SSD Drive Toolkit

The first and still the only manufacturer supplying 34-nanometer SSDs based on MLC NAND memory is Intel. Unfortunately, new generation of solid state drives, presented with fanfares and exclamations, almost immediately encountered a critical bug that can cause complete loss of data. While Intel fixes the problem another manufacturer announced release on its new SSD.

Toshiba declared the beginning of supply to big OEM partners of new drives, which use 43-nanometer technology for flash memory. Devices have 64, 128, 256 and 512 Gb capacity and 1.8/2.5 inches forms. They are supposed to be used in new laptops, gaming and entertainment PCs.

Toshiba claims maximum reading speed is 230 Mb/s. Writing speed of this drives is slightly lower – 180 Mb/s. New SSDs have built in load balancing tools, that will help to increase life cycle of device. There’s also SATA II interface for connection to the PC and opportunity to use AES encryption algorithm.

In the current difficult market conditions, many flash memory manufacturers are experiencing serious problems and have a vague future. But there are other producers that do not stop investing into developing of new technologies and trying to improve their production with even more intensivity. One of them – the SanDisk company which is amonst the leaders in the production of SSDs. Recently company announced two new technologies that can have a significant impact on the market for solid state drives. SandDisk unveiled the first 32nm chips and the first 4-bit cell flash memory. These developments would help the company soon reach a 500GB mark for SSD and even surpass it.

Together with Toshiba the SanDisk company spoke about these new technologies at ISSCC 2009. It was also stated that on the basis of that new technologies Toshiba and SamDisk are already working on reducing production costs and on increasing of the capacity flash memory devices. According to SanDisk, 32nm chips will at least as fast as the current 43nm chips which were shown for the first time at ISSCC 2008 exactly one year ago. This technology uses the old 3-bit memory cells which will allow quickly and easily introduce new technological processes in production. Based on this technology will soon be issued Compact Flash and SDHC cards with capacity up to 64GB. High-end solid state drives which would contain up to half terabyte of information are also on its way to consumers.

Samsung also was pleased with announced tehcnology. Samsung noted that new 32nm production methods will signigicantly improve the characteristics of microSD cards, which are mostly used in cellphones and other compact devices. Because of the very small size of microSD cards the die size is one of the most important factors in its production. And SanDisk with help of its new technology will be able to double the capacity of microSD cards. The area of 32GB 32nm chip will be just a 113mm2. Mass production of new chips will begin in the second half of 2009.

Another one new technology – 4-bit memory cell. It is also will affect the flash memory industry. It can reduce the cost of SSDs in the future. And now high price is the barrier to solid state drives global spreading. Date of introduction “X4″ technology is not yet known.