Samsung launching MLC-based 128-Gbyte SATA II solid-state drive

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has developed a multi-level cell (MLC), flash-based 128-Gbyte solid-state drive (SSD) that it will produce this year in 1.8-inch and 2.5-inch versions for notebook and desktop PCs as well as mobile applications.

The drive supports a data writing speed of 70 Mbytes/s, the industry's highest for MLC-based SSDs, according to Samsung. The high writing speed of the Samsung MLC-based SSD is achieved by using optimised controller technology and highly efficient flash-management firmware technology. Samsung's 128-Gbyte SSD reads data at 100 Mbytes/s.

Samsung's 128-Gbyte SSDs will be available in a thin standard 1.8-in. version that is five millimetres thick, which is intended to stimulate the design of thinner ultra-mobile PCs, in addition to a conventional 1.8-in. version for mobile consumer applications and a 2.5-in. version for standard-sized notebooks.

Featuring a 3.0-Gbit/s SATA II interface, the 128-Gbyte SSD uses native command queuing and spread-spectrum clocking to achieve its high performance. It also features device/host-initiated power management for a low power consumption level of 0.5 W in active mode.

Samsung's state-of-the-art wear-levelling technology, combined with its advanced flash management technology, provides high reliability for its MLC-based-SSD and a mean time between failures (MTBF) of one million hours.