Simulation models out for Microdrive 3K8

SAN JOSE: Denali Software and Hitachi Global Storage Technologies today announced the availability of advanced CE-ATA simulation models for Hitachi's 8 GB 'Mikey' hard drive, officially known as Microdrive 3K8.

Chip designers can use the software to simulate the detailed interaction between CE-ATA product designs and Microdrive-based devices at the pre-silicon stage of chip development. The models enable designers to improve product design quality and speed time-to-market for new consumer electronics devices.

“Hitachi's goal is to provide customers with leading-edge hard drives and the support they need to deliver innovative consumer electronics devices,” said Larry Swezey, deputy general manager, mobile hard drive business unit, Hitachi. “This CE-ATA simulation model will enable Microdrive 3K8 customers to streamline development and testing processes and accelerate their time-to-market.”

The new Hitachi Microdrive 3K8 is a 1.0-inch hard drive, featuring a reduced footprint and power consumption for integration into mobile phones and other ultra-miniature consumer electronic devices. The drive has a maximum capacity of 8GB, and is for embedded applications.

CE-ATA is a new standard interface for small-form-factor hard drives that addresses the requirements of the handheld and CE market segments, including low pin count, low voltage, power efficiency, cost-effectiveness and integration-efficiency.

“We are seeing a tremendous increase in demand for specialized storage solutions for mobile consumer electronics,” said Kevin Silver, vice president of marketing for Denali. “Hitachi is clearly demonstrating leadership in this space with its new 1.0-inch Microdrive 3K8, and we are excited to work with them on design enablement tools for these devices. The availability of advanced simulation models, or verification IP, for the Hitachi Microdrive enables chip designers to accelerate product development, and optimize their designs even before an actual drive is available.”

The simulation model for Hitachi's Microdrive 3K8 is available through Denali's PureSpec verification IP product line, an industry standard modeling solution for other devices and interfaces including DDR-SDRAM, Flash, Serial ATA, PCI Express, and USB 2.0/OTG.