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Flash storage is a kind of memory that writes data to a series of chips using electrical charges. There are a number of different formats of flash storage that can be found in applications used in everything from computing to transportation. Flash storage devices have surpassed the popularity of storage using hard disk drives, or HDDs, in industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. There are several benefits to flash storage devices that explain this widespread usage.

Flash Storage 101

Flash storage devices are generally made up of a controller and memory chips that are used to store data. The controller provides access to the memory chips and allows read and write operations to occur while managing the available storage. The memory chips are the pieces that hold the data. The amount of data that is stored on each chip and the order in which chips are used depend on the type of flash and on programmed algorithms that manage storage efficiency. The data are read and written via electrical charges, rather than moving, mechanical components.

Types of Flash Storage

The most common kinds of flash storage are SLC, MLC, and TLC. SLC stands for single-level cell and is most often used in industrial grade storage. SLC flash is the most secure and fastest kind of flash, because only one bit of data is stored per cell. With MLC—multi-level cell—flash, two bits of data are stored per cell. MLC flash is usually found in commercial applications, though it can be found in some industrial applications as well. TLC flash is triple-level cell flash. This flash memory is most frequently used in consumer applications and stores three bits of data per cell.

Benefits of Flash Storage

Because flash storage does not rely on mechanical components, it is much more reliable than HDD storage, which is prone to mechanical failures. The lack of mechanical components also means that flash storage is significantly faster than HDD storage. High security levels and the ability to operate in rugged conditions also make flash storage an attractive option.

Are you looking for a flash storage device for your application? Delkin can help. Contact our customer applications team today for answers to your questions and assistance in finding the right storage for your needs.

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