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What Are IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM)? Everything You Need to Know

IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM) are advanced solid-state technology storage solutions designed to deliver unparalleled performance and reliability for enterprise data systems.


Save up to 80% on IBM FlashCore Modules and NVMe SSDs

Leveraging PCI Express (PCIe) attachment and the NVMe command set, FCMs have revolutionized the storage industry, offering enterprise users a powerful alternative to traditional NVMe SSDs.


IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM) technology showcased with advanced enterprise flash storage solutions offered by server-parts.eu. High-performance solid-state drives (SSD) featuring PCIe and NVMe integration, optimized for IBM FlashSystem arrays. Explore cutting-edge data compression, hardware self-encryption, low latency, and enterprise-grade reliability in FCM generations 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0. Perfect for enhancing storage infrastructure with scalable capacities of 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB. Server-parts.eu provides comprehensive solutions for enterprise IT environments, including IBM FlashCore Modules and other innovative flash storage technologies.

 

What Are IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM)?


IBM FlashCore Modules are proprietary solid-state storage modules developed to provide high-performance data storage with advanced features like hardware self-encryption and real-time inline hardware data compression.


Available in the IBM FlashSystem family, these modules offer:

  • Raw Capacities: 4.8 TB, 9.6 TB, 19.2 TB, and 38.4 TB.

  • Enhanced Data Efficiency: Compression up to 115.2 TB of addressable space without impacting performance.

  • Industry Compliance: Conform to U.2 NVMe SSD specifications for interoperability.


 

IBM FlashCore Module (FCM) Generations


IBM FlashCore Modules have evolved over time, offering significant advancements in capacity, performance, and technology:


FCM 1.0

  • Interface: U.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3.

  • NAND Flash: Hybrid SLC-TLC.

  • Capacities: 4.8TBu/21.99TBe, 9.6TBu/21.99TBe, and 19.2TBu/43.98TBe.


 

FCM 2.0

  • NAND Flash: Hybrid SLC-QLC.

  • Capacities: 4.8TBu/21.99TBe to 38.4TBu/87.96TBe.

  • Industry Firsts: Largest capacity enterprise SSD using QLC NAND Flash.


 

FCM 3.0

  • Interface: U.2 NVMe PCIe Gen 3 and Gen 4.

  • Features:

    • Optimized infrastructure for efficient data paths.

    • Enhanced decompression performance (+50%) and double the compressor performance.

    • Capacities up to 38.4TBu/115.2TBe.


 

Anticipated FCM 4.0

While details on FCM 4.0 remain sparse, the demand for higher capacities and even faster performance may set the stage for groundbreaking advancements in hybrid NAND flash designs.


 

Key Features of IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM)


IBM FlashCore Modules are built with innovative technology to meet the demands of modern enterprises. Here are some of their standout features:


Hardware-Driven Data Path - each FCM includes:

  • FPGA with NVMe gateway.

  • Multi-core ARM processors.

  • Components like DRAM, MRAM, and NAND Flash.


 

Compression and Efficiency:

  • Real-time inline hardware compression and decompression.

  • Techniques like health binning and read voltage shifting for consistent performance.


 

Reliability and Security:

  • Hard-decision error correction codes (ECC) to minimize re-reads.

  • Self-encryption for enhanced data security.


 

Optimized for Enterprise:

  • Designed for low latency and reduced write amplification.

  • Compatible with standard SSDs in All-Flash Arrays (AFAs).


 

Comparison with Standard NVMe SSDs:

  • Unlike most NVMe SSDs, FCMs offer inline compression without a performance hit, maximizing usable capacity.

  • Built-in hardware encryption ensures data security at no additional overhead.

  • IBM’s FlashCore Modules consistently outperform commodity SSDs due to their hardware-driven data paths.


 

History of IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM)


Texas Memory Systems (TMS) and the RamSan Series:

  • On September 17, 2007, TMS introduced the RamSan-500, the world’s first enterprise-class flash-based SSD, utilizing proprietary designs for high-performance and low-latency storage.


  • Over the years, TMS developed seven generations of flash controllers using SLC and MLC NAND Flash, creating products like RamSan-10/20/70/80 and PCIe drives.


  • In 2012, IBM acquired TMS, integrating its technologies into its product lineup.


 

IBM FlashCore Evolution:

  • The first IBM product to feature FlashCore technology was the FlashSystem 840, launched in 2014, showcasing IBM’s MicroLatency technology.

  • By 2015, FlashCore technology was rebranded, with the introduction of the FlashSystem 900 and V9000, incorporating features like inline hardware compression.


  • In 2018, IBM released the FlashSystem 9100, marking the first FlashCore Modules (FCM) that complied with industry-standard 2.5” U.2 NVMe SSD form factors.


 

Conclusion - IBM FlashCore Modules (FCM)


IBM FlashCore Modules represent the best of enterprise storage innovation, combining high performance, reliability, and advanced data management features. Whether you’re considering an upgrade to your storage infrastructure or evaluating alternatives to standard NVMe SSDs, IBM’s FlashCore Modules deliver a compelling solution.


To learn more about how IBM FlashCore Modules can transform your data center, try integrating them into your existing infrastructure and testing their performance compared to your current storage solutions.


 

Save up to 80% on IBM FlashCore Modules and NVMe SSDs

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