Custom Firmware FAQs
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 of software that controls the device’s hardware on a low-level basis. For less complex devices, firmware may act as the device’s complete operating system. For more complex devices, firmware may support an additional operating system. Custom firmware is developed with the specific needs of the manufacturer and end-user in mind. Firmware is set into non-volatile memory on a read-only basis. Traditionally, firmware remains in place and does not permit access by users, which means firmware is theoretically not able to be modified. However, it is possible to override the read-only function, allowing post-production modifications to be made.
Why is it important to have a locked BOM include custom firmware?
Not all flash storage manufacturers release their products with a locked bill of materials (BOM). This can be problematic because it means that the firmware may be modified in the post-production phase. If the firmware is modified, this can create compatibility problems for the end-user. Delkin eliminates this potential problem by releasing all industrial flash storage solutions with a locked BOM that includes the firmware. This protects OEMs and the end-user from unanticipated changes. If the custom firmware needs to be updated at any point, OEMs will receive advance notification so that final orders can be placed, and then a new product number will be issued.
Project engineers and OEMs who encounter problems with their flash storage devices are invited to contact Delkin’s team to discuss troubleshooting. Our experts would be happy to customize firmware to meet your project’s specifications. Custom firmware is available on all of our flash storage products, including our industrial microSDs, SLC mSATA solid state drives, and industrial CompactFlash cards.
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