SMART Modular Technologies' Rugged Xcel-200 SSD Targets Defense and Aerospace Applications

NEWARK, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 26, 2011) - SMART Modular Technologies, a leading independent manufacturer of solid-state storage products and DRAM and flash based memory modules, today announced the Xcel-200 2.5" SATA solid state drive (SSD). The Xcel-200 is the latest in a robust line of products from SMART Storage Systems, recently re-branded by SMART to emphasize its exclusive focus on solid-state storage solutions.

Building on the success of SMART Storage Systems' long line of SSD products for the defense industry, the Xcel-200 SSD delivers performance metrics of 500MB/s sequential read/write speeds and up to 60K/40K random read/write IOPS. The Xcel-200 is available in capacities ranging from 60 to 240GB, using highly reliable single-level-cell (SLC) NAND Flash.

A host of reliability features are built into the Xcel-200. A backup power circuit comprised of high-reliability capacitors prevents data loss in the event of unplanned power interruptions. An internal flash redundancy feature provides protection against flash block failures and increases the uncorrectable bit error rate (UBER) to 1x10^-18. The error correction capability of the Xcel-200 allows it to correct up to 55 bits for every 512 byte sector. End-to-end cyclic redundancy check (CRC) protection guards against data corruption along the entire data path.

The new Xcel-200 SSD offers customers two separate and complimentary levels of data security. The ATA-8 Security Erase function makes it possible to completely erase all user data from the drive. In addition, all user data stored on the Xcel-200 SSD is automatically encrypted with AES 256-bit encryption. Deletion of the encryption key takes less than 1 second, rendering all encrypted data useless.

"With the Xcel-200, our engineering teams were able to blend the best elements of our enterprise and defense products," said John Scaramuzzo, President of SMART Storage Systems. "Specifically, the new Xcel-200 combines the high performance achieved with our enterprise-grade SSD products, the ruggedness and security of our defense products, and the logistical and technical support that SMART is known for around the world."

The Xcel-200 was designed and tested per MIL-STD-810 to operate in high shock and vibration applications at industrial operating temperatures of -40°C to +85°C. It is also certified for operation at altitudes up to 80,000 ft.

The Xcel-200 SSDs will be sampling in November 2011 and available in production volume in 1Q 2012. For additional information on SMART Storage Systems' new Xcel-200 SSDs and other solid-state storage products, visit www.smartstoragesys.com.

About SMART Storage Systems
SMART Storage Systems is a technology leader in the design, development and deployment of current and next-generation enterprise solid-state storage products. Combining leading-edge, enterprise-class design, and proven world-class support, SMART Storage Systems leverages its deep expertise in flash and enterprise storage technology. SMART Storage Systems delivers high-quality, high-reliability solutions to a broad customer base, including tier one storage and server OEMs. In support of these designs, SMART Storage Systems provides award-winning innovations in solid-state storage technology, such as NAND high-endurance Guardian™ technology, to a variety of customers in the enterprise storage, enterprise server, data center, defense, and industrial markets. SMART Storage Systems is part of the SMART Modular Technologies family of global companies. See www.smartstoragesys.com for more information.

About SMART Modular Technologies
Collectively, the SMART companies are leading designers, manufacturers, and suppliers of electronic subsystems for the most demanding OEMs around the world. The SMART companies have led the way over the past 23 years in the electronics design and manufacturing industries, providing standard and custom products to manufacturers engaged in the computer, enterprise, industrial, networking, gaming, telecommunications, defense, aerospace, and embedded application markets. Taking innovations from the design stage through manufacturing and delivery, SMART has developed a comprehensive memory product line that includes DRAM, SRAM, and Flash memory in various form factors. SMART Storage Systems offers high-performance, high-capacity SSDs for enterprise, defense, aerospace, industrial automation, medical, and transportation markets. SMART's presence in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Latin America enables it to provide its customers with proven expertise in international logistics, asset management, and supply-chain management worldwide. See www.smartm.com for more information.