Data Retention
Data retention refers to the capability of the SSD media (that is, NAND flash) to retain
programmed data. The three primary factors that affect data retention are:
• Power-on/power-off state: Data retention generally improves when the SSD is in use
(that is, not shelved in a power-off state).
• Temperature: Data retention decreases as the temperature increases.
• Number of PROGRAM/ERASE cycles on the media: When the SSD ships from the fac-
tory, it is typically able to retain user data for up to 5 years in a powered-off state.
Data retention is guaranteed for three months at 40ºC (MAX), which assumes worst-
case power and media wear (the SSD remains in a powered-off state and has reached
end of life).
Wear Leveling
The device uses sophisticated wear-leveling algorithms to maximize endurance by dis-
tributing PROGRAM/ERASE cycles uniformly across all blocks in the array. Both static
and dynamic wear leveling are utilized to optimize the drive’s lifespan.
Both types of wear leveling aim to distribute “hot” data away from blocks that have ex-
perienced relatively heavy wear. Static wear leveling accomplishes this by moving data
that has not been modified for an extended period of time out of blocks which have
seen few P/E cycles and into more heavily worn blocks. This frees up fresher blocks for
new data while reducing expected wear on tired blocks. Dynamic wear leveling, by con-
trast, acts on in-flight data to ensure it is preferentially written to the least-worn free
blocks rather than those closer to the end of their rated life. These techniques are used
together within the controller to optimally balance the wear profile of the NAND array.
Firmware Update Capability
The SSD supports firmware updates as defined by the NVMe specification. Once a
download operation completes, an ACTIVATE command must be issued.
Power Loss Subsystem and Rebuild
The SSD supports an unexpected power loss with a power-backed write cache. No user
data is lost during an unexpected power loss. When power is subsequently restored, the
SSD returns to a ready state within a maximum of 120 seconds.
Boot
The 9100 is not intended to be a bootable device. Boot functionality is not validated by
Micron, and any use in this manner is done at the user's own risk. Please visit Mi-
cron.com to find other SSD products that are recommended for boot.
9100 U.2 and HHHL NVMe PCIe SSDs
Functional Description
CCMTD-731836775-1
9100_hhhl_u2_nvme_pcie_ssd.pdf - Rev. I 03/17 EN
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Micron Technology, Inc. reserves the right to change products or specifications without notice.
© 2016 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.
