Toshiba unveils new HDDs for automotive applications

Toshiba introduced a new series of 100GB and 200GB automotive hard disk drives, these new units spin at only 4200RPM but are capable of withstanding extreme operating temperatures (-30°C to 85°C) and offer vibration resistance of up to 2G and operating shock resistance of up to 300G. Both HDDs will be available in Q3 2010.

The 4,200 RPM SATA MK2060GSC is the highest-capacity automotive-grade HDD available and provides vehicle systems manufacturers with the high-capacity storage needed to improve telematics, navigation and entertainment systems, particularly as these systems are being designed to communicate with information and content sources outside the car. This high-capacity automotive storage line will enable carmakers and aftermarket vendors to deliver an improved in-vehicle user experience, while enhancing driver safety.

This introduction builds on Toshiba's existing automotive product line. As of March 2010, Toshiba has shipped 14 million automotive-grade HDDs to the worldwide market, and had 75 percent global market share(2) for shipments in 2009, according to the company's internal sales data. In addition, IDC has forecast that more classes of automobiles will increasingly offer factory in-dashboard infotainment systems that provide audio, video and a variety of navigation information to passengers beginning in model year 2012(3). Consumer desire for multimedia applications and navigation systems integrated into cars has fueled demand for high-capacity HDDs, ensuring migration of these applications beyond the premium vehicle market and into the mainstream.

The MK2060GSC targets telematics and infotainment applications, in which proven performance and capacity are critical. This product line represents a significant innovation in commercial automotive-grade HDD technology, as it doubles the maximum storage capacity available. Other technical benefits to systems manufacturers include a 78 percent improvement in internal transfer rates compared to equivalent products on the market, as well as a faster seek time of 12 milliseconds and extremely quiet "silent seek" operation of 23dB. These features make the MK2060GSC ideal for multimedia, navigation and in-vehicle video recording applications, which require a combination of high storage capacities and rapid data recall.

In addition to its high capacity, the MK2060GSC offers exceptional reliability. This HDD can withstand altitude variations of -300 to 12,000 meters during non-operating and -300 to 5,650 meters while operating, as well as operating temperatures of -30 to +85°C. The new HDD also delivers high levels of operating shock resistance and enhanced vibration resistance. Consequently, telematics systems manufacturers deploying this product in high-quality cars can be confident their products will function normally, despite extreme environmental conditions.

"The next generation of automobile infotainment, connectivity and location-awareness applications will require more innovation and undoubtedly higher storage capacity," said Scott Wright, product manager for Toshiba Storage Device Division. "Our commitment to sustain continued advancement in this product category continues to position Toshiba as the leader for storage components. We are ideally positioned to provide vehicle systems manufacturers with the high-quality, reliable storage technology they need to capitalize on an evolving market opportunity."

In addition to the MK2060GSC, Toshiba also debuts the MK1060GSC as part of this automotive-grade product series, offering 100GB of storage capacity. All of Toshiba's automotive-grade HDDs are suitable for use in many industrial applications requiring extended temperature tolerance. Continuing Toshiba's commitment to reducing environmental impact, these HDDs are fully compliant with RoHS regulation and are halogen-free.

Full specifications can be found over here.