Mason Chen, Project Deputy Manager at Product Marketing Dept. of SMI, stated that the SM2256 SATA 6Gb/s SSD Controller leverages the company's proprietary NANDXtend error-correcting code (ECC) technology, which provides comprehensive data protection and enhances the endurance and retention of TLC NAND, delivering more than three times better durability for TLC SSD.

Mason Chen pointed out that the SM2256 incorporates Silicon Motion's proprietary NANDXtend technology. The state-of-the-art ECC engine provides three levels of error correction and data protection. “First, errors are corrected by Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) hard decoding with low-power and high-efficiency circuits to minimize power consumption.”

“Second, the LDPC soft-decoding digital signal processing algorithm provides an additional level of error correction by voltage threshold tracking. Finally, the on-chip RAID with page parity is used for recovery of uncorrectable data.” said Mason Chen.

In addition, the NANDXtend technology can maintain consistent data throughput and provides a better user experience, even as error bits increase throughout the product lifecycle of NAND flash. The SM2256 can triple the P/E cycles for TLC NAND to extend the SSD lifespan, enabling high performance, better reliability, and more cost effective SSD solutions.

“We are excited to be the only merchant controller supplier today to offer a SATA 6Gb/s SSD controller with complete ASIC and firmware for TLC NAND,” said Minnie Lin, Senior Manager at Marketing Communications Dept. of Silicon Motion. “Our SM2256 supports the broadest range of NAND flash, including 1x/1y/1znm TLC NAND and the upcoming 3D NAND from all the major NAND suppliers, allowing SSD OEMs to deliver the most advanced, cost-effective and reliable SSDs in the market.”

“NAND flash memory is transitioning to TLC technology in an effort to improve the affordability and increase adoption of solid state drives,” added Minnie Lin. “Solutions such as Silicon Motion's SM2256 controller enable systems manufacturers to leverage TLC technology in cost-effective SSD products without compromising performance, endurance or reliability.”