Delkin Blog

Flash storage devices are enormously popular across consumer, commercial, and industrial markets. Chances are that most of the devices you use daily, from your cellphone to your laptop, utilize some type of flash storage device. There are several reasons why flash storage has become the preferred choice for today’s devices. As a supplier of flash memory products, Delkin often hears questions from customers about this kind of storage. Here is a closer look at some of the questions frequently raised by customers about flash storage devices.

Why should I choose flash storage over hard disk drive storage?

Flash storage is generally preferred over hard disk drive, or HDD, memory for a number of different reasons. Many of the reasons are tied to the design of the storage devices. With HDD storage, there is a mechanical disk that has to spin in order for data to be written on the device, while flash memory has no moving parts. Because flash memory doesn’t have any moving, mechanical pieces, it is faster and more reliable than HDD storage. In addition, disk drives are prone to errors caused by mechanical malfunctions, especially in environments in which shock and vibration are common. Flash memory solves these issues.

What are the differences between the grades of flash storage devices?

Different grades of flash storage devices are designed for different markets. Consumer flash memory is usually designed with TLC, or triple-level cell, flash memory. Most commercial devices have MLC, or multi-level cell, flash memory. For industrial grade products, SLC—single-level cell—flash memory is the gold standard. With single-level cell flash, only one bit of data is stored per cell. Because only one bit of data is on each cell, industrial SLC flash memory has the highest level of data security, as well as the fastest speeds. SLC flash memory can also tolerate rugged operating conditions in which extreme temperatures and high levels of shock and vibration are possible.

Another important distinction with industrial grade flash memory is that these flash storage devices come with locked BOMs. This ensures that no critical component of the device is changed without advanced notice and a new product number. Although this is not generally necessary for consumer or commercial devices, this feature helps industrial users avoid costly failures.

If you’re in the market for a flash storage device, let Delkin help you pick the right one for your needs. To learn more, reach out to our customer applications team today.

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