SATA-IO Completes New Embedded SSD Standard

Being the consortium of companies responsible with making sure the SATA interface keeps up with the times, SATA-IO issued a press release in which it reveals that it has finished the latest embedded SSD specification.

Embedded NAND Flash is the sort of memory that is found in such mobile computing platforms as ultrathin laptops, tablets, etc.

Since standard solid state drives, even 2.5-inch ones, can't really let such compact devices reach their true thinness potential, more advanced single-chip SATA implementations are sought after.

The Serial ATA International Organization (SATA-IO) just announced that it had taken its latest step towards fulfilling this goal.

More specifically, the latest µSSD standard has been completed and made available for download via this page.

“As tablets and other small computing devices continue to proliferate in the market, the need for scalable small form factor storage solutions rises exponentially,” said Mladen Luksic, SATA-IO president.

“µSSD provides a new way to leverage the speed, reliability, and low power requirements of SATA technology in these types of products to enable powerful new computing platforms.”

The specification defines a new electrical pin-out that allows a single BGA (ball grid array) package (placed directly on the motherboard) to deliver SATA on its own, without needing a connecting module.

"The µSSD specification will enable embedded storage applications to give designers greater design flexibility,” said Scott Nelson, VP Memory Toshiba America Electronic Components, Inc.

“Toshiba is pleased to support the development of this specification, which will help enable the continued evolution of thinner and smaller personal computing devices.”

SanDisk already adopted the SATA µSSD spec for its iSSD embedded drives, which boast capacities of 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB and 128GB (SATA 6 Gbps).

“The SATA µSSD standard is a significant industry achievement that brings high-performance SSD storage in a BGA form factor,” said Kevin Conley, senior vice president, client storage solutions, SanDisk.

“This is enabling OEM designs of new super-thin Ultrabooks and tablets with high SATA performance.”