Software Accelerator for eMMC by Datalight

Datalight, Inc. released FlashFXe, a software accelerator for eMMC for use with Reliance Nitro on Linux and Android, which dramatically reduces write amplification, a key shortcoming of solid-state storage.

The new software improves random write speeds by as much as 50%, resulting in an improvement in database operations with no loss of reliability. In addition, the more efficient writing profile puts 40% less wear on the flash parts, extending their lifetime and consuming less than half the energy to accomplish the same tasks.

FlashFXe is the latest in the FlashFX family of flash memory management tools that have been the choice for data-critical applications from leading OEMs. Building upon years of flash management expertise, Datalight offers software and services to leverage the strengths while mitigating the shortcomings of this storage technology for embedded devices.

“Storage performance on mobile devices is not keeping pace with the performance of 4G and wireless networks, and is becoming the significant bottleneck in user experience,” said Ken Whitaker, Datalight VP of engineering. “The new technology featured in FlashFXe is a game-changer for solid-state flash storage.”

“Write amplification is the Achilles’ heel of solid state storage, exhausting performance, battery life and flash endurance,” said Datalight CEO Roy Sherrill. “The flash-aware allocation in FlashFXe makes write amplification a virtual non-issue, and allows OEMs to achieve a dollars-per-IOP ratio previously out of reach with their existing hardware.”

FlashFXe integrates with Reliance Nitro fault-tolerant file system to comprise a solution for eMMC, making it a choice for applications where data reliability, product endurance and battery life matter. Reliance Nitro was designed for fast applications. Dynamic Transaction Point technology provides immunity from file corruption, even after unexpected system interruption. The combined products have passed reliability testing, including more than 2 million random power cycle tests without a failure. Embedded applications can also benefit from faster boot times that remain consistent for the life of the product, regardless of disk size.

Datalight flash file system products are also available on Wind RIver VxWorks, Windows Embedded Compact, and Mentor Graphics Nucleus. Customers have migrated the portable products to many other OSs.

FlashFXe and Reliance Nitro ship in ANSI C source code and include a set of developer tools and documentation. Technical support from Datalight’s support team is available via phone and email. Runtime distribution can be licensed per unit or per project.