01EK163 FC AF3L Flash Core Module 7.68TB TLC NVMe FCM for FlashSystem 9100/9200/9500 with Tray 01EK169

Product Overview

1.Core Title

This product is the core component of high-end all flash storage systems - Flash Core Module (FCM). Model 01EK163 (codenamed FC AF3L) represents an integrated, high-performance flash drive that combines high-performance NVMe flash, dedicated hardware accelerator, and management functions. Its nominal physical capacity is 7.68TB and it is pre installed in a dedicated carrier with FRU 01EK169. This module is designed specifically for the FlashSystem 9100, 9200, 9200R, and 9500 series, and is a key element in building enterprise level storage infrastructure with ultimate performance, efficiency, and data resilience.

Key concept analysis:

Flash Core Module (FCM): It integrates NVMe flash memory, FPGA based hardware accelerator (for lossless real-time compression and encryption), and supercapacitor (for power-off protection) into one module, achieving efficient data reduction and stable microsecond level latency without consuming storage controller CPU resources.

01EK163: The FRU (field replaceable unit) number of the FCM module itself.

01EK169: FRU number of the necessary tray (Carrier or Caddy) for installing the FCM module into the storage chassis. This product is usually provided in an integrated form of "module+tray".

Capacity T L03 B: IBM's capacity code, clearly corresponding to a usable physical capacity of 7.68 TB.

2.Core specifications and parameters

Parameter Project Parameter Details

Product Model (FRU) 01EK163

Product code FC AF3L

Tray/Rack FRU 01EK169

Physical capacity 7.68 TB

Flash Memory Type: 3D TLC NAND

Interface protocol NVMe over PCIe

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

Core Features: Integrated FPGA Hardware Accelerator

Lossless hardware compression with always on data services and optional hardware encryption

Extremely durable, designed specifically for intensive enterprise workloads (please refer to IBM's official specification sheet for specific DWPD)

Power outage protection integrated with supercapacitors ensures safe data flashing from cache to flash memory in case of unexpected power outages, ensuring data integrity

3.Main features and advantages

Disruptive performance:

Through NVMe architecture and direct connection design, it provides extremely high bandwidth and stable microsecond level latency. The integrated FPGA hardware accelerator independently and offline processes compression and encryption, completely freeing up the storage controller CPU, ensuring constant and predictable performance, even when advanced data services are enabled.

Excellent data reduction efficiency:

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

Enterprise level resilience:

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

Original factory deep integration and intelligence:

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 and health status alerts.

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, Microsoft SQL Server

High performance computing and AI/ML: training and inference scenarios that require sustained high throughput and low latency

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

Key business applications: ERP system, online transaction processing (OLTP), data analysis