ST showcases first PHY IP for 6Gbit/s SATA HDDs

ST's 6Gbit/s SATA PHY is an intellectual property (IP) block designed to be integrated with other functions into low power SoC devices supporting 1.53Gbit/s and 3Gbit/s as well as 6Gbit/s SATA HDDs for mobile and desktop computing applications. The ST demonstration features the SATA PHY serial interface, fabricated in 65nm CMOS technology.

"As consumers store ever-increasing amounts of music, photographs, videos, and other multimedia files on their hard disks, they require faster data transfer rates," said Vittorio Peduto, general manager of ST's data storage division. "ST has worked closely with the SATA-IO organization to ensure that it can manufacture and deliver a proven solution to HDD manufacturers at the earliest possible time."

The 65nm MIPHY IP block is a significant enhancement to the previous generation in 90nm technology, says ST. The company also adds that the new MIPHY delivers greater value to drive manufacturers by offering a 35 percent reduction in die size and 30 percent reduction in power consumption. Further architectural improvements in equalization and transmitter and receiver circuitry have resulted in enhanced jitter tolerance and lower transmit jitter, claims ST.