The Xyratex single cell environment is designed to provide greater flexibility than traditional systems:

• Every cell within the system can be individually configured for different tests (e.g., self-test, interface test) and a range of drive interfaces (e.g., Fibre channel, SCSI, ATA, etc.) and processed at the same time.
• Each cell’s thermal environment and test cycle are independently controllable removing the inflexibilities of a traditional batch approach.
• The single cell system has been designed and optimized for automated operation – new techniques developed by Xyratex now make automation highly attractive for storage test.
• An integrated air management system enables drives to be tested at below, as well as above, ambient temperature.

This new level of flexibility delivers real advantages to customers by delivering sustainable value from their capital investment.

Solutions based on Xyratex’s single cell environment technology are highly efficient:

• Drives are automatically loaded into the production process on an individual basis with significant improvements in efficiency:
• No need to assemble batches of drives
• No need to wait for loading and unloading of batches
• No need for finished drives to wait for others to complete testing
• Intelligent design allows the system to automatically reconfigure itself for different drive types and test processes in real-time
• Automation techniques improve the consistency of the test process reducing damage caused by traditional handling methods
• High density design allows process capacities to be increased without additional investment in floor space
• Integration with production control systems improves management of product flow

Xyratex’s single cell environment technology redefines storage test to give important market advantages:

• Test systems and processes no longer need to be dedicated to specific drive types.
• Changes in test capacity and requirements can be cost-effectively managed in real-time.
• Automated asynchronous technology improves equipment utilization rates and final test yields.

This combination of greater flexibility and increased efficiency from deploying ‘single cell’ test technology means that drive producers are better able to control their major cost drivers (capital, people and space) and ultimately compete more effectively.