IBM 3.61TB Small MicroLatency Flash Module

The IBM 01EK157 is a 3.61TB Small MicroLatency Flash Module designed for IBM FlashSystem all-flash arrays, delivering ultra-low latency NVMe-class flash storage with IBM's proprietary MicroLatency architecture — engineered for the most demanding latency-sensitive enterprise workloads including real-time analytics, high-frequency transaction processing, and AI inference.

Key Features

• 3.61TB MicroLatency flash module delivering sub-100 microsecond latency at scale
• IBM proprietary MicroLatency architecture optimized for IBM FlashSystem arrays
• NVMe-class performance via IBM's FlashCore technology
• Hardware-accelerated compression for effective capacity optimization
• IBM-qualified and validated for FlashSystem all-flash storage platforms

Product Specifications

• Part Number: 01EK157
• Manufacturer: IBM
• Capacity: 3.61TB (raw)
• Module Type: Small MicroLatency Flash Module
• Architecture: IBM FlashCore MicroLatency
• Compatible Systems: IBM FlashSystem all-flash arrays
• Form Factor: IBM FlashSystem proprietary module

Storage Specifications

• Latency: Sub-100 microseconds (read and write)
• Compression: Hardware-accelerated inline compression
• Interface: IBM FlashSystem internal fabric
• Hot-Swap: Yes (within IBM FlashSystem enclosure)
• Endurance: Enterprise-grade (MLC/eMLC NAND)

Performance Specifications

• IOPS: Hundreds of thousands per module (system aggregate scales linearly)
• Bandwidth: Multi-GB/s per module
• Latency Consistency: Deterministic sub-100µs at full load
• MTBF: 2,000,000+ hours
• Power Loss Protection: Yes

Use Cases

• Ultra-low latency block storage for IBM FlashSystem deployments in financial trading platforms
• Real-time analytics and in-memory database storage requiring deterministic flash latency
• High-frequency OLTP workloads demanding consistent sub-100µs storage response times
• AI/ML inference storage within IBM FlashSystem all-flash infrastructure

Compatibility

• Compatible with IBM FlashSystem all-flash arrays supporting Small MicroLatency Flash Modules
• Managed via IBM Storage Insights and IBM Spectrum Virtualize
• IBM FlashCore Module — not compatible with third-party storage enclosures
• Verify IBM qualified module list for your specific FlashSystem model before ordering

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IBM MicroLatency technology?

IBM MicroLatency is a proprietary flash architecture used in FlashSystem arrays that delivers consistent sub-100 microsecond latency by minimizing the I/O path between host and NAND, including hardware-accelerated compression and error correction at the module level.

What is the difference between 01EK157, 01EK172, and 01EK167?

All three are 3.61TB Small MicroLatency Flash Modules for IBM FlashSystem arrays but represent different IBM-qualified variants (differing in NAND generation or hardware revision). They are functionally equivalent for supported FlashSystem platforms.

Does hardware compression reduce the effective 3.61TB capacity?

No — hardware compression increases effective capacity beyond the raw 3.61TB. Actual usable capacity depends on data compressibility, but IBM FlashSystem's inline compression typically delivers 2:1 to 5:1 effective capacity ratios for common enterprise workloads.

The IBM 01EK157 MicroLatency Flash Module brings FlashSystem's defining sub-100 microsecond latency and hardware-accelerated compression to 3.61TB density — providing the deterministic ultra-low latency performance that separates IBM FlashSystem from conventional NVMe arrays in the most demanding enterprise storage environments.