Microchip Technology Inc has rolled out its new Adaptec® SmartRAID 4300 series of NVMe® RAID storage accelerators. Designed for server OEMs, data centers, and enterprise users, the series delivers advanced RAID-enabled solutions tailored for high-performance Software-Defined Storage (SDS) environments. These accelerators are particularly well-suited for AI-powered data centers that require fast and reliable access to NVMe storage.
The SmartRAID 4300 lineup introduces a unique architecture by separating Microchip’s Smart Storage platform into distinct software and hardware components. By utilizing Microchip’s PCIe® storage controllers as dedicated hardware for offloading RAID tasks and CPU-intensive functions, the system allows the host PCIe infrastructure to handle data flow more efficiently. Internal testing has demonstrated input/output (I/O) performance improvements of up to 7 times compared to prior models.
This new design allows Smart Storage software to run directly on the host CPU, enabling direct write access from the CPU to NVMe endpoints at full PCIe speeds. Meanwhile, the RAID parity calculations are managed by the accelerator, helping overcome traditional data flow limitations seen in inline architectures. The solution supports up to 32 CPU-attached x4 NVMe devices and 64 RAID arrays or logical drives, along with compatibility for Gen 4 and Gen 5 PCIe processors.
Brian McCarson, Corporate Vice President of Microchip’s Data Center Solutions Division, stated, “This innovative solution breaks away from conventional architectures by separating software and hardware functions, improving both efficiency and scalability for modern IT infrastructure.”
The SmartRAID 4300 series works with NVMe and cloud-ready SSDs and integrates several features for enterprise use, including hardware-based security elements like root of trust, secure boot, attestation, and Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) capabilities. Power-saving features like automatic core idling and intelligent power management enhance overall efficiency while ensuring data integrity.
For ease of deployment and ongoing management, the series includes tools such as the Adaptec maxView™ HTML5-based interface, ARCCONF CLI, and plug-ins for both local and remote system control. These tools are accessible via standard web browsers and maintain compatibility with existing Adaptec management solutions. Out-of-band control is supported through standards-based interfaces like DMTF’s PLDM and Redfish® Device Enablement (RDE) over MCTP.
Microchip Technology Inc develops embedded control and processing solutions designed for secure, connected, and intelligent applications. With a broad product portfolio and streamlined development tools, the company supports efficient system design aimed at reducing development risk, cost, and time to deployment. Serving more than 100,000 customers worldwide, Microchip’s technologies are applied across sectors including industrial, automotive, consumer electronics, aerospace and defense, communications, and computing. Based in Chandler, Arizona, the company maintains a focus on reliable product delivery, high manufacturing quality, and strong technical support.
