90-nm Read Channel Cuts Power, Boosts Storage Capacity In 1.8-in HDDs

The 90-nm TrueStore read channel features the industry's lowest power consumption and highest performance within the market for handheld consumer electronics, according to Agere Systems. The device uses half the current required by the previous generation of read channels in this market, extending battery life. Additionally, the channel increases storage capacity by speeding the data transmission rate by 25% and hiking the signal-to-noise ratio compared to the previous generation. Because the RC1300 is the latest in Agere's Copperhead family of read channels, hard disk drive makers can leverage their existing software investment in the TrueStore RC7200 for the desktop and laptop markets.

The RC1300 targets the 1.8-in. and smaller HDD form factor, which provides data storage of 20 to 160 Gbytes in a wide variety of consumer devices. With its small die size, the RC1300 allows device makers to develop smaller and more creative design for handheld products. First shipped samples are achieving design targets for power and performance, according to Agere, and the company expects the TrueStore RC1300 to be in production in 2008. To learn more, go to www.agere.com.