Samsung Unveils World’s Fastest SSD for Automobiles

Samsung, the leading memory chip manufacturer globally, has recently introduced the world’s fastest semiconductor storage device designed specifically for automobiles. This innovative product is notable for being the first automotive SSD to employ the PCIe 4.0 interface alongside Samsung’s 8th-generation V-NAND technology, which together enhance data transfer speeds and reliability.

Introducing the Auto SSD AM9C1

The newly launched Auto SSD AM9C1 utilizes Samsung’s advanced vertical NAND (V-NAND) technology, featuring a triple-level cell (TLC) design and adhering to the PCIe 4.0 standard. The 256GB version of the AM9C1 boasts impressive sequential read speeds of up to 4,400 Mbps and sequential write speeds of up to 400 Mbps when operating in single-level cell (SLC) mode. This marks a significant 50% improvement in speed compared to its predecessor, the AM991.

The AM9C1 SSD is powered by a cutting-edge 5nm Samsung controller, which further enhances its performance. In SLC mode, it achieves even faster sequential read speeds of up to 4,700 Mbps and sequential write speeds of 1,400 Mbps. The SSD will be available in a variety of storage capacities, ranging from 128GB to 2TB, catering to different automotive needs.

Robust and Reliable

One of the key features of the Samsung AM9C1 SSD is its compliance with the AEC-Q1003 Grade 2 standard. This certification ensures that the SSD can operate in extreme temperature conditions, ranging from -40ºC to 105ºC, making it suitable for a wide array of automotive applications.

Samsung is currently in the process of sampling the new SSD to its partners, with mass production slated to begin by the end of this year. Notably, the mass production of the 2TB version of the AM9C1 is expected to commence in early 2025.

Important Highlights

• First Automotive SSD with PCIe 4.0: The AM9C1 is the first automotive SSD to feature the PCIe 4.0 interface.
• Improved Speed: Offers sequential read speeds of up to 4,700 Mbps and write speeds of 1,400 Mbps in SLC mode.
• Temperature Resilience: Compliant with AEC-Q1003 Grade 2 standard for operation in temperatures from -40ºC to 105ºC.
• Multiple Capacities: Available in storage sizes from 128GB to 2TB, catering to various automotive needs.
• Collaborative Efforts: Samsung is working with global autonomous vehicle manufacturers to deliver high-performance automotive products.

Hyunduk Cho, Vice President and Head of the Automotive Group at Samsung Electronics’ Memory Business, stated, “We are collaborating with global autonomous vehicle makers and providing high-performance, high-capacity automotive products. Samsung will continue to lead the Physical AI memory market that encompasses applications from autonomous driving to robotics technologies.”

Samsung’s introduction of the AM9C1 SSD signals a significant advancement in automotive technology, paving the way for faster and more reliable data storage solutions in vehicles.