01EK160 FC AF3K flash core disk body 3.84TB TLC NVMe suitable for FlashSystem 9x00 series including shelf number 01EK168

Product Overview

1.Core Title

This product is not an ordinary solid-state drive, but the core component of IBM's high-end all flash storage system - Flash Core Module (FCM). The model 01EK160 (codenamed FC AF3K) represents an integrated flash drive that combines high-performance NVMe flash, dedicated hardware accelerator, and management functions. Its nominal capacity is 3.84TB, pre installed in a dedicated carrier with FRU 01EK168, designed specifically for FlashSystem 9100, 9200, 9200R, and 9500 series, serving as the cornerstone for building enterprise level storage solutions with ultimate performance and data efficiency.

Key concept analysis:

Flash Core Module (FCM): It integrates NVMe flash memory, FPGA based hardware accelerator (for compression and encryption), and supercapacitor (for power-off protection) into one module, achieving efficient data reduction and ultimate performance without consuming host CPU resources.

01EK160: The FRU (field replaceable unit) number of the FCM module itself.

01EK168: The FRU number of the necessary tray (Carrier or Caddy) for installing the FCM module into the storage chassis. This product is usually provided in this integrated form.

Capacity T M03 B: IBM's capacity code, corresponding to a usable physical capacity of 3.84 TB.

2.Core specifications and parameters

Parameter Project Parameter Details

Product model (FRU) 01EK160

Product code FC AF3K

Tray/Rack FRU IBM 01EK168

Physical capacity 3.84 TB

Flash Memory Type: 3D TLC NAND

Interface protocol NVMe over PCIe

FCM form designed specifically for FlashSystem, installed in a 3.5-inch bay tray

Hardware accelerated integrated FPGA for lossless hardware compression and encryption

Always on hardware compression for data reduction, effectively increasing available capacity

Extremely durable, designed for intensive write workloads (please refer to the official DS8000 Red Book for specific DWPD)

Power outage protection integrated with supercapacitors ensures secure data flashing from cache to flash memory during power outages

3.Main features and advantages

Ultimate performance and low latency:

Adopting NVMe architecture and direct connection design, it provides extremely high bandwidth and extremely low latency. The integrated FPGA hardware accelerator independently processes compression and encryption, completely freeing up the system CPU and ensuring constant and predictable performance, even under high loads.

Excellent data efficiency:

Efficient hardware compression that is always online can compress data in real-time before writing it to flash memory, significantly reducing actual data usage, effectively providing higher available capacity, and reducing total cost of ownership (TCO).

Enterprise level resilience:

Adopting Microlatency module design, it integrates power-off protection module and advanced fault detection function. Modular design allows for quick replacement, ensuring high availability of the system and business continuity.

Original factory integration and simplified management:

As an original FCM, seamlessly integrated with FlashSystem 9x00 series storage arrays. Intelligent monitoring and management can be achieved through Storage Insights, providing predictive analysis.

4.Applicable scenarios and system compatibility

Exclusive system compatibility: This module is dedicated to and only compatible with the following systems:

FlashSystem 9100

FlashSystem 9200

FlashSystem 9200R

FlashSystem 9500

Note: Not applicable to earlier FlashSystem 900 models or Storwize series.

Typical workload:

The most demanding core databases: Oracle, SAP HANA, DB2

High Performance Computing and AI/ML: Training and Reasoning Requires Continuous High Throughput and Low Latency

Large scale virtualization and private cloud: supporting high-density integration of thousands of virtual machines

Key business applications: any enterprise application that requires ultimate performance and data efficiency