Delkin Blog

For powerful storage that fits into a small space, microSD is an enduringly popular choice. Because it is available in a range of storage capacities and is highly adaptable to a wide range of applications, this form of flash storage can be found in an enormous range of host devices. MicroSD memory cards are available in MLC and SLC formats, but for industrial grade devices that operate in extreme conditions, choosing a matching industrial grade microSD card is important. Is industrial grade microSD right for your application? Here is a closer look at what you need to know.

A Brief History of microSD Cards

Intended as a solution for host devices that needed SD card functioning but could not accommodate the size of standard SD cards, microSDs were introduced to the marketplace in 2005. At this time, the smartphone market was emerging, and device designers were in need of a small flash memory card that could handle a large amount of data storage efficiently. Since then, microSD cards have been embraced for a wide range of products and can be found in both consumer and industrial devices.

Industrial Grade microSD Cards

Many of the microSD cards that were initially introduced to the market used MLC flash and were intended for use in consumer devices. These microSDs were and continue to be appropriate for the consumer market, but in the early days of microSD adoption, some industrial users installed microSD cards in their devices. Unfortunately, for the demands of industrial hosts, consumer microSD cards are not usually adequate.

Industrial grade microSD cards are designed with SLC flash. SLC flash, also known as single level cell flash, is considered to be the most reliable form of memory for industrial products. This kind of flash only stores one bit of data per cell, which dramatically reduces the risk of programming errors and allows for faster data processing. Industrial grade microSD cards also come with integrated wear-leveling algorithms and monitoring systems to alert users to potential issues before they cause failures.

MicroSD cards are already able to withstand high levels of shock and vibration because of their small size, but in industrial grade format, they are prepared to handle even more demanding operating conditions. Further, industrial grade microSD cards work in conditions with extreme temperatures without any loss of function.

If you are interested in integrating industrial grade microSD cards into your host device, contact the product team at Delkin. We offer a range of sizes and extensive customization options to meet your needs.