This is the chip that could be inside the world’s largest SSD: Kioxia launches 2TB NAND chip, and key partner Pure Storage could use it in its 150TB SSD DirectFlash modules
Japanese memory giant Kioxia reports that it has begun test shipments of 2TB QLC devices, which use the eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 3D flash memory technology.
This new chip will be used in SSDs, servers, and other forms of digital storage hardware that require high-capacity, high-efficiency memory components.
Kioxia’s BiCS FLASH technology expands the memory die vertically and laterally, while the integration of CBA (CMOS direct Bonded to Array) technology supports denser memory creation and interface speeds of up to 3.6Gbps. The new product features a bit density that is approximately 2.3 times higher than Kioxia’s previous fifth-generation QLC device and 70% higher write power efficiency. With a 16-chip stacked architecture in a single memory package, Kioxia says its new QLC device can reach a capacity of 4TB.
Pure Storage to adopt the technology
Hideshi Miyajima, Chief Technology Officer of Kioxia, said: “With its industry-leading high bit density, fast data transfer and superior energy efficiency, the 2Tb QLC product will bring new value to rapidly emerging AI applications and large storage applications that require energy and space saving.”
Pure’s DirectFlash Module (DFM) storage (which allows all-flash arrays to communicate directly with raw flash storage) already offers improved density and efficiency, as well as longer lifespan compared to SSDs. The company has previously said it will ship 150TB DFMs in 2025, with a goal of shipping 300TB DFMs in 2026. Incorporating Kioxia’s technology into its products will support that goal.
Kioxia has also added a new 1Tb QLC memory device to its portfolio. Compared to the 2Tb QLC, the 1Tb device offers approximately 30 percent faster sequential write performance and approximately 15 percent improvement in read latency and will be used in high-performance applications including client SSDs and mobile devices.
Charles Giancarlo, Chief Executive Officer of Pure Storage, said, “We have a long-standing relationship with Kioxia and are excited to integrate their eighth-generation BiCS FLASH 2Tb QLC flash memory products to enhance the performance and efficiency of our all-flash storage solutions. Pure’s unified all-flash data storage platform is capable of meeting the demanding needs of artificial intelligence and the aggressive cost of backup storage.”