HighPoint Technologies, a pioneering force in the storage industry for the past 18 years, launches a groundbreaking new breed of storage controller designed for high-speed applications: the RocketRAID 2720C2 6Gb/s SAS/SATA Cross-Sync RAID Solution.

HighPoint's 6Gb/s Cross-Sync RAID Solution aims to revolutionize DAS applications. Cross-Sync synchronizes up to two RocketRAID 2720C2 controller cards to work as a single RAID storage unit. The Cross-Sync RAID Solution provides 16 SAS/SATA6Gb/s Ports over a Dual PCIe x8 Host Interface, and is capable of delivering up to 4 GB/s of transfer performance!

LSI Corporation today unveiled the third generation of its market-leading SandForce flash controller line, the industry's most widely deployed flash management technology for driving PCIe and SATA solid state drive (SSD) and flash card solutions. Designed to support power-sensitive client computing applications as well as I/O-intensive enterprise and hyperscale environments, the new LSI SandForce SF3700 flash controller family provides the increased levels of flash performance, reliability and endurance needed to meet the exacting needs of SSD manufacturers.

The SF3700 family is the industry's first flash controller that provides the flexibility to support both native PCIe Gen2 x4 and SATA 6 Gb/s host interfaces in a single ASIC design. This unique capability greatly simplifies SSD designs and helps to significantly reduce development and manufacturing costs for SSD makers.

Lamptron announced the CM615 multi-channel fan-controller. Built in the 5.25-inch form-factor, it can handle up to six channels, supplying up to 30W of power, each. The controller draws power form a 4-pin Molex connector, and plugs in to your motherboard, using a standard USB 2.0/1.1 header. Using that, it can interface with its included software, which can let you monitor, log, and stream your cooling data over the Internet. The controller features a brushed aluminium bezel, framing an LED touchscreen. The controller lets you control fans either arbitrarily, or using temperature targets, with which the controller handles speeds to maintain a target. You can also create speed/temperature curves using the software, for the controller to follow. It features start boost, with which you can fire up all fans to 100%, at system start-up. The company didn't reveal pricing or availability information.

HighPoint Technologies has been a pioneering force in the storage industry, unleashing the world's 1st USB 3.0 PCie Controllers to deliver over 1.2GB/s of transfer performance, backed by a revolutionary dedicated per-port Performance Architecture design! In 2011, HighPoint launched the industry's first dedicated 5Gb/s USB 3.0 HBA's and Storage docks. Powered by an innovative new USB 3.0 architecture and quad-port HBA design, these new product series featured dedicated 5Gb/s controllers for each USB port, and were capable of delivering an entirely new level of performance for a USB-based storage solution - up to 250MB/s per port! Our RocketU HBA's and RocketStor storage docks were the fastest USB solutions on the market, but had only begun to scratch the surface of our revolutionary 20Gb/s architecture.

Never one to rest on our laurels, HighPoint forged ahead, endlessly refining our design to fulfill the promise of USB 3.0 true performance potential. 2013 marked the introduction of our 3rd generation USB 3.0 HBA's, the RocketU 1144C and RocketU 1144E, and our 2nd generation USB 3.0 storage dock - the RocketStor 5422. These revolutionary storage solutions are powered by the latest iteration of our industry-leading Per-Port Performance Architecture, and are capable of delivering over 1.2GB/s of real-world transfer performance!

Remember how numbers were electronically displayed just before LEDs and seven-segments? Incandescent bulbs called Nixie tubes? Lamptron appears to have caught a hold of some new old stock of Nixies, and decided to make a fan-controller based on them, which could be ideal for steampunk-themed builds. Called the FC10, the controller drives four fan channels, and speed is displayed on a scale of 0-9, using those Nixies. The controller draws power from a 4-pin Molex connector, and can supply each channel with up to 30W of power. It fits into a 5.25-inch drive bay. Lamptron is expected to sell the FC10 from later this month.

Silicon Motion Technology Corporation, a global leader in designing and marketing NAND flash controllers for solid state storage devices, today announced that it has begun sampling its new, single-channel, ultra high performance and cost-effective controller solution for USB 3.0 flash drives, the SM3267. By integrating an embedded crystal oscillator and all power ICs, SM3267 reduces the customers' overall system cost. In addition, SM3267 delivers an industry-leading data transfer rate of up to 160 MB/s read, a 30% to 50% improvement from most single-channel USB 3.0 flash drive controllers in the market today.

"We are very excited to introduce SM3267, our first crystal-less USB 3.0 solution with integrated power ICs," said Wallace Kou, President and CEO of Silicon Motion. "SM3267 offers superior performance with competitive cost when compared to other USB 3.0 controllers in the market, and we believe our solution will help accelerate the market in transitioning from legacy USB 2.0 flash drives to the latest generation USB 3.0 drives. This is another example of Silicon Motion leading the market in bringing new, advanced technology to the mainstream market. We are pleased to announce that SM3267 has received design-ins from most of our current USB controller customers, including many top-tier OEMs, and we expect SM3267-based USB 3.0 flash drives will be commercially available starting in the fourth quarter of 2013."

Renesas Electronics, a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced a new Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) hub controller (part number ?PD720211) with dual downstream ports, extending more flexibility to implement USB 3.0 connections of digital devices such as PCs, tablets, and digital TVs to other USB 3.0-compatible peripheral devices.

Adding a new two-port hub controller to the lineup alongside Renesas' world's-first certified USB 3.0 four-port hub controller (part number ?PD720210) increases system designers' options for USB 3.0 hub expansion with products such as PCs, tablets, display monitors, docking stations (function expansion units that connect to notebook PCs), and digital TVs. The addition of the two-port hub controller (uPD720211) supports designs with tighter space and cost budgets, while expanding the USB 3.0 connectivity to utilize the increasing number and performance of USB 3.0 peripherals devices available in the market.

Japanese manufacturer Scythe, famous for its innovative and market leading cooling concepts and accessories, expands its accessories portfolio by a multifunctional fan controller. Scythe Kaze Chrono combines three different functions in one device! The 5,25 inch bay device allows users to control fans separately, display temperatures and can be used as a clock.

The desired information is displayed well structured on a 105 x 30 millimeter LC-Display. Users can adjust the brightness of the display in four steps from very bright to completely shut down. Kaze Chrono weights only 165 grams and can be fitted into a vacant 5,25 inch bay. One of the special highlights is the retro look of the display.

Microsoft Windows 8 introduced the innovative Windows To Go (WTG) feature, which enables people to enjoy their own applications and access their personal data via any smart display that supports the Windows operating system, as long as they have a thumb-sized flash disk with them. Etron Technology, Inc. today announces that its EV266W Flash Driver Controller has received Windows To Go certification from Microsoft. EV266W employs a dual-channel design and advanced 72-bit Error Check and Correction (ECC) functionality. It supports 8 CE (Channel Enable) pins per channel, with up to a total of 16 CE pins, in a 64-QFN (9x9 mm) package or an 88-QFN (10x10 mm) package. The EV266W Flash Driver Controller and platform enables system manufacturers of USB3.0 flash drives to develop a new generation of USB3.0 device end products and accelerate their technologies to market.

To end customers, Microsoft's WTG delivers the convenience of smart living with Plug In, Boot and Go capabilities. This allows users to travel light anywhere with their familiar Windows operating system, applications and personal data on a thumb-sized flash drive; turn any display that supports the Windows operating system into a dedicated PC; achieve hassle-free Windows usage without the need to sync programs and personal data across multiple devices; stay fully productive despite computer hardware failure since people can connect to any PC of their choice; and prevent data loss and compute securely and with privacy.

IntelliProp, Inc., a leader in innovative semiconductors for Data Storage applications, announced today the availability of a new, SATA SSD (Solid State Drive) Flash Controller, the IPA-SA129-CT. The new device was developed at IntelliProp's Longmont design center using their internally developed cores (SATA, flash, ECC, AES) and logic. The first customer development is preparing for production.

The IPA-SA129-CT is an SSD (Solid State Drive) flash controller for Serial ATA (SATA) applications supporting SATA 6 Gb/s speeds. The IntelliProp IPA-SA129-CT (code named "Apache") features enterprise class ECC:BCH error correction, True End-to-End CRC, AES-XTS-256bit encryption and supports both MLC and SLC flash. The data path for read and write IO's of the IPA-SA129-CT controller is managed by IntelliProp's proprietary hardware accelerator engines to provide consistent, low latency access to user data. This data path architecture focuses on maximizing IOPS and throughput while allowing the embedded processor cycles to be dedicated to garbage collection and background management tasks.

Scythe unveiled its groovy new Kaze Chrono fan controller (model: KM07-BK). Its head unit, which is designed for 5.25-inch drive bays, is characterized by a large LCD panel with a brick-matrix, similar to Tetris handhelds, which can display fan-speed of its various channels, temperature, or simply work as a clock. As a controller, it draws power from a 4-pin Berg connector, giving out four 3-pin fan headers. Speed is controlled by selecting a channel, and holding down the + or - buttons. Its mode can be switched between fan control, temperature monitoring, clock, and display-off. The controller can detect a stopped or failing fan, and flash an alarm. Measuring 148.5 x 83 x 42 mm, it weighs about 165 g. Scythe is expected to begin shipping the Kaze Chrono sometime in July. In Japan, it is expected to go for 3,980¥ (US $40).

Lamptron has just launched the new FC5V3 fan controller, which is not only a revision of the FC5V2 but it is a real step forward in the evolution of this kind of products. This fan controller is positioned to become the new datum point in the cooling domain. In fact, the Lamptron FC5V3 has 6 channels and can handle up to 30 W per channel. The new wide LCD display shows all the information (RPM, temperature and voltage) for every channel.

Moreover, the display allows a new level of customization providing 16 different colors for the illumination of the LCD display. The FC5V3 integrates all the commands directly on the front of the fan controller for an enhanced and quicker access to all the functions. Moreover, the FC5V3 provides an initial 12 V in all the channels in order to make the fans work even if set at the minimum working voltage. The new Lamptron FC5V3 provide all these new features and much more.

Thermaltake, being an industry leader in computer chassis, thermal solutions, and power supply units announces the newest upgrade on life style notebook cooler -Sleek and compact, the Thermaltake Allways Control Notebook Cooler is the new functional laptop accessory. Dual, adjustable 7cm fans and an aluminum faceplate keep user's laptop cool while rubber pads hold the laptop securely above with bottom supports allowing for the laptop at an incline or flat set up. With specific fan direction controllers designed, user can manually control the air flow towards various angles and different directions. It is completely USB powered and even features 4 USB ports, perfect for multiple devices connection.

NZXT rolled out Sentry Mix 2, the second generation of its audio mixing equipment-inspired fan controller. The Sentry Mix 2 features six fan channels, controlled by six independent analog sliders. NZXT made the sliders broader, and gave each an LED-backlit label. There are five color options for these LEDs that can be chosen from. The sliders aren't just rheostats, they also support PWM. The controller features six 4-pin outputs, for fans that support PWM control methods. The controller can supply each fan with up to 30W of power, drawing a maximum of 180W. The Sentry Mix 2 fits into a standard 5.25-inch drive bay, drawing power from up to two 4-pin Molex connectors. Available in just the black color option for now, the Sentry Mix 2 features a matte-black bezel with glossy-black sliders. NZXT didn't reveal pricing or availability.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, software and systems, announced the launch of its Sabertooth Elite Gaming Controller for Xbox 360.

The Razer Sabertooth is an extraordinary Xbox 360 controller. Six additional remappable buttons - two at each shoulder of the controller and two removable rocking switches at the bottom - allow gamers to re-bind any choice of buttons on the controller for easy access. A built-in OLED screen is also included, which allows customization of the controller's many features. Gamers may remap the multi-function buttons, adjust the analog stick's sensitivity and save profiles: the display visualizes their modified preferences.

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced that its latest Universal Serial Bus 3.0 (USB 3.0) hub controller (part number uPD720210) has passed USB 3.0 compliance and certification testing by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF). It is one of the world's first USB 3.0 hub controllers to achieve this recognition, following Renesas' world's first USB 3.0 host controller certification in 2009.

The "Certified SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0)" certification from the USB-IF offers manufacturers and consumers the assurance that the device will function in accordance with the specification and will interoperate with the billions of USB-enabled devices that exist in the market today.

VIA Labs, Inc., a leading supplier of USB 3.0 integrated chip controllers, today announced its two latest USB 3.0 device controllers, the VIA VL752 and VIA VL753 SuperSpeed USB 3.0 to NAND flash controllers. The VIA VL752 and VIA VL753 deliver enhanced performance using the latest NAND flash technologies including 19nm, 20nm and 21nm geometries and have been certified by the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) for SuperSpeed operation, ensuring high quality, seamless interoperability, and effortless backwards compatibility.

The two-channel the VIA VL752 and single-channel VIA VL753 offer data transfer speeds up to 280MB/s, flexible bad block management, support for the latest 200MHz DDR NAND Flash, and a robust ECC engine for greater data integrity. The package sizes from the previous generation of VIA Superspeed USB to NAND flash controllers have been reduced to a QFN68 8 x 8mm package for the VIA VL752 and a QFN48 6 x 6mm package for the VIA VL753 to enable the smallest form-factor designs.

VIA Labs, Inc., a leading supplier of USB 3.0 integrated chip controllers, today announced two next generation USB 3.0 Host controllers, the four-port VIA VL805 and the two-port VIA VL806. The VIA VL805 and VIA VL806 allow a PCI Express-equipped platform to interface with multiple SuperSpeed USB peripherals devices simultaneously for blistering fast transfers rates up to 5 Gbps while retaining full backwards compatibility with USB 2.0 and 1.1 devices.

The next generation single chip VIA VL805 and VIA VL806 Host controllers include enhancements for improved performance, seamless cross compatibility and interoperability, and new features such as support for USB Battery Charging and "Charging Downstream Port" which enables both fast data sync and rapid charging with compatible devices. The VIA VL805 and VIA VL806 comply with the Universal Serial Bus 3.0 Specification for Super-Speed transfers and Intel's eXtensible Host Controller Interface (xHCI) 1.0 specification and add native inbox driver support for Windows 8. VIA VL805 and VL806 host controllers are USB-IF certified and are currently shipping.

TDK Corporation has developed the GBDriver RS4 series of NAND type flash memory controllers with support for 3 Gbps serial ATA. Sales will begin in January 2013.

With an effective access speed of 180 MB/sec, the GBDriver RS4 is an advanced high-speed SATA controller chip. It is fully compatible not only with the latest 1xnm generation and 2x nm generation 16 kB/page SLC (single level cell) and MLC (multi level cell) NAND type flash memory, but also with 8 kB/page and 4 kB/page structures. This allows the customer to select the optimal flash memory for the respective application, providing the flexibility to configure high-speed SATA storage with a capacity ranging from 512 MB to 1 TB.

Intel has launched the Intel Ethernet Controller I210 Family for desktop, server, and embedded systems. These new low-power gigabit Ethernet controllers include advanced features, such as IEEE 802.1AS Time Stamping and 802.1Qav Audio-Video Bridging for better streaming of content. The I210 also comes with innovative power management features that reduce overall platform power consumption, and can withstand industrial temperatures, making it ideal for Industrial Automation, In-Vehicle Infotainment, Medical, Print Imaging, Telecommunications Infrastructure, and Military platforms.

Like other embedded products, Intel offers 7-year extended lifecycle support so customers can protect their development investment. Additional information can be found here.

Over the past month, AeroCool unveiled six new products featured in its mainline and Strike-X brands, including the Strike-X XPredator Devil Red and White Editions, Strike-X Air, and Mechatron Black Edition cases; Silent Master 200 mm fans, and Strike-X X-1000 fan-controller. AeroCool made an addition to the lineup, the Touch-2000 fan controller, and made all products available through retail channels in the US.

The Touch-2000 is a 2-bay fan-controller. It is characterized by a brushed aluminum bezel, and a large LED display, with feather-touch buttons. The Touch-2000 supports a maximum of five channels with 25W maximum output per channel. In addition to five fan speed channels, the controller supports temperature monitoring from five thermal probes that can be stuck to key components such as heatsinks, hard drives, etc., for real-time monitoring. The color scheme of the LED display can be changed among 7 options. Overheating alarms can be set. The Touch-2000 also doubles up as a 2-port USB 3.0 (standard header) and audio (HDA header) front-panel, to help with cases that lack the ports.

Kotkin Enterprises announces their newest endeavor, Delta Six, a hybrid motion controller designed to enhance performance and create a more immersive experience on titles like Call of Duty Black Ops 2. Former Special Forces operator turned military consultant for Spike's Gametrailers, David B. Johnson, says "When David Kotkin presented this invention, I was excited to be included on such an innovative project." We made a fps simulation controller that is preferred over the standard controller. Our vision is to bridge the gap between motion control and Hardcore First Person Shooters. For the first time a Call of Duty player will feel more immersed in game-play and have more control over the game than ever before. The only way to get more real is to enlist" said David Kotkin, owner and inventor of the Avenger Elite.

Renesas Electronics Corporation, a premier provider of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced the availability of its SuperSpeed USB (USB 3.0) hub controller system-on-chip (SoC), the µPD720210, for use in hubs that enable connection of multiple devices supporting the USB 3.0 standard, such as PC peripherals and digital TVs.

The USB interface standard has been widely adopted worldwide. The recent proliferation of video content and large-capacity recording media has increased demand for interfaces capable of handling higher data transfer rates. In response, new products are coming to market with support for USB 3.0, which delivers speeds 10 times faster than the 480 megabits per second of USB 2.0 speeds. Adoption of USB 3.0 in non-PC products, such as digital consumer electronics, is growing due to factors such as the appearance of solid state drives (SSDs), which allow reading and writing of data at faster speeds than conventional hard disk drives (HDDs), and chipsets with a built-in USB 3.0 host controller.

Other World Computing (OWC) www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions Mac and PC technology company, today introduced the OWC Mercury AccelsiorM, a Mac and PC-bootable, fully supported PCIe controller card that accepts any standard 50 mm mSATA Solid State Drive. By utilizing the fastest data interface available in a Mac Pro or PC-the PCIe slot-the Mercury AccelsiorM can offer data transfer speeds that exceed 3 Gb/s SSDs….up to 380 MB/s.

User-Friendly, Yet Robust for Demanding Uses
As easy to install as a memory module, yet robust enough to handle the rigors of professional multimedia production environments, the half-height AccelsiorM card is the clear choice for Mac Pro and PC owners who desire the maximum performance from their 3G data bus-based machines. Waiting for I/O-intensive apps like Photoshop, Final Cut Pro, or Avid Pro Tools to render, capture or process will become a distant memory; business critical applications are given an instant boost; and game level loading, object streaming, and save times can be reduced for more play time and less waiting.

Offices of semiconductor company ASMedia were raided by law enforcement agencies in Taiwan, late last month, over allegations of intellectual property (IP) theft of physical-layer component (PHY) design of USB 3.0 host controllers. While the agencies did not disclose who is behind the allegations, it is rumored to be VIA, which sells USB 3.0 host, hub, and device controllers under the VIA Labs Inc (VLI) brand. Many of ASMedia's engineers are former employees of VIA, who are believed to have trafficked its IP over to their new employers.

Following the raid, ASMedia president Lin Che-wei held a press-conference in Taipei, announcing full cooperation with the authorities over the investigation. It remains to be seen how the investigation affects supplies of ASMedia's USB 3.0 controllers. A PC motherboard maker we spoke with expressed concern over the developments.