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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 M.2 2280 SSD for an industrial application, these answers to common questions may help you make the right decision.

What are the differences between M.2 and mSATA SSDs?

There are many similarities between M.2 and mSATA, but there are also differences. M.2 was designed to address a problem that was arising with mSATA—slower data transfer speeds than desired. mSATA designs were created when HDDs (hard disk drives), and not SSDs (solid state drives), were the predominant storage medium. Thus, they were designed to handle slower native transfer rates than SSDs are capable of providing. M.2 works with both SATA and PCIe, and allows for the higher native transfer rates that modern users need, all within the space constraints of a small device. M.2 SSDs are typically thinner than mSATA SSDs, but they can also be longer than mSATA devices. This makes it possible for these drives to offer plenty of storage, even in devices with limited space available.

What is an industrial M.2 2280 SSD?

An industrial grade M.2 SSD is one that can operate in rugged conditions. Although many industrial drives feature SLC NAND flash, MLC NAND flash is common in M.2 SSDs. This kind of industrial MLC is designed to provide the performance you expect from any kind of industrial product, including the ability to operate in extended temperature ranges. They also provide high endurance, storage capacities, and longevity, along with a fixed BOM to let you better manage the life cycle of the drive.

What are the benefits of an M.2 2280 SSD?

There are several benefits to using an M.2 SSD, including increased storage capacity within a small form factor and custom sizing options. However, one of the biggest benefits is that M.2 SSDs are built for the future. They are designed to grow with evolutions in NAND flash technology, so you won’t have to worry about them becoming obsolete in your application.

Delkin is at the forefront of the rugged M.2 market and is continually expanding our M.2 SSD options. If you believe an M.2 2280 drive could be right for your application, contact us today for more information.

ORDER DELKIN INDUSTRIAL FLASH STORAGE TODAY through our distribution partner Newark.