Samsung Unveils First Automotive SSD Utilizing 8th-Generation V-NAND Technology

In a world where our cars are becoming more like computers on wheels, Samsung Electronics is making significant strides to keep pace with the tech demands of the automotive industry. Today, the company unveiled its latest innovation: the AM9C1, the first PCIe 4.0 automotive SSD built on its eighth-generation vertical NAND (V-NAND) technology. Now, if you’re wondering what all that jargon means, let’s break it down.

PCIe 4.0 is a type of interface that allows for faster data transfer speeds between components in a computer—think of it as a super-fast highway for data. And with the AM9C1, we’re talking about speeds that could make your home Wi-Fi look sluggish. With sequential read speeds hitting up to 4400 MB/s and write speeds of 400 MB/s, this SSD is designed to handle the data-heavy demands of modern vehicles, particularly those equipped with on-device AI capabilities.

Imagine this: you’re cruising down the highway, your car is processing a mountain of data to navigate traffic and respond to road conditions in real-time. That’s where the AM9C1 comes into play, allowing your vehicle to make split-second decisions based on the information it gathers. Hyunduk Cho, the Vice President and Head of Automotive Group at Samsung, put it succinctly: “We are collaborating with global autonomous vehicle makers and providing high-performance, high-capacity automotive products.”

What’s particularly impressive about the AM9C1 is its power efficiency—Samsung claims it’s about 50% better than its predecessor, the AM991. In practical terms, that means your car can run more efficiently, potentially extending the lifespan of its components. It’s a win-win for both manufacturers and consumers.

The technical specs don’t stop there. The AM9C1 features a single-level cell (SLC) Namespace, which allows for faster access to large files by switching from a triple-level cell (TLC) state. In simpler terms, this means that when your car needs to pull up critical information quickly, it can do so without breaking a sweat. Users can expect boosted read and write speeds of up to 4,700 MB/s and 1,400 MB/s, respectively.

Currently, Samsung is sampling the 256 GB model with key partners, with plans to roll out multiple storage options ranging from 128 GB to a whopping 2 terabytes (TB). Yes, you read that right—2 TB! That’s enough space to store an entire library of music, navigation data, and maybe even a few movies for those long road trips. The 2 TB model is expected to start mass production early next year, so keep your eyes peeled.

But it’s not just about speed and storage; reliability is key in the automotive sector. Samsung has put the AM9C1 through rigorous testing to meet the AEC-Q1003 Grade 2 standard, ensuring it performs reliably in extreme temperatures, from -40°C to 105°C. That’s essential for any device that’s going to be exposed to the elements, especially in vehicles that might be navigating through snow, rain, or intense heat.

Quality assurance doesn’t stop there. Samsung has also received ASPICE CL3 certification for its UFS 3.1 product, and they’re working towards CSMS certification based on ISO/SAE 21434. These certifications are not just corporate checkboxes; they signify a commitment to reliability and safety in the automotive landscape.

As Hwaseok Oh, Executive Vice President at Samsung Electronics’ Memory Business, noted, these milestones are crucial. “Beyond these achievements, Samsung will continue to elevate its product stability and quality by consistently providing the best solution to key partners.”

In an age where technology is evolving faster than we can keep up, Samsung’s latest automotive SSD is a reminder that the future of driving is not just about getting from point A to point B; it’s about how efficiently and intelligently we can navigate the journey. With innovations like the AM9C1, the road ahead looks promising. So, the next time you hop into a car, remember that it’s not just a mode of transport—it’s a mobile tech hub, and Samsung is helping to power it.

Background Information

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About Samsung: Samsung, a renowned South Korean multinational conglomerate, has established itself as a global leader in various industries, including electronics, technology, and more. Founded in 1938, Samsung's influence spans from smartphones and consumer electronics to semiconductors and home appliances. With a commitment to innovation, Samsung has contributed groundbreaking products like the Galaxy series of smartphones, QLED TVs, and SSDs that have revolutionized the way we live and work.

  

Technology Explained

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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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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