RunCore has finished development on its first single-chip SATA II SSD, which consists of a tiny circuit board with -unsurprisingly- a single chip. TDK showed a similar chip earlier, called the eSSD. RunCore's device isn't just flash memory, but also contains the controller that handles communication with the SATA interface. The small SSD will be released in three different capacities, each with a unique shape. This is important, since an SSD like this has to remain as compact as possible. The RunCore SSD is called 'Mini DOM SSD' and is sized up to 43.38 x 27.75 millimetres. While the SATA connector is of the 3 Gbps type, the small SSD won't come near the limitations of this specification. Ideally, this SSD reads at 113 MB/s, while writing operations are performed at no faster than 50 MB/s.
Unlike the larger 2.5" SSDs, this compact model has some trouble with smaller files, as its performance drops off quite a bit. The small dimensions and the fact its a first generation product required RunCore to compromise. Storage capacities include 8, 16, 32 and 64 GB. While this seems small, the fact it's done on a single chip means that the data density of the 64 GB model is similar to that of a regular 512 GB SSD, which consists of eight such memory chips.
One of the three modules features a full-size SATA interface, including its power connector. The other two use an alternative power connector. By means of a jumper, the SSD can be protected from writing operations, as well as erase all data. RunCore intends for its new SSD to be used in a variety of devices, including navigation, onboard car computers, medical equipment and military hardware. For professional applications, the integration of ECC error correction and an intelligent 'bad block management' system are welcome additions. Wear-leveling technology is also present, although TRIM remains unmentioned.
The RunCore Mini DOM SSD is operational between temperatures of 0 and 70 degrees Celsius. The chip is soldered to the PCB by means of 104 BGA contact points. The power consumption of the drive is specified at 670 mW while idle and 1.2 watts while writing data. RunCore has estimated the lifetime of its SSD at 2 million hours MTBF and provides two years of warranty with the device.
RunCore Mini DOM SSD
