In recent years, we have seen a growing offering of SSD-based external storage solutions. This allows a great reduction in transfer times and greater data security against vibrations and shocks. ASMediaat Computex 2024, announces new controllers to achieve up to 80 Gbps and 120 Gbps via USB4 interface.
Various USB SSD drives can be found on the market offering transfer speeds of around 1,000 MB/s. We are talking about 200 times more than the transfer speeds that an external hard drive via USB can offer.
In addition to reducing transfer time, they also provide greater data integrity. External SSDs are much more resistant to shock and vibration because they don’t have the moving parts that external hard drives have. They are even much lighter and more compact.
Improved transfer speed of external SSDs.
At Computex 2024, controller chip manufacturer ASMedia has just announced new solutions. They have developed different chips that improve the performance of external storage units. It seeks to offer an integrated solution for high-speed transfers, efficient charging and multiple device connectivity.
ASMedia first highlights its USB4 physical layer controllers, which enable transfer speeds between 80 Gbps and 120 Gbps. Thanks to this chip, we will be able to transfer massive data and high-resolution videos in seconds.
This improves work efficiency and user comfort. In addition, this solution offers compatibility with all versions prior to USB4, because it could not be otherwise.
From an artificial intelligence perspective, a specific solution has been developed for the PCIe Gen5 physical layer. This new controller seeks to satisfy the requirements for high-performance computing and Big Data processing. Additionally, improvements are made to data transmission speed and latency is reduced, making it perfect for AI environments.
ASMedia is expanding its product line with PCIe Gen4 multi-lane packet switches that will be available in late 2024. Additionally, the company announces that a USB4 Dock FPGA platform will be demonstrated at CES 2025.
This USB4 Dock enables multifunctional workstations and offers transmission speeds of up to 40 Gbps. In addition, this new system allows a power supply of up to 240 watts. This offers us the possibility of easily charging different devices.
ASMedia highlights this new USB4 Dock which will integrate different interfaces. It is worth noting that it will have USB, HDMI, DisplayPort and Ethernet ports. All devices can be connected using a single USB-C or Thunderbolt 4 cable. Additionally, this system supports resolutions up to 8K (UHBR20). The first samples of this product are expected to be made at the Las Vegas event early next year.
The company has not confirmed which external SSDs will integrate the first USB4 controllers. It is possible that during the Taiwan event some brands will present the first units based on this interface, thus allowing higher transfer speeds.
