FADU has introduced the world first File Semantic SSD at the 2026 OCP Global Summit. The storage drive processes file operations directly on its internal firmware, allowing accelerators to bypass the host processor and system memory entirely. FADU also revealed its new Sierra PCIe Gen6 controller, which delivers 2.5 times the performance of prior hardware.
Traditional storage layouts force the host processor and operating system to manage file searches, permissions, and address conversions. Standard drives only perform basic block operations. Because of this structure, any accelerator needing data must wait for the central processor to manage the transfer. This middle step creates latency and increases processor workloads across the server.
FADU changes this data path by embedding file processing firmware directly on the storage device. The drive uses NVMe commands carrying embedded file requests, enabling the hardware to organize and locate files on its own. Accelerators communicate directly with the storage drive, cutting out the central processor, system memory, and intermediate software layers. FADU plans to expand this setup into DPU storage systems that run without a host processor.
Alongside the storage drive, FADU displayed the FC6161 Sierra controller designed for PCIe Gen6 systems. The chip provides 2.5 times the speed of previous generations while limiting electricity consumption. Complete drive write operations consume under 28W, with idle power measuring under 5W. The controller silicon itself draws under 6W during read tasks and under 7W during write tasks.
