Author Archives: Delkin Industrial

  Data duplication is the process of copying information from the source medium to another medium, such as from a flash solid state drive (SSD) to another SSD or from a microSD card to a USB drive. When performed by an end user, data duplication is usually done to provide a backup of the original data in order to protect it against potential loss and corruption. These end users can simply copy individual files and folders, or perform a whole...
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  Serialization stamps a unique string of numbers onto a product for the purposes of identification and inventory control. It allows consumers and companies to quickly identify a particular product, obtain additional information about it, conduct replacement activities, or locate compatible parts. If your company sells products online, talk to Delkin about our serialization services. We offer custom serialization options on all of our flash storage devices.   Serialization for Verifying the Authenticity of Products Serialization is an essential step that must be...
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  Embedded flash storage custom packaging can be an excellent way to boost your brand awareness and provide customer confidence in their purchase. If your company will be including a flash drive or other more visible component in your application, custom packaging is essential. Delkin is a trusted white label product provider, with a wide range of custom packaging options to choose from.   Why You Should Choose a Custom Packaging Option for Flash Storage Custom packaging is an ideal option for companies...
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  From smart TVs to high-end espresso makers, most products sold today that require multi-step operations and troubleshooting guidance must have a product manual included. Customers rely on product manuals to set up their new purchases, configure the settings, become familiar with the components, and troubleshoot problems when they occur. But if your company is still relying on printed, brochure-style product manuals, you could be lagging behind the times. There are a number of compelling reasons to switch to flash...
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  If your company is looking for a flash storage solution with impressive longevity, a single-level cell (SLC) flash drive could be the answer. The 16GB SLC flash drive offered by Delkin is quick to process and access data, and slow to develop data corruption issues.   Capacity of the Flash Drive Not every application requires a high storage capacity. The 16GB SLC flash drive is ideal for a wide range of applications in which smaller amounts of data need to be reliably...
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  A white label product is one that has been manufactured by one company, and then rebranded to appear as if it had been manufactured by the company on the packaging and label. Manufacturers can use the packaging design of the purchaser to rebrand the product with the new logo and name. One common example of white labeled products are items found in large brand sports retailers with the store brand logo and design. You can also find white label...
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  No matter how rugged and robust a flash data storage device is, it will eventually fail. The time before an expected failure depends on many factors, such as the usage and storage temperatures, and the frequency with which data are programmed and erased. Even if you choose a remarkably rugged flash drive for your application, it is still important to conduct a proper failure analysis so that the time of failure can be anticipated and the drive or card...
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  When you have an application that will be used in extreme conditions, it’s essential to ensure that you choose a rugged storage device. With an industrial grade flash storage product, you can rest assured that your data will remain secure, even in demanding operating conditions. When project engineers and OEMs require industrial grade flash storage devices that will withstand the effects of temperature fluctuations, vibrations, dust, and shock, they often turn to Delkin’s industrial flash storage for extreme conditions.   Applications...
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  A variety of technologies in industrial applications rely upon flash storage devices to log mission critical data, from digital cameras to gaming machines to space shuttles. Yet, when an embedded flash card or drive is placed in a machine, it is not a completely blank slate. Like other devices, flash storage cards and drives contain firmware. For many industrial applications, custom firmware is used to ensure the best performance from the storage device.   What is custom firmware? Firmware is a type...
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  Here at Delkin, we take pride in developing industrial flash storage device designs that meet the needs of a competitive marketplace while withstanding a wide range of adverse environmental conditions. While our designs are second to none, and rigorous pre-production testing is in place, Delkin works closely with OEMs on production run testing to ensure product qualification in your host application, and nothing less than exceptional performance in the finished product.   The Importance of Production Run Testing The design of every...
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  The simple deletion of data does not necessarily eliminate the data completely. From time to time, it may be necessary to do a secure erase on a solid state drive (SSD) or compact flash (CF) data storage device. Project engineers and OEMs often rely on a secure erase download to complete this task. However, there are other options for performing a secure erase and executing a data sanitization that you should be aware of.   Reasons to Perform a Secure Erase There...
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Software Programming Web Development Concept   There are many options to consider when it is time to choose a memory option for your application, and this MLC NAND flash datasheet will help with some important stats. With all MLC NAND flash storage devices available from Delkin, you can expect a locked bill of materials (BOM) and extended lifecycle management. This prevents unexpected compatibility problems with the host. In addition, Delkin’s devices offer state-of-the-art flash management features, including static and dynamic wear-leveling,...
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  The manufacturing sector has undergone significant transformations in recent years, characterized by an increasing reliance on automated systems. These automated systems enhance productivity and output, while reducing the possibility of human error. The steadily increasing presence of automated systems in factories and manufacturing plants also results in the increased need for flash storage devices that can withstand factory conditions. The challenge is selecting the appropriate industrial CF for building automation applications.   CF cards are sufficiently rugged to withstand environmental extremes. When...
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  Encryption is a method of hiding information by translating it into a code that is not easily readable. It has a long and storied history, dating as far back as 3,500 years in the past, when Mesopotamian craftsmen wanted to conceal a prized recipe for pottery glaze. In modern times, encryption can be used for everything from sending private text messages to safeguarding government and military secrets. Today, encrypting confidential information can be accomplished with hardware or software.   Breaking Down...
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  The industrial 2.5” solid state drive (SSD) is one of the most widely used SSDs on the market today. The popularity of the 2.5 SSD is due to its mechanical robustness, seamless integration across applications, and flexible range of storage capacities. This legacy product is managed by the SFF-8201 standard.   Uses of the Industrial 2.5 SSD There are many instances in which a hard disk drive (HDD) is an ideal choice. However, some embedded hosts that feature a 2.5” serial...
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  Dashboard cameras are a common feature in fleet vehicles these days. Everything from big rigs to police cruisers may be equipped with dashboard cameras in order to promote safer driving. Dashboard cameras also play a role in minimizing insurance disputes, as they are capable of clearly and indisputably pinpointing the cause of accidents. Yet, these portable devices are only helpful if they can function properly in rugged and extreme conditions. Here is a look at how Delkin’s team of...
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  An ever-increasing portion of the world’s data is being stored digitally—from proprietary secrets of major corporations to private text messages between friends. With so much information on data storage devices vulnerable to privacy breaches, it’s necessary to choose an encryption standard that is sufficiently robust to protect all kinds of data. The solution is the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES).   Background of the AES In 1997, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the commencement of an initiative to develop...
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  Delkin prioritizes the quality of our products and the responsiveness of our customer service. We can help qualify our industrial flash storage products in your host application with FAE onsite testing. We can send a field application engineer (FAE) to your facility to perform onsite troubleshooting and testing services. You will find our FAEs to be highly knowledgeable and able to provide additional education about the proper installation and use of our data storage solutions.   Healthcare Facilities Healthcare facilities need reliable...
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  The Delkin Customer Applications team has a longstanding track record of success, having solved hundreds of complicated host failures. Engineers and OEMs often come to us when they have been testing their application usage model, only to produce complete device failure. Where other storage solutions have failed, Delkin can succeed. We offer testing services that replicate real-world conditions in order to help you identify the appropriate storage solution in time for your product launch.   Replicating Real-World Conditions When OEMs turn to...
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Click below to read the new Delkin Storage Insights post on the element14 Community Embedded Blog: Storage Insights #6 – Guide to SATA (Serial ATA)  
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  No matter how robust a data storage solution is, it will eventually succumb to the effects of degradation over time. It is often thought that data loss is primarily a problem with applications involving high levels of read/write cycles. However, read disturb phenomena are also a significant concern for engineers and OEMs.   What are read disturb errors? NAND flash memory has been embraced by designers as a robust storage solution. However, OEMs have noticed a troublesome trend. As storage capability increases,...
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  One of the most recognizable forms of digital storage available is the USB flash drive. These devices are used for a wide variety of applications, ranging from consumer grade data transfers to industrial grade storage. However, not all USB drives are created equal. Low-cost USB flash drives typically do not have enough storage—or reliability—to work for industrial applications. Industrial users instead need a high endurance USB flash drive in order to get the number of read and write operations...
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  Most people have used a USB flash drive at some point in their lives. This removable form of flash memory makes it easy to transport large amounts of data with a device that has near-universal compatibility. As such, USBs are used by everyone from consumers who need a low-cost storage solution to industrial application designers who need a portable and reliable way to transfer critical data. However, not all USB drives are the same. If you have an industrial...
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  USB drives make it possible to carry massive amounts of data in your pocket. This portability makes USBs an attractive option for a wide variety of users. Consumers may utilize USBs to carry photos, transfer data files from one computer to another, or bring a big presentation to work from a home system. For industrial users, USBs may hold critical data necessary for sensitive applications in transportation, healthcare, automation, gaming, and more. As such, the stakes are higher for...
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  SSDs that use mSATA connectors offer speed and reliability in a small form factor. When you choose a 32GB mSATA SSD, you get a high-capacity storage solution with a familiar SATA design, along with flash memory that is capable of tolerating rugged operating conditions. mSATA SSDs are available in a number of different capacities, ranging from 4GB to 64GB with SLC flash and 32GB to 1TB with MLC flash. Regardless of whether you choose an SLC or MLC mSATA...
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  If you have ever searched for memory products, then you have likely encountered the term JEDEC. JEDEC memory encompasses flash memory and other forms of mobile and computer memory. JEDEC memory standards make it possible for there to be universal compatibility across designs, making it easier for consumers to shop for devices and parts. Here is what you need to know about JEDEC and the role that JEDEC plays in memory.   History of JEDEC JEDEC is short for the Joint Electron...
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  For high-speed solid state drives, SATA flash modules are one of the most popular options. SATA is the format through which the storage of the drive is connected to the rest of the system. The SATA flash module is widely prized for its compatibility and reliability—even in the face of the rise of newer systems like M2 and NVMe—especially for industrial grade products. If you’re shopping for storage for your industrial application and have questions about the SATA flash...
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  Data storage used in energy management and utility systems applications is subject to some of the most extreme conditions imaginable. These kinds of storage devices have to be rugged enough to function without performance failures, even when faced with temperature extremes and high levels of shock and vibration. Any failures of energy or utility systems can have significant impacts on businesses and communities. For these reasons, many engineers working with energy management and utility software applications choose to use...
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  A frequent Delkin customer wanted to expand their application with higher levels of usage and data output. However, when they tested their content loading equipment, also called a duplicator, their SD cards kept failing when the duplicator tried to add data. They had already ordered new cards, so they wanted to find a solution quickly and make use of their order. They contacted Delkin for assistance in finding a solution.   Problems Encountered This OEM purchased new duplicator equipment in anticipation of...
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  Flash memory plays a role in the majority of commercial and industrial-grade applications, thanks to the rise in popularity of solid-state drives, or SSDs. SSDs have replaced hard disk drives, or HDDs, in many devices because they are more reliable and offer faster performance. Most SSDs rely on flash memory, so choosing the right flash product has become a central part of device design and management. How do you know that you are choosing the right product for your...
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  Storage is a make-or-break part of any industrial application, so cutting corners is not an option. You need an industrial storage supplier who can reliably meet the needs of your design and can provide the support and guidance you need to get the most from your storage. When you’re selecting industrial storage, asking your potential supplier a series of questions will help you determine if they will be able to adequately meet your needs. Ask these questions to get...
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  General This post describes the design requirements for NAND FLASH devices (SSD) used in Aerospace applications. These applications cover commercial satellites that may be used for weather data collection, telecommunications, or full spaceship deployment. When one thinks of Aerospace, NASA naturally comes to mind. NASA has strict requirements for any device to be deployed in outer space aircraft. These requirements far exceed even the strictest military specifications, which are very strict, to begin with. So any product put forth must meet...
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  Your storage device contains sensitive circuitry and components that could be harmed by moisture, humidity, and environmental debris. Conformal coating is the key to keeping the internal parts of the storage device safe. Electronic conformal coating is an important component to consider when you are selecting an industrial storage device. Here are some of the benefits of having electronic conformal coating on your storage device.   Protection from Moisture and Humidity Moisture and humidity are two significant risks for flash storage devices....
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  If you are seeking storage with a small form factor, then SSD mSATA storage may be the right answer for you. SSDs featuring mSATA technology offer the benefits of SATA in a smaller size, so you can still get reliable storage that can tolerate rugged operating conditions with low power consumption. The mSATA specifications are standardized, so you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues if you have to switch between mSATA providers. Could SSD mSATA storage be the...
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  Do you offer memory cards to your customers? Delkin is here to make the process easier and more cost-effective. With our private label services, you get turnkey SD card packaging designed to meet your specifications. We operate behind the scenes for you, delivering our high-quality SD cards with your name on them, so your customers will return to you to order over and over again. Order in bulk or retail packaging according to your specific needs, and we’ll provide...
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  One of the biggest issues that OEMs and engineers face is when a component used in one of their devices is changed without warning, making it incompatible and thus rendering the device unusable. This challenge occurs frequently with flash memory in many commercial and consumer-grade products. For industrial applications, this risk is too much to manage, which is why you’ll find that most industrial-grade flash memory products feature a locked bill of materials, or locked BOM. Locked BOMs ensure...
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  Micro SD memory—also called a microSD card—is a widely used and widely available kind of flash memory. However, just because these cards are easy to find doesn’t mean that it is easy to get a quality product. Not all micro SD memory suppliers are created equal, and choosing the wrong supplier may mean that you end up with cards that are subpar and not up to the tasks you need them to perform. There are several things to keep...
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  Industrial applications often store sensitive data, and preventing the data from being accessed by unauthorized parties is a significant concern. SSD encryption is often the barrier between this sensitive information and those who are trying to access it without the proper permissions. While SSD encryption plays a significant role in preventing data breaches, you should not assume that your SSD has encryption unless you have verified it and taken the time to understand the type of encryption it uses....
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  M.2 is an alternative to mSATA that is designed to provide increased storage capacities in confined spaces. It was first introduced to the market in 2013 and was initially known as Next Generation Form Factor, or NGFF. M.2 comes in multiple sizes, including the M.2 2280, which is 22mm wide and 80mm long. This is a popular size for this SATA SSD device, but there are multiple formats available, as well as custom sizing options. If you’re considering an...
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  When you are trying to select a storage device for an industrial application, you will discover multiple options. One question that is likely to arise is how SSDs compare to HDDs. The 2.5 SSD, which is also called the 2.5 SATA SSD, is a popular alternative for people who are also considering HDDs as their storage device. Although SSDs and HDDs both perform the same function of data storage, they are very different devices. What are the differences and...
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  Conformal coating is a key part of protecting electronic circuits from environmental conditions. When it comes to SSDs and embedded memory in industrial applications, conformal coating is essential for making sure that the storage device operates correctly, even when conditions include heat, cold, moisture, and other potential hazards. If you are selecting an embedded storage solution for an industrial application, you should ensure that conformal coating is one of its features. What is conformal coating and how does it...
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  Storage devices have changed dramatically in recent years, particularly with the transition from HDDs to SSDs. For OEMs and designers, this has led to many questions about which kind of storage is right for their devices, particularly when they need storage for an industrial grade application. HDDs are still used in many devices, but SATA SSDs have become more popular. What is the difference between SATA SSDs and HDDs, and why have SATA SSDs grown in popularity? Here is...
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  If you’re looking for storage for a device, you have many options. In addition to HDDs, or hard disk drives, there are two common flash storage solutions: eMMC and SSDs. Each kind of storage has its own set of pros and cons, so the right kind for any device depends on several different factors. These include the type of device, the necessary capacity for storage, and how the device will be used. For people looking for flash storage, the...
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  USB drives are among the most widely used and recognized forms of storage available. They are extremely easy to use and compatible with a huge range of devices, which is why you can find them in use in so many different applications. Although consumers frequently use USB drives, industrial users rely on them as well for secure, reliable, portable storage that can be used in rugged operating conditions. For all users, however, the risk of having data left on...
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  SATA drives have long been in demand for their speed and broad compatibility. However, not all SATA drives are rugged. In fact, rugged SATA drives are specifically designed for demanding and extreme operating conditions to meet the high-level needs of industrial applications. Rugged SATA drives offer the benefits of SATA speeds and the familiarity of these kinds of drives with the ruggedness that is necessary for industrial operations. Here is a look at some of the reasons why you...
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  A prevalent design for a solid state drive (SSD) is a 2.5 SSD with SATA. The 2.5 SSD SATA is a full-sized drive, designed for use in write-intensive applications utilized in rugged environments. This type of drive offers high endurance and is available in a wide range of capacities. These features make it a particularly good option for video recording equipment. If you are considering a 2.5 SSD SATA for your industrial application, this overview of the features will...
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  SATA 3 interface cards are storage cards that connect to the motherboard using SATA connectors. SATA is the most common kind of connector used today for both hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid state drives (SSDs). SATA replaces PATA (Parallel ATA) cables, which were once standard, but are slower and bulkier than SATA. SATA 3 is the latest version of SATA and offers the fastest and most reliable data transfer speeds. This most recent version of SATA is designed...
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  When you purchase flash memory for an industrial application, there is little room for error. If the memory fails, then critical data could be lost. This could lead to serious implications, especially in industries like healthcare and transportation. For these reasons, you shouldn’t compromise when looking for industrial flash memory solutions. Instead, always be sure to get your parts from a leading flash memory manufacturer. Your manufacturer should understand your needs and be able to help you determine which...
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  Embedded multi-media controllers, or eMMCs, are embedded systems that contain a flash memory controller and flash memory on the same die. They are used in mobile devices, laptop computers, and more. eMMCs are similar to solid-state drives, or SSDs, but they are not exactly the same.   When using eMMC, hosts can set up a maximum of four General Purpose Area Partitions. Each of these partitions can have its own attributes. The partitions can be set as General, Enhanced (with pSLC...
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  Food grade freezers have to meet high safety standards to ensure that the foods they hold are consistently kept at the appropriate temperature. This is dependent on a properly functioning digital thermostat that retains accurate temperature data using an industrial Flash storage device. Any kind of failure of a food grade freezer can have serious implications, from the economic burden of losing food that has spoiled to the potential for triggering cases of food poisoning in food that has...
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