TDK has will begin shipments of the HS1 series of SSDs, available in capecities of up to 64GB and equipped with the company's GBDriver controller.

TDK focused on providing security and reliability adequate for memory systems and developed the original NAND flash memory control system. The result was development of a controller that can provide high-speed storage functions and the commercialization and start of shipments of the HS1 series of SSD equipped with that controller.

SSDs comprise the flash memory that stores data, a controller that controls the flash memory and makes SSDs appear to be the equivalent of PC hard disc drives, supporting circuits, and mechanical components. The HS1 series of SSDs are the first products to use the GBDriver HS1 SSD controller developed by TDK.

TDK's HS1 Series includes drives with capacities of 16GB, 32Gb and 64GB. Their form factor is the 1.8-inch ?SATA specification, the smallest SSD with a SATA interface. The drives Boast 100 MB/s Burst read and 50 MB/s burst write performance, while they are equipped with power management functions. According to TDK, the consumption current during SATA slumber mode is just 20 mA.

An internal security system encrypts data for storage in the flash memory without reducing data transmission speeds within the SSD controller. The encryption method is 128-bit AES. A verification system supports access protection structures.

The HS1 series of SSDs was designed by Taipei-based CoreSolid Storage, a joint venture company established by TDK and PQI. Production of 10,000 units per month is planned. Sample prices will be US$2,000 for the 64 GB unit, US$1,500 for the 32 GB unit, and US$900 for the 16 GB unit.