Embedding TDK GBDriver RA8 NAND controller makes possible high-speed, long-life, reliable CFG8A CompactFlash Cards and SDG8A series of HD-compatible Flash discs.

November 17, 2008 - TDK Corporation announced today that it will begin sales in December 2008 of the CFG8A series of U.DMA 6-compatible CompactFlash (CF) cards and the SDG8A series of Parallel ATA (PATA) compatible solid state drives (SSD)for industrial applications with a maximum capacity of 16 GByte.

These products combine the original GBDriver RA8 U.DMA 6-compatible NAND Flash memory controller and a high-speed, high-frequency write single level cell (SLC) NAND Flash memory to create the industry’s most advanced NAND Flash module that achieves high-speed performance, durability, and high reliability on a higher level.

In addition to high-speed access featuring read access speeds up to 50 MB/sec and write access speeds up to 30 MB/s, these products include a robust error correction function scalable to 15 bit/sector ECC to provide high data reliability. Bit errors that can occur when reading data repeatedly and the risk of data loss from a power interruption when data is being written are minimized, making these high-reliability CF cards and SSDs optimal for industrial and embedded applications.

TDK industrial CompactFlash cards and RA8 series solid state drives Photo provided by TDK Corp.

An advanced static wear leveling function developed by TDK is also included to equalize data writing to all memory areas of the Flash memory, greatly increasing the write life span of the CompactFlash cards and SSDs. The SMART (Self-Monitoring & Analysis Reporting Technology) has also been enhanced. SMART data unique to TDK on the number of erased times of each memory block can be obtained, making possible quantitative system evaluation and facilitating operation and management.

Main Applications
The main applications are multi-function printers (MFP), NC machine tools, sequencers and PLC, factory automation panel computers, touch panel display systems, embedded CPU boards, point-of-sales (POS) terminals, financial terminals, ATMs, and kiosk terminals, equipment for railway stations, communications and broadcasting devices, security and fire detection devices, digital signage, security identification systems, imaging and other medical devices, healthcare PCs, Point of Medication (POM) system, drive recorders, automotive data loggers such as digital tachographs, analysis and measuring instruments, and other various industrial equipment, medical devices, automotive and embedded devices, and social infrastructure systems.

Main Features

1. TDK GBDriver RA8 NAND Flash Memory Controller ICs Developed by TDK
   The memory controller ICs, which determine the performance and data reliability of CompactFlash and SSD, are the GBDriver RA8 series developed by TDK. By reflecting the latest NAND Flash memory specifications and developments in the controller design, TDK enhanced performance as NAND Flash drives and ensured compatibility among Flash memory generations. This means that the same product line can meet the Flash storage needs of industrial and embedded applications and make suitable proposals for enhanced replacement products.

2. SLC Flash Memory
   By incorporating high-speed, durable SLC NAND, TDK created CompactFlash cards and Flash memory drives optimal for industrial and embedded applications that require high-speed data write access and high-frequency data writing. Upon request, CF cards and Flash discs with multi-level cell (MLC) Flash memory are also available.

3. High-Speed Access
   Compatible with PIO modes 0 – 6, Multiword DMA modes 0 – 4, and Ultra DMA modes 0 – 6. These high-speed NAND storage devices support read access speeds up to 50 MB/sec and write access speeds up to 30 MB/sec.

4. Static Wear Leveling Function for All Blocks
   A new static wear leveling algorithm created by TDK counts the number of erased times data of each memory block for whole memory blocks. Fixed blocks such as OS and FAT areas are also periodically averaged to maximize the life span on onboard Flash memory, dramatically enhancing the re-write life span of Flash memory storage.

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

6. Error Correction and Recovery
   The use of 8 bit/sector ECC and 15 bit/sector ECC to provide error correction capabilities with room to accommodate future NAND Flash Memories developm. The controller independently selects 8 bit/sector ECC or 15 bit/sector ECC. An auto-recovery function is also included to correct bit errors automatically when reading data repeatedly (read-disturbance errors).

7. Other Functions

   1. Total Cluster Number-Setting Function
      The number of logical blocks allocated to a data area can be customized. For example, the number of times data can be written in Flash memory 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. The CHS can be set to any value, which facilitates introduction with existing systems.

   2. Protection (Password) Function
      Incorporation of an ATA-standard protection function allows customers to set and remove a password to protect important data.

   3. SMART Command Support
      The number of times data is written (and erased) in all memory blocks can be confirmed by using SMART command, which allows for easy determination of the NAND Flash memory status and facilitates appropriate management.

8. Solution Support
   TDK has independently developed and marketed the TDK GBDriver series of NAND Flash memory controllers ICs since 2000 and provides technical support to customers in Japan and overseas backed up by its advanced technologies including dispatch of field application engineers and implementation of reliability monitoring functions, for which there is strong demand in the embedded system market.

Production and Sales Plan

• Production location: Taiwan

• Production capacity: 10,000 units/month (at start of production)

• Start of production: December 2008