OCZ Technology Group on Monday introduced a new firmware technology for solid-state drives (SSDs) that can allow installation of inexpensive NAND flash memory manufactured using 20nm-class process technology into SSDs that require improved reliability.

Modern multi-level cell (MLC) flash memory that is produced using thin fabrication processors is generally less reliable than similar memory products made using older process technologies. However, manufacturers cannot keep using old manufacturing methods since they need to reduce their production costs. In a bid to maintain reliability, improve performance and lower manufacturing costs, new solid-state drive controllers and firmware technologies are needed.

OCZ Technology unveiled the Arowana Flash Translation Layer (FTL) from Indilinx. The firmware technology supports both existing and upcoming Indilinx controllers and can improvee performance and enterprise capabilities and enables SSD suppliers to deploy cost-effective 20nm-class NAND flash memory.

The new Arowana FTL enhances performance of Indilinx controllers with HyperQueuing, which significantly increases sequential write speeds and random IOPS over the previous generation FTL. In addition, Arowana's support of 2xnm flash provides SSD suppliers with the ability to offer end users a more attractive product with lower cost NAND components. The new Arowana FTL also maximizes the life of low endurance flash with INXtend technology.

Arowana will continue to offer Indilinx's proprietary Ndurance technology to extend the lifespan of flash devices with sophisticated wear-leveling algorithms, reduced write amplification, and advanced over provisioning. Furthermore, the new FTL supports TRIM along with superior idle time garbage collection that requires no operating system interfacing as well as the innovative Indilinx Wiper tool for non-TRIM systems.

Arowana will be made available immediately in new firmware updates to current Indilinx SSD controller customers as an upgrade package, and will be deployed in future Indilinx products.

"We are always driving to add more value for our clients, and the exciting new Arowana Flash Translation Layer delivers both major performance and feature-set enhancements. Arowana not only boosts IOPS performance by up to 500%, but does so with the support of the industry's latest 20nm-class flash technology, making Indilinx solutions now more competitive than ever," said Daryl Lang, vice president of product management at OCZ Technology Group.

Tags: OCZ, SSD, Indilinx, 20nm, Flash, NAND