DEC-ESE20-SolidStateDisk

This document describes the ESE20 Solid State Disk, a high-performance I/O subsystem designed by Digital to significantly boost the performance of standalone and VAXcluster Systems for I/O-intensive computing applications.

Key features and benefits include:

• High Performance: It utilizes 120 Megabytes of nonvolatile, DRAM-based memory, delivering over 300 I/O requests per second—more than ten times faster than magnetic disks, with an average latency of 528 microseconds.
• I/O Bottleneck Elimination: It closes the performance gap between fast CPUs and slower magnetic I/O, dramatically improving elapsed time, system throughput, response time, and user count in applications like transaction processing, large-scale timesharing, and scientific analysis.
• Seamless Integration: The ESE20 is DSA-compliant and uses a Standard Disk Interface, allowing immediate use in existing VAX environments without operating system or software modifications.
• Robust Data Integrity: Features a built-in Data Retention System that automatically transfers data to an internal Winchester disk during power loss, ensuring nonvolatile storage. It also includes dual-level error correction (Hamming ECC and Reed-Solomon ECC) for maximum reliability and VAXsimPLUS support for predictive failure monitoring.
• Versatility: Ideal for storing frequently accessed shared files (e.g., system disk, index, control files) and can be used in both standalone and VAXcluster configurations to maximize CPU utilization.
• Physical Attributes: Packaged in a 60-inch-high cabinet, capable of holding one or two ESE20 units, and includes a one-year warranty.

In essence, the ESE20 is a fast, reliable, and easily integrated solid-state disk solution that addresses I/O performance limitations, allowing VAX systems to operate at their full potential.