TDK: 3Gb SATA NAND Flash Controllers

TDK Corporation announced the GBDriver RS3 series of Serial ATA (SATA) 3 Gbps compatible NAND flash memory controller ICs. Sales are scheduled to begin in July.

The new TDK GBDriver RS3 series are SATA controller ICs that support speed access with an effective speed of 170 Mbyte/second.

In addition to the existing 2 Kbyte/page and 4 Kbyte/page structures, they support the 8 Kbyte/page SLC and MLC NAND flash memories and can realize SATA storage ranging from 128 Mbyte to 128 Gbyte. As a result, the GBDriver RS3 series can be used for a range of applications from SATADOM other embedded storage to mobile internet devices such as smart phones or audiovisual devices such as smart televisions and Blu-ray disc players. The controllers are available in a 120-pin TQPF package and a 144-pin VFBGA package.

The GBDriver RS3 series controllers perform fast control and incorporate error correction capabilities up to 44-bit ECC (error correction code) as well as an auto-recovery function (read disturbance countermeasures) and a collateral error prevention function in case of power fail, common features of the TDK GBDriver series. The design serves to ensure high data reliability of NAND flash memories.

In addition, the new GBDriver RS3 series features data randomizer and auto-refresh functions for controlling the latest flash memories, to provide flexibility for future flash developments.

The GBDriver RS3 series also incorporates a static wear leveling algorithm that averages the number of times each memory block is rewritten (erased). This maximizes the life span of NAND flash memories. SMART (self-monitoring and analysis reporting technology) data determines the number of times each memory block is rewritten (erased), facilitating quantitative lifespan management of flash storage.

The controllers feature an automated encryption function using AES128-bit encryption. Data in the NAND Flash memory is encrypted, providing security against data tampering and leaks.

TDK will launch CFast compact flash drives and solid state drives (SSDs) equipped with GBDriver RS3 controllers starting in late July.

Main Applications

• Audio-visual devices such as digital cameras, video cameras, smart televisions, Blu-ray televisions, Blu-ray disc players, Blu-ray disc recorders, set-top boxes (STBs), and communication satellite broadcast tuners.
• Smart phones, tablet PCs, thin client PCs and Netbook PCs such as mobile Internet devices (MIDs) and ultra-mobile PCs (UMPCs).
• Automotive devices such as car navigation systems, portable navigation devices (PNDs), digital tacographs, data loggers, drive recorders, and rearview monitors.
• Office equipment such as multifunction printers (MFPs), label printers, barcode printers, and commercial projectors.
• Amusement devices such as karaoke on demand, arcade games, and game consoles.
• 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, cardiography equipment, 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

Host Interface

• Compliant with Serial ATA Standard Revision 2.6.
• Compatible with Gen1:1.5 Gbps, and Gen2:3.0 Gbps.
• Supports read access speeds up to 170 MB/sec and write access speeds up to 70 MB/sec. (measured with Crystal Disk Mark 2.2. Actual speeds depend on the flash connection structure and the system environment.)

Supported Flash Memory

• The GBDriver RS3 controllers support the latest 2 Kbyte/page, 4 Kbyte/page, and 8 Kbyte/page structure NAND flash memories of all venders including new products.
• They are compatible with SLC and MLC flash memories. The controllers make possible SATA flash storage ranging from 128 Mbyte to 64 Gbyte in the case of SLC and 256 Mbyte to 128 Gbyte in the case of MLC.

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 rewritten (erased) and replaces blocks uniformly. Static blocks such as OS/FAT are also periodically replaced evenly, making it possible to maximize the lifespan of the installed flash memory and substantially lengthening the life of flash memory storage. The scope of static wear leveling can be set to any range (areas outside the scope of static wear leveling are subject to dynamic wear leveling).

Improved Power Interruption Tolerance
An original algorithm completely prevents collateral data errors such as corruption of data other than the data being written if power is interrupted when writing data.

Error Correction and Recovery
A flash identification function enables selection of 8 bit, 15 bit ECC or 30bit, 44bit 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).

Data Randomizer Function
The data reliability of MLC flash memories is enhanced by randomizing writing data pattern, consequently maximizing MLC flash life.

Auto-Refresh Function
Data stored on the NAND memory is periodically read to detect bit errors and any errors are corrected as necessary. This prevents read disturbance errors, data hold errors, and other data loss. Processing is performed in the background, and there is nearly no delay in responses to commands ever during error correction.

Automated Encryption Using 128-bit AES
A 128-bit AES encryption function automatically encrypts data and writes it to the NAND flash memory, preventing leaks of and tampering with personal data and confidential information.

Other Functions

• Total Cluster Number-Setting Function(clipping 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.
• Protection Function – Incorporation of an ATA-standard protection function allows customers to set and remove a password to protect important data.
• SMART Command Support – The number of times all memory blocks are rewritten (erased) can be obtained using SMART Command, which allows for easy determination of the flash memory status and facilitates appropriate lifespan management.

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 technologies including dispatch of field application engineers and implementation of reliability monitoring functions, for which there is strong demand in the embedded system market.