mSATA SSD modules

Swissbit storage supports TCG Opal 2.0 specifications for standardized encryption key management and secure erase functionality. Opal enables pre-boot authentication, user-based access control, and compliance with data protection regulations requiring hardware-encrypted storage. IT administrators manage encryption policies centrally without custom software per storage vendor. Opal's locking ranges enable partitioning storage into encrypted and unencrypted regions, supporting use cases requiring both protected data and unencrypted boot partitions.

Swissbit implements AES-256 encryption in hardware for full-disk encryption without performance penalty. Cryptographic keys reside in controller secure storage, never exposed to host systems. Encryption operates transparently: host writes plaintext, controller encrypts before NAND storage, decrypts on reads. This protects data at rest without application modification. Hardware encryption performs faster than software encryption and cannot be bypassed through memory inspection or operating system vulnerabilities. We support key management through standard interfaces including TCG OPAL and proprietary solutions for applications requiring specific key hierarchies.

Swissbit implements multiple erase methods for different security requirements. Secure Erase cryptographically destroys encryption keys, rendering data unrecoverable without overwriting NAND (completing in seconds). Sanitize overwrites all NAND cells, meeting DoD 5220.22-M and similar data destruction standards but requiring minutes to hours. Purge combines cryptographic key destruction with overwrite for maximum security. Fast Erase resets NAND to factory state for redeployment. Applications select appropriate erase methods balancing security requirements against time constraints and device lifecycle.

Swissbit implements end-to-end data path protection using CRC checksums and ECC validation from host interface through NAND storage. This detects silent data corruption from electrical interference, firmware bugs, or NAND cell failures. Traditional storage verifies data integrity only at NAND interface; errors in controller processing, buffer RAM, or interface logic go undetected. End-to-end protection validates data integrity at every stage, ensuring data read from NAND matches data written by host.

Swissbit controllers implement thermal monitoring and adaptive management to maintain performance and data integrity across temperature extremes. When temperature approaches operational limits, the controller throttles operations to prevent thermal damage while maintaining data accessibility. Temperature-dependent read retry algorithms adjust error correction aggressiveness based on current temperature, compensating for temperature-induced signal degradation. Thermal monitoring data integrates with system-level thermal management, enabling coordinated responses to temperature stress across the entire embedded system.

Swissbit implements LDPC (Low-Density Parity-Check) error correction for superior data recovery compared to BCH or Reed-Solomon codes. LDPC corrects more bit errors per page, enabling reliable operation of NAND with higher error rates, extending drive lifespan as cells degrade. This is particularly important for MLC/TLC NAND and high-temperature operation where error rates increase. LDPC's computational complexity requires hardware acceleration; our controllers implement dedicated LDPC engines for real-time correction without performance penalty.

Swissbit implements Block RAID algorithms that distribute data across multiple NAND dies with parity protection. If a die fails completely (beyond error correction capability) Block RAID reconstructs data from remaining dies. This provides drive-level redundancy without requiring host-level RAID controllers. Block RAID is particularly valuable for applications requiring high reliability but lacking space, power, or complexity budget for multiple drives in RAID configuration.

Swissbit storage supports secure in-field firmware updates to address issues discovered post-deployment, add features, or improve performance without hardware replacement. Firmware updates use secure delivery mechanisms (signed images, encrypted channels) to prevent malicious firmware injection. The update process maintains fallback capability; if new firmware fails validation or causes operational issues, the controller automatically reverts to previous working firmware. This enables long-lifecycle products to benefit from improvements without risking bricked devices.