STMicroelectronics Delivers New Generation of ‘Near Zero Power’ Disk Drive Preamplifiers for Sub-2.5

STMicroelectronics Delivers New Generation of 'Near Zero Power' Disk Drive Preamplifiers for Sub-2.5

STMicroelectronics has launched a new generation of hard disk drive preamplifiers intended specifically for drives with less than 2.5 inch diameter platters. Named the Near Zero Power (NZP) series because of their exceptionally low power consumption, the new devices offer significantly lower power requirement coupled with a five-times-higher data rate capability.

Higher data rate and unprecedented low power consumption extends battery life and opens new markets for small hard drives

Total Write-Mode power consumption of the new L6440 is just 170mW, and will enable manufacturers to offer longer battery lifetime between charges, or more compact products with the same battery life by using a smaller battery.

ST’s L6440 currently supports a maximum data rate of up to 600 Mbps, some three times higher than that of existing preamplifiers designed for portable applications. This significant speed increase will allow higher data transfer rates to and from storage devices, enabling the use of 1.8 inch drives in the emerging market for ultra-slim laptop PCs.