Choosing the Best Industrial SD Card
Industrial SD cards are popular with OEMs and designers because of their broad compatibility and standardized format. They are lightweight and small, yet powerful. This makes them a perfect fit for modern devices that are getting smaller while increasing their need for robust storage. When choosing an industrial SD card, it’s important to get the right one for your specific application. The following tips will help you choose the best industrial SD card.
Make Sure You’re Getting an Industrial Card
There are a number of SD cards on the market, and not all of them are industrial grade. Consumer grade SD cards are well suited to devices that are used in non-industrial settings, such as consumer cellphones and cameras. However, if you are choosing an SD card for use in an industrial application that may be exposed to extreme temperatures, shock, and vibration, then it is important to get an SD card that is designed specifically for industrial use.
An easy way to tell the difference between the two is to look for an SD card that has SLC flash technology. SLC—or single-level cell—flash is used in industrial devices because it offers the fastest speeds and greatest reliability. Consumer grade cards use MLC flash.
Choose the Right Capacity
Industrial SD cards are available in a range of different capacities. The best one for you may not necessarily be the largest. Consider the maximum amount of storage you are likely to need, and then choose the capacity that matches your needs. Always err on the side of having more storage capacity than you need, but remember that there is no reason to have a vast amount of unused storage in your device.
Look for Additional Features
The best industrial SD card for you will have additional features that improve the overall function of the card in your application. These features may include technologies such as wear leveling, which ensures that cells are used as efficiently as possible, and integrated write protect switches. The card should feature a controlled BOM, which will ensure that none of the critical components of the SD card will be changed unless a new product number is issued. A controlled BOM also ensures that existing SD card customers will receive advanced notification before a product number is discontinued so they can place a final order if desired.
You can find the best industrial SD card for your needs at Delkin. Let our customer support team explain our SD cards and help you find the best match for your application. Contact us today for more information.