sTec (WD) Adding Reliable Compact mSATA SSDs for Embedded Storage

sTec, Inc. introduced its s260 mSATA SSDs (SSDs), whose reliability, small footprint and low power for embedded storage in rugged, space-conscious environments.

The SSDs, which feature a 6Gb SATA interface, are designed to tackle a range of embedded-storage applications, including OS booting, data logging, code-storage/application hosting, caching, and fast backup.

The s260 drives, which comply with the JEDEC-defined MO-300A and MO-300B (mSATA mini) standards, draw 1.5W, a fraction of the power required by rotating-disk storage. Additionally, they deliver reliability through sTec’s patented PowerSafe technology and support industrial temperatures, ranging from -40° to 85° C.

These features combine to meet the demands of embedded designs in remote and/or space-constrained systems where access is limited, airflow is restricted and heat exacts both performance and durability penalties.

"Designers are eager for easily integrated SATA drives that can withstand harsh environments and don’t require frequent replacement – and it’s those very conditions where the performance and endurance of these new s260 mSATA drives really shine," said Zack Mihalis, VP product marketing and management, sTec. "Our heritage of drive performance and reliability, along with the high demand for this popular format in the industrial, networking and telecommunications markets, makes this a logical extension of sTec solid-state storage solutions."

The s260 mSATA SSDs, using reliable SLC and eMLC flash memory, are available in a range of capacities – between 16GB and 200GB – to enable flexible, cost-efficient designs.

Their ECC scheme helps assure data integrity. As with all sTec SSDs, the new mSATA drives come with warranties of either three (eMLC) and five (SLC) years.

mSATA is a JEDEC-compliant SSD format that leverages the SATA standard, which continues to be used across a range of applications and enjoys support in the majority of off-the-shelf system boards. Increasingly replacing PATA in embedded systems, SATA drives are a logical drop-in replacement for conventional storage for OEM and industrial system designs with size and/or power constraints. s260 mSATA SSDs provide the same flash management technology and data integrity of its other enterprise SSDs, in a size less than half of the industry-standard 2.5-inch form factor.

Available for sampling, the s260 mSATA SSDs scan be purchased directly from the company and through authorized distributors.