The technology sector is witnessing a notable shift in processor architecture, with Samsung taking preliminary steps away from reliance on ARM’s intellectual property (IP) by designing its upcoming Solid State Drive (SSD) controller chip around the open-source RISC-V architecture.
Samsung’s Transition to Open-Source Architecture
The new SSD model, designated as the BM9K1, represents Samsung’s initial practical efforts toward utilizing an instruction set that is openly available. While ARM’s ecosystem remains extensive and prevalent—evidenced by Samsung’s cutting-edge Exynos 2600 chips, which currently utilize ARMv9.3 CPU cores—the firm is reportedly beginning to explore the RISC-V open-source architecture through a custom controller chip.
According to reports from ETNews in South Korea, the BM9K1 SSD lineup has been developed entirely in-house and will incorporate a controller chip built upon the RISC-V structure. The controller chip itself is crucial to an SSD’s functionality; it acts as the main processor that oversees data transfer between the host computer (PC) and the NAND flash memory. Furthermore, it manages essential auxiliary tasks, including error correction, garbage collection, and wear leveling—the process of distributing data evenly across all available NAND cells.
Economic and Technical Drivers for the Switch
Historically, Samsung’s SSD controller chips have relied on ARM’s instruction sets, a practice that previously required the payment of substantial licensing fees. The move toward RISC-V is viewed as both an economic necessity and a timely technical progression. This transition was anticipated, especially given that competitors like Western Digital have utilized RISC-V-based SweRV cores within their controller chips for several years.
While Samsung has previously attempted to integrate the RISC-V architecture into its various product lines over the years, those efforts typically remained at a demonstration level. Therefore, the development of the BM9K1 marks a significant milestone: it represents the first tangible application of an open-source instruction set within a major commercial hardware component.
Implications for Future Products
The adoption of RISC-V in the SSD controller suggests a broader strategic shift for Samsung. This move to an open-source foundation carries considerable potential for the company’s future portfolio. Experts suggest that, eventually, other products from Samsung might follow suit; for instance, future generations of Exynos chips could potentially leverage RISC-V CPU cores rather than relying solely on ARM’s intellectual property.
