Inner Workings of the SSD

Welcome back to Semiconductors 101: challenging semiconductor concepts in plain, easy English. To date, we’ve covered the differences between HDDs and SSDs (Semiconductors 101 Lesson 1, The Difference Between HDDs and SSDs), and the types of ‘NAND flash’ which forms the core of solid state drives (Semiconductors 101 Lesson 2, Different Types of NAND Flash). This time, we’ll take a look at the core components of SSDs, including NAND flash, and roles of each component. Raw speed for your machine! The core components of an SSD

An SSD is a next-generation mass storage device using memory semiconductors as a storage medium. An SSD can also be considered a computing system in its own right. Just like a PC consists of a CPU, memory and storage device, an SSD consists of a controller, which performs a role similar to the CPU in a PC, NAND flash for data storage, and DRAM, which functions as cache memory between the SSD and external devices.

As we saw in our Lesson 1, SSDs boast ample storage space and blistering-fast speeds when compared to HDDs. The components that contribute most to such speed and capacity are the ‘NAND flash’ and ‘controller’. NAND flash increases data integration to allow for higher-capacity SSDs, while the controller helps read and write data and correct errors faster for enhanced SSD performance. The NAND flash could be thought of as a ‘library’, and the controller the ‘librarian’ setting the books in the library in order. Samsung’s secret to becoming the undisputed SSD champion

You’re probably aware that Samsung has led the global SSD market in market share for 14 years straight, since 2006. This feat was possible thanks to unrelenting innovation, improving the technologies behind all of the core components of our SSDs. The controller of memory semiconductors is a particularly important component, as it makes or breaks product performance. This means that for SSD manufacturers without their own controller technology, partnering with a good controller manufacturer is essential. Samsung recognized the importance of controller development early on. Thanks to this, our advances in controller technology have been the driving force behind cementing our market share leadership in the global SSD market. Along with unmatched technical prowess in NAND flash, we are also the world’s largest NAND flash producer and largest market share holder. The fact that we have been the world’s largest memory semiconductor DRAM manufacturer since 1992, when we developed the world’s first-ever 64M DRAM module, has also played a large part. Developing SSDs in a league of their own through ‘super gap’ technology Since launching the first commercial SSDs in 2006, Samsung has taken the lead in use of SSDs in the enterprise server market. In keeping with the new trend of the premium laptop market, many of Samsung’s laptops have been equipped with SSDs, and our launch of consumer SSDs brought SSDs into the mainstream.

In September, we launched the ‘980 PRO’ next-generation SSD, the highest-performing consumer SSD ever. The 980 PRO, which is 2 times faster than its predecessor, ‘970 PRO’, while having reliability, is the best product for general consumers and professionals who want cutting-edge performance in their PCs, workstations, and game consoles. Samsung, as the world’s ‘Flash Memory No.1’ brand, intends to continue expanding the frontiers of high-performance SSDs, bringing unmatched products and experiences to consumers the world over. We’ve looked at the core components of SSD mass storage devices today. Remember, the SSD is a computing system in its own right, much like a PC. We’ll see you in the next Semiconductors 101 lesson.