Hybrid HDD for tablets & mobile devices coming soon

Hybrid HDD for tablets & mobile devices coming soon
Posted: 14 December 2011 1016 hrs

SINGAPORE: Singapore's Data Storage Institute (DSI) has sealed a crucial partnership with a leading maker of hard disk drive components, Seiko Instruments Inc. (SII).

They'll work on a hybrid hard disk drive (HDD) that's expected to enhance the next generation of media tablets and mobile computing devices that can handle increased capacity and are more reliable.

The two sides signed a research collaboration to develop pivot assembly for 2.5 inch, 5mm thickness, hybrid hard disk drive (HDD).

The deal signals a major step towards manufacturability of the DSI's 5mm thin drive target.

SII, known for its strong expertise in high performance miniature ball bearing and pivot cartridge design, and DSI will put in significant amount of resources to bring the design of the pivot cartridge towards manufacturing.

The pivot assembly is an important component within the HDD which supports the movement of the actuator arm that carries the integrated system of read/write sensors over the media.

DSI's 5mm hybrid HDD architecture is targeted at addressing the current limitations of both flash-based SSDs as well as the conventional HDD, in areas such as portability, data storage reliability, storage capacity, power consumption and cost.

"Our partnership with SII is a step towards materialising the 5mm hybrid hard disk drive. More importantly, it is a recognition from the industry on the viability and potential of 5mm hybrid hard disk drive," said Dr Pantelis Alexopoulos, Executive Director of DSI.

"The development of pivot assembly for 5mm thickness HDD is very challenging. However, with DSI's expertise and strengths in hard disk drive. I strongly believe that our collaboration with DSI will be a resounding success and therefore make a positive contribution in the growth of HDD industry," said Mr Masao Kasuga, Senior Vice President of SII.

The Data Storage Institute (DSI) is a member of the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), which is the lead agency for fostering world-class scientific research and talent for a vibrant knowledge-based and innovation-driven Singapore.

DSI's vision is to be a vital node in nurturing research talents and capabilities for world-class R&D in next-generation storage technologies.

- CNA/ck

- wong chee tat :)