SATA-Disk Module 4

APSDMxxxxX5AN-AXXX

3

© 2012 Apacer Technology Inc.

Rev. 1.1

1. General Description

Apacer’s SATA-Disk Module 4 (SDM4) is a high-performance, embedded SSD designed to replace the

conventional SATA hard disk drive. SDM SSD can be plugged into a standard Serial ATA 7-pin connector

commonly found in desktops, IT-STB, industrial PC and thin client systems. Moreover, Apacer provides

an innovative way for design-in customers to strengthen the vibration-resistance between SDM4 and

mainboard.

Apacer’s SDM4 has a built-in microcontroller with file management firmware that communicates with

SATA standard interface. This means SDM4 does not require additional or proprietary host software such

as Flash File System (FFS) and Memory Technology Driver (MTD). This product is well suited for

embedded flash storage applications offering new and expanded functionalities as well as more cost-

effective designs, better performance and increased reliability.

SDM4 Series is designed to work at 5 Volts and uses a standard SATA driver that complies with major

operating systems such as Microsoft’s Windows series.

Featuring technologies as Apacer-specific Wear-leveling algorithms, S.M.A.R.T, Enhanced Data Integrity,

Intelligent Power Failure Management, ATA Secure Erase, and TRIM, Apacer assures users of a versatile

device on data storage.

1.1 Performance-Optimized Controller

The heart of SDM4 is the Flash controller, which translates standard SATA signals into the data and

controls of the flash media. The SATA and Flash Management controller are specifically designed to

attain high data throughput from the host to the flash.

1.1.1 Power Management Unit (PMU)

The power management unit (PMU) controls the power consumption of SDM4. It can dramatically extend

product battery life by leaving the idle part of the circuitry into sleep mode. The PMU has zero wake-up

latency.

1.1.2 SRAM Buffer

The Flash Controller performs as a SRAM buffer to optimize the host’s data transfer to and from the flash

media.