch form factors later this year.