The HDD storage industry might experience a massive capacity boost, as new research has demonstrated how manufacturers plan to reach 120 TB of storage within the upcoming years.
The Adoption of HAMR Technology With Multi-Layers To Prompt A Massive Increase In HDD Storage Capacities
We have reached a point where modern-day storage solutions need innovation, especially in data collection. Researchers from Seagate Technology and various other teams have devised a new method involving stacking multiple levels of data recording layers that would not only ensure a larger capacity per area ratio but also access it faster than conventional methods. In terms of its motive, it’s similar to 3D packaging, but some complexities are involved.
The inception of multi-level recording in HAMR (Heat-assisted magnetic recording) technology is a new way where researchers aim to increase storage capacities drastically. They plan on achieving this by utilizing dual nanogranular films separated by a breaking layer, which would allow for separate magnetic recording on different layers depending upon their respective magnetic fields and temperatures.
By dividing the HAMR platform into multiple layers, not only would an increase in data storage capacities, but both layers would be independently existing, aiding in processes such as data manipulation and access.
Each granular layer will have its own respective Curie temperature limitations, the point where the layer shifts from ferromagnetic properties to be replaced by paramagnetism, and due to this, the researchers believe that they can potentially achieve up to 120 TBs of capacities from 10-platter hard drives, which is exceptional because right now we are in the “big data” era, the need for vast storages is growing more rapidly, especially in the AI segment, where training LLMs revolved around data.
For now, this is just a proposition, and we aren’t certain whether we can reach the storage benchmarks within the specified timelines. However, it does show that with the existing pace of innovation, moving from conventional methods is the only way to guarantee success. In the storage industry, multi-layered media devices are the way to move ahead, but right now, there is a lack of R&D in this segment, which won’t lead to immediate adoption.