Flash Storage Devices 101
Flash storage devices are commonly seen as SD cards, microSD cards, CompactFlash, SSDs and USB drives. Flash memory is not volatile, so it supports storage regardless of whether the device is powered. Although there are several different forms of flash storage on the consumer market, industrial flash storage is the standard for industrial applications due to its superior spec ratings, increased read/write cycles, and ruggedness that can withstand extreme conditions. As you consider your flash storage options, the information provided here will help you make the right choice.
What are flash storage devices?
The flash storage device that people are often most familiar with is a USB flash drive. USB flash drives are portable data storage devices that can be plugged into computer ports in order to retrieve the data. In addition to this portable, external form of flash storage, many of these devices are embedded into systems. Embedded flash storage devices can be configured to work with a wide range of form factors and host interfaces, offering reliability and consistent performance across a number of platforms. Some industrial embedded flash storage devices include:
- Industrial mSATA SSD
- Industrial 2.5” SSD
- Industrial eMMC
- Industrial CF/CFast/CFexpress
- Industrial embedded USB
What is industrial flash storage?
Industrial flash storage is rugged storage that is created with a commitment to a controlled Bill of Materials, or BOM. Controlled BOMs guarantee that the flash, firmware, and controller will not be changed unless the part number of the storage device is changed. A controlled BOM typically comes with life cycle management, so that customers who are using industrial flash storage are notified of any impending part number changes. This way, they can make a final order and plan for any transitions that might be necessary with new storage. Rugged flash storage devices can also accommodate higher operating and storage temperatures.
What industries use flash storage?
Industrial flash storage has an enormous range of applications. Some industries that rely on industrial flash storage include but are not limited to:
Delkin specializes in created rugged storage devices with controlled BOMs and extended life cycle management. We can customize industrial flash storage devices to meet customers’ specific needs, ensuring the easiest integration in even the harshest operating environments. Contact us to discuss your needs for industrial flash storage and to learn which device could work best for you.