Union Memory Unveils Its First Consumer- QLC SSD—AE531! Delivering Exceptional Reliability and Broad Compatibility to Maximize User TCO (Total Cost of Ownership)

Stable Architecture, Redefining the Golden Balance Between Performance and Cost

The AE531 integrates Union Memory’s next-generation controller, paired with an intelligent I/O acceleration module and a mature, stable third-generation firmware architecture, which enables sequential read/write speeds of up to 6,800/5,600 MB/s and 4K random read/write IOPS of 700K/800K — performance on par with TLC SSDs.

In addition, in order to address both lightweight workloads and complex mixed read/write scenarios, the AE531 combines three core technologies in an innovative manner:

Ultra-Low Latency Architecture: Based on a SoC-based hardware acceleration module, it achieves significantly lower latency under QD1 (Queue Depth 1) scenarios, meeting the requirements for rapid real-time performance responsiveness.

Dynamic Resource Scheduling: By synergizing Host Memory Buffer (HMB) with the controller’s proprietary algorithms, it dynamically optimizes data flows and intelligently allocates cache resources—significantly enhancing mixed read/write efficiency.

Sustained Performance Guarantee: A static SLC caching strategy overcomes traditional limitations of SLC simulation endurance, ensuring consistent peak performance throughout the product’s life-cycle.

To realize an optimal balance between high performance and low cost, the AE531 employs a page-interleaved block RAID algorithm. This approach leverages multi-channel data interleaving and redundancy parity mechanisms to significantly improve NAND utilization while substantially boosting data reliability—effectively lowering cost per gigabyte. Additionally, relying on its efficient firmware architecture, the AE531 features adaptive resource management functions such as optimized command queue depth handling and intelligent garbage collection (GC) strategies, which minimize performance fluctuations and extend NAND life-cycle.

In PCMark 10 testing, the AE531 outperformed leading domestic competitors in nearly 90% of test categories, achieving an overall score of 3,800+ — approximately 11% higher than competitors.

Figure: PCMark 10 Score Comparison – Union Memory’s AE531 vs. Competitors

Reliability and TCO, Defining Long-Term Storage Value

The AE531 has undergone rigorous validation through over 7000 test cases—including over 1,000 hours of high-temperature/high-pressure stress testing, 500 hours of EST (Environmental Stress Testing), and 6,000+ harsh power-cycle tests — ensuring comprehensive, full life-cycle reliability with a Mean Time Between Failures (MTBF) exceeding 2 million hours.

Through its DRAM-less architecture design and the high-density advantage of QLC NAND, the AE531 reduces hardware cost per gigabyte by approximately 30% compared to equivalent TLC products. Its ultra-low power consumption (<2.5 mW in PS4+L1.2 state) delivers exceptional energy efficiency. Coupled with intelligent power management that dynamically adjusts controller and NAND power based on workload, the AE531 extends laptop battery life by up to 16%, offering lightweight and compact laptop users the ideal balance of performance and power efficiency.

In terms of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), the AE531 incorporates an enhanced SSD logging system and a proprietary intelligent analysis tool to enable multi-dimensional monitoring of SMART health status, program/erase cycles, temperature, and error rates. This predictive capability helps anticipate potential failures, reducing risks of data loss and unexpected downtime—providing robust support for diverse applications.

Full Ecosystem Compatibility, Building a Solid Storage Foundation

In terms of ecosystem compatibility, the AE531 demonstrates exceptional capacity in cross-platform synergy. It is fully compatible with mainstream CPU platforms at home and abroad and deeply integrated with 10+ operating systems—including Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and major domestic open-source ecosystems. Its certification system spans multiple dimensions, including technical specifications, security standards, and mainstream ecosystems, enabling dual-track support for both international architectures and emerging domestic computing environments.

For data security, the AE531 supports China’s national cryptographic algorithms—SM2, SM3, and SM4—meeting stringent encryption needs in finance, government service, and other regulated sectors. Furthermore, it offers custom services, allowing rapid deployment of hardware-level encryption modules or tailored firmware features based on user requirements.

As a technological trendsetter of the industry, the AE531 pioneers the integration of RPMB (Replay Protected Memory Block) and QLC FNV (Fast NVMe) technologies—delivering hardware-grade security while significantly improving SSD-host coordination through protocol-layer optimizations. This strengthens its adaptability across diverse scenarios, including edge computing and intelligent terminals.

According to the prediction of TrendForce, QLC NAND will account for 22% of total NAND flash shipments in 2025 — more than triple its share in 2021. Driven by growing demand in business productivity, creative content creation, and immersive entertainment, QLC adoption is accelerating rapidly. The launch of the Union Memory’s AE531 aligns perfectly with this trend, directly addressing the rising performance requirements of everyday applications.

With the AE531, Union Memory redefines storage value through QLC innovation—not only pushing performance boundaries but also prioritizing holistic TCO across the user life-cycle. By breaking through traditional storage limitations with cutting-edge technology, Union Memory delivers an integrated “high-compatibility + optimal TCO” storage experience that truly benefits hundreds of millions of end users worldwide.