Phison introduces E29T Gen 4 Controller: Empowering Mainstream Client SSDs

CES Las Vegas, Computex Taipei

At the Flash Memory Summit 2024 (FMS 2024), Phison provided updates on their client flash solutions. Among the showcased products were the E31T Gen 5 mainstream controller, which had been previously seen at Computex 2023, and the USB4 native flash controller for high-end PSSDs, launched at CES 2024. However, the highlight of the event was the demonstration of Phison’s new E29T Gen 4 mainstream DRAM-less controller. This solution aims to maximize performance on the Gen 4 platform while keeping costs low.

Phison’s NVMe SSD controller lineup was also presented, showcasing the key specifications and features of each model. The E31T targets the mainstream consumer market, while the E29T caters to high-end consumers. The manufacturing process for these controllers is 7nm, and they both feature Cortex R5 CPU cores. The error correction technology used is 7th Gen LDPC, ensuring data integrity. However, unlike the E31T, the E29T does not include DRAM.

The host interface for both controllers is PCIe, with the E31T supporting the latest PCIe 5.0 x4 and the E29T utilizing PCIe 4.0 x4. The NVMe version for both controllers is 2.0. In terms of NAND channels and interface speed, both controllers offer 4 channels and 3600 MT/s. The maximum capacity supported by these controllers is 8TB.

When it comes to performance, the E31T boasts impressive sequential read and write speeds of 10.8 GB/s and 10.8 GB/s, respectively. The E29T, on the other hand, offers sequential read and write speeds of 7.4 GB/s and 6.5 GB/s. In terms of 4KB random read and write IOPS, the E31T achieves 1500k and 1500k, respectively, while the E29T reaches 1200k and 1200k.

Compared to its predecessor, the E27T, the E29T introduces a newer LDPC engine that enhances SSD lifespan and ensures compatibility with the latest QLC flash technology.

In addition to the controller updates, Phison showcased their U21 USB4 PSSD reference design, featuring a MagSafe-compatible casing. The company also shared CrystalDiskMark benchmark results for this design, indicating that PSSDs based on the U21 controller are nearing retail availability.

Phison has a track record of leading the market with SSD controllers that support the latest interface options, such as PCIe 4.0, PCIe 5.0, and USB4. While competition often arises from tier-one vendors with their in-house solutions or from Silicon Motion’s power-efficient alternatives, Phison aims to maintain its presence in the mainstream Gen 4 market with the E29T. By incorporating their latest LDPC engine and supporting the highest NAND flash speeds, Phison ensures they remain a strong player in the industry.

Background Information

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About Phison:

Phison Electronics Corporation, established in 2000 in Taiwan, is a global leader in NAND Flash controller ICs and storage solutions. Phison's innovations in flash memory and controllers have made them a key player in the storage industry, providing technology that powers various storage devices.

  

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Event Info

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About CES:

CES, the Consumer Electronics Show, is an annual event held in Las Vegas, Nevada, organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA). With a history dating back to 1967, it has become the world's premier platform for unveiling and exploring the latest innovations in consumer electronics and technology. Drawing exhibitors ranging from industry titans to startups across diverse sectors, including automotive, health and wellness, robotics, gaming, and artificial intelligence, CES transforms Las Vegas into a global tech hub, offering a glimpse into the future of technology through a wide array of showcases, from startup-focused Eureka Park to cutting-edge automotive and health tech exhibitions.

  

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About Computex:

Computex, held annually in Taipei, Taiwan, stands as one of the world's leading technology trade shows, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in computing hardware, software, and emerging technologies. With a focus on industry trends and product launches, it serves as a pivotal platform for tech giants and startups alike to unveil their latest advancements and forge key partnerships, attracting a global audience of industry professionals, enthusiasts, and media representatives.

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Technology Explained

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CPU: The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of a computer, responsible for executing instructions and performing calculations. It is the most important component of a computer system, as it is responsible for controlling all other components. CPUs are used in a wide range of applications, from desktop computers to mobile devices, gaming consoles, and even supercomputers. CPUs are used to process data, execute instructions, and control the flow of information within a computer system. They are also used to control the input and output of data, as well as to store and retrieve data from memory. CPUs are essential for the functioning of any computer system, and their applications in the computer industry are vast.

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NAND: NAND technology is a type of non-volatile memory that is used in many computer applications. It is a type of flash memory that is used to store data in a non-volatile manner, meaning that the data is not lost when the power is turned off. NAND technology is used in many computer applications, such as solid-state drives, USB flash drives, digital cameras, and memory cards. It is also used in many embedded systems, such as cell phones, tablets, and other consumer electronics. NAND technology is a reliable and cost-effective way to store data, making it a popular choice for many computer applications.

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NVMe: Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe) is a newly developed technology that has been gaining traction in the computer industry. This technology is a standard interface which allows for high-speed storage and retrieval of data from solid state drives (SSDs). NVMe is designed to increase the speed of data transfers in storage systems by enabling a direct connection to PCI Express (PCIe) bus, resulting in significantly faster access times compared to traditional interface protocols such SSDs. NVMe is particularly useful for applications that require lightning-fast access to large amounts of high-value data. NVMe-based SSDs are being widely adopted in the computer industry and are being employed to power data centers, high-end workstations, and gaming machines to support lightning-fast data processing and retrieval, which unlocks possibilities for machine learning, real-time analytics, edge computing, and other cutting-edge applications. NVMe is proving to be an invaluable tool in the field of computing, offering immense

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PCIe: PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard for connecting components such as graphics cards, sound cards, and network cards to a motherboard. It is the most widely used interface in the computer industry today, and is used in both desktop and laptop computers. PCIe is capable of providing up to 16 times the bandwidth of the older PCI standard, allowing for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance. It is also used in a variety of other applications, such as storage, networking, and communications. PCIe is an essential component of modern computing, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

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SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation

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