NAND Flash Introduction Technological advancements over the last forty years have moved at an accelerated rate the scale of which has never been seen in human history. It is estimated that 90% of all the data ever created has been created within the last two years. Computing and processing power has grown exponentially as has the amount of data we create, store and communicate globally. The amounts of data we can share and the speeds at which we can transfer...
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  OEMs, or original equipment manufacturers, design various applications that are central to the industrial market. Without the contributions of OEM solutions, applications and devices would be harder to develop and harder to maintain. However, successful OEM sales require more than just fulfilling a need. To really succeed in the marketplace, OEMs need to source high-quality products and work closely with a manufacturer that they trust so that they can in turn pass on quality goods to their customers. Delkin...
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  One of the fastest growing segments of the construction industry is building automation. Automation offers a long list of benefits for building operators, from improved energy efficiency to better security and maintenance. Although building automation is becoming a standard feature in new construction, the benefits are so great that older buildings are increasingly being retrofitted with building automation systems and controls. For building automation applications to be effective, they have to include highly secure and reliable memory systems. That...
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  USBs are easily the most recognized and identifiable type of flash memory available. Their wide availability and frequent use in the consumer market have led some industrial OEMs and engineers to believe that USB modules are not suitable for the industrial marketplace. In reality, industrial USB modules are numerous and meet the exacting standards required of flash memory used in rugged operating conditions. Thanks to Delkin’s selection of USB modules and customization options for flash storage, it is possible...
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  Solid state drives (SSDs) and memory cards are inevitably exposed to environmental conditions that can, over time, cause damage that impacts performance. Although industrial embedded storage is engineered to withstand demanding operating conditions, it’s virtually impossible to fully prevent SSDs and memory cards from being exposed to moisture, dust, and other environmental contaminants. These can shorten the lifespan of embedded memory devices and impact functionality. To address this problem, a conformal coating can be added to memory cards and...
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  For customers shopping for industrial embedded storage, comparing different flash technology used in memory cards is critical.  This process used to be simple when comparing storage solutions essentially came down to comparing what flash is in the card.  But as technology has evolved, these comparisons have become more complicated.  This is especially true for industrial applications when legacy SLC flash is compared to pSLC, TLC and QLC 3D NAND options. The traditional method for selecting a flash technology was to...
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  In many industrial flash storage applications, data security is a critical consideration.  In industries such as healthcare, transportation, and automation, as well as governmental and military applications, sensitive data is stored, and if accessed by unintended parties, the security risks can be enormous. Over time, developments have been made in technology that allows flash storage to provide reliable encryption and security.   Data Protection Early HDD’s adopted a security command set allowing a drive to be “locked”, denying access to the data using...
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  When it comes to applications in the power industry, unreliability is simply not an option. Failures can have drastic impacts on homes, businesses, and even entire communities, which leads most power industry suppliers to rely on industrial grade embedded memory solutions. This kind of memory provides the reliability necessary for power applications that are frequently used in rugged operating conditions. Here are the facts that anyone who works in the power industry needs to know about choosing embedded systems...
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  The agricultural industry is the driving force behind one of the most critical pieces of national infrastructure: the nation’s food supply. Although hands-on, physical labor remains important in agriculture, technology is central to how the industry produces food safely and efficiently. In fact, agricultural technology, or ag tech, has changed the way food production works. It has made it possible to feed more people across the globe than ever before. Because ag tech is almost always used in harsh...
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USB storage is one of the oldest and most recognizable forms of memory on the market. However, it remains as relevant and powerful as ever. For industrial devices, removable and embedded industrial USB memory both play an important role in providing powerful and secure storage, even in rugged operating conditions. Partially because USBs are so familiar and because most people have used them for storage of noncritical data, many industrial OEMs and designers have questions about how to use...
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  At Delkin, many of our customers tell us that one of the key features they consider in choosing our industrial NAND storage solutions is that Delkin offers a locked BOM. “BOM” stands for bill of materials. Having a locked BOM means that no changes will be made to the flash, firmware, or controller of a memory product without a notification being sent to current customers and a new product number being issued.   For engineers and OEMs, this advanced warning is critical....
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  Embedded memory drives technology for consumer, commercial, and industrial marketplaces. Virtually every bit of technology you use likely has some kind of embedded memory that allows it to function. There are many different types of embedded memory, designed for different devices used in a range of environments. For instance, industrial embedded memory can withstand the rugged operating conditions that are common for industrial devices. Although embedded memory design can vary, there are some standard features that are used across...
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  The challenge with today’s industrial devices is designing them to meet two competing demands: users need devices that are small in size, but powerful in terms of storage and speed. Fortunately, advances in the embedded memory marketplace have made it possible to achieve both of those goals, with smaller-than-ever memory cards that offer previously unheard of storage capacities and speeds. One example of such a memory solution is CFexpress.   Industrial CFexpress represents the evolution of the ever-popular CompactFlash storage design....
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Industrial storage suppliers are not all the same. While embedded memory is the norm for most of today’s technology, devices that require industrial memory have unique needs. As a result, they also require specialized storage providers. Even within the realm of companies that specialize in industrial embedded memory, suppliers are not interchangeable. For designers and OEMs, finding the right industrial storage supplier is a key part of creating efficient, reliable applications. If you’re looking for industrial embedded memory, consider...
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  If you’re looking for a flash memory form factor that is adaptable to a wide range of applications, look no further than M.2. On the market since 2013, M.2—formerly called NGFF—is an alternative to mSATA for engineers and designers who are looking for the small size of mSATA, but in a more flexible form. Despite its small size, M.2 delivers extremely powerful results, especially in industrial devices that depend on its high-quality flash memory. M.2 is available in different...
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  For customers looking for industrial storage, SLC and MLC NAND flash are two common considerations. Each form of NAND flash has its own advantages and disadvantages. Although SLC NAND flash is considered to be the most reliable form, its design means that the storage capacity can be limited. MLC NAND flash typically has a shorter lifespan than SLC NAND flash, but it offers the additional storage some industrial customers require. For industrial customers who are considering using this kind...
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  For customers shopping for industrial embedded NAND storage solutions, comparing different SLC memory cards is critical. This process used to be simple. Comparing storage solutions essentially came down to comparing what kind of flash the memory card utilized. If the card utilized SLC flash, it would provide industrial-level storage; if it utilized MLC flash, it was for the commercial market instead. However, as technology has evolved, these comparisons have become more complicated. This is especially true in light of...
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  The need for data security can hardly be higher than it is in aerospace applications. With these applications, it is necessary to combine inscrutable data security with rugged operability. As a result, aerospace applications require specialized solutions for flash memory. Initially, aerospace adopted flash storage slowly and cautiously. However, now that it is the preferred memory format, customized solutions for industrial flash storage for aerospace applications have been developed to meet the demands of the industry.   Because of the specialized...
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  CompactFlash, or CF, is one of the oldest and most recognizable forms of flash memory available. It was initially introduced in 1994 and has been used in countless devices across different markets. You can find CF cards in everything from consumer digital cameras to complex, industrial medical devices. CF cards are particularly popular for use in devices that store high-resolution images.   Far from being outdated, CF industrial memory has remained a popular choice thanks to the many revisions the form...
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  SATA SSDs are an enduringly popular legacy product for industrial users whose devices have SATA interfaces and who need the speed and security of a solid state drive (SSD). SATA SSDs have been particularly popular with SATA HDD users who want to make the leap to an SSD and reap the benefits of that technology. The 2.5” SATA SSD is the most popular size and is used in countless industrial applications. If you’re considering using industrial 2.5 SSD SATA,...
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Rugged, industrial flash storage is the required standard for many government applications. There are many advantages to using industrial flash storage, including some benefits that satisfy the unique needs of government applications and the demand for stringent security these applications have. Industrial flash storage cards from Delkin can also be customized to perform as optimally as possible in military and government applications. Here is what you need to know about the features of this kind of embedded memory and...
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  Engineers and designers behind technological industrial applications have a challenging balancing act. They need to design applications with industrial-grade performance that offer longevity and won’t soon be outdated. However, they also need to consider budgetary constraints and the needs of the device and its users.   Many engineers try to achieve longevity by incorporating the latest technological advancements into their designs. This begs the question: Is this always the best choice? As Delkin discovered while assisting one customer, using the latest...
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  CompactFlash entered the storage market in 1995, and was long a familiar and reliable choice for both consumers and industrial users in search of memory for a variety of devices. However, as device designs evolved and their capacities and speeds grew, CompactFlash was left on the outside, unable to meet the increased demands of users. Instead of becoming irrelevant, however, the CompactFlash Association created an alternative: CFast. CFast uses the faster SATA interface, rather than the PATA interface used...
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  Gone are the days when cars were comprised solely of mechanical systems. Today, the automotive industry relies on computerized technologies to make things run. In auto repair shops and on auto assembly lines, you’re more likely to find people checking for error codes than broken spark plugs. This new reliance on technology in the automotive industry has resulted in an increasing demand for reliable, embedded memory systems that can withstand the rugged operating conditions found in vehicles. For many...
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  Technology has changed the way most industries operate, and the agricultural industry is no exception. Thanks to advances in digital applications for the agricultural sector, smart farming is now a reality. These technologies have made it possible to collect large amounts of data from machinery, track crop dusting equipment, and much more.   At the core of these smart farming advances is industrial flash storage. This kind of embedded memory provides the rugged, reliable data storage that agricultural applications need. With...
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  Modern elevator systems rely on automation for safe operation. Industrial flash storage for elevator control systems provides fast, low-power storage that can withstand the demanding operating conditions that are present within elevators. This kind of storage allows for easy and reliable programming to improve functionality and safety. The design of industrial flash storage, as compared to other kinds of memory, makes it particularly useful for elevator control systems. Here is what you need to know.   Understanding Elevator Control System Basics An...
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  Picture a factory operating at its peak production potential. Chances are that you envision a line filled with hands-on workers who each complete a very specific part of the production process. However, today’s factories bear little resemblance to this outdated vision of how factories operate. Modern factories rely on factory automation to achieve the most efficient levels of operation. New automated operations are constantly being added. These changes increase efficiency, lower costs, boost output, and reduce loss associated with...
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  At Delkin, we operate with the understanding that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution for embedded storage, especially for power industry applications. The most important goal we have with every customer is finding the best storage solution for their unique needs. Though we know our memory cards inside and out, no one can predict exactly how a storage device will behave inside a host device until it is actually used in a real-world setting. Differences in...
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How can the aerospace industry manage massive amounts of data in extreme environmental conditions? Using industrial flash storage in aerospace systems is the answer. A jet can produce hundreds of gigabytes of data every minute it is in operation. It is necessary to not only have storage that is capable of handling that amount of data, but that can do so in conditions with extreme temperatures and high levels of shock and vibration. For the aerospace industry, industrial flash...
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  For industrial applications, embedded memory has to function flawlessly, even in demanding operating conditions. This demand for reliability means that SLC NAND flash memory has become the gold standard for industrial applications in industries ranging from healthcare to transportation. However, as the market continues to grow for embedded memory for industrial applications, the demand for high-capacity memory also continues to grow. One of the key features of SLC flash memory is also a feature that constrains capacity. Increasingly, users...
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  With industrial devices, downtime can be costly, disruptive, and, in some cases, dangerous. For many users, SSD Utility is a critical part of avoiding downtime. SSD Utility is a software management program that developers can integrate into a solid state drive (SSD). It monitors the operations of the drive and detects performance issues or unexpected activities that could signal a problem. When users are alerted to these issues, they can take steps to make the appropriate adjustments to avoid...
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  If you have a need for embedded flash storage with a small form factor, there is a good chance that you have considered uSD cards. These memory cards—also called microSD cards—offer high-powered flash memory for small devices that use the Secure Digital (SD) interface. You will find many uSD cards in devices made for the consumer market, from smartphones to cameras, but they are also used in the industrial market. Customizations allow industrial users to get flash storage that...
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  Industrial flash memory has played an important role in advances throughout the healthcare industry. You can find flash memory at work in imaging and diagnostic tools, and increasingly, you will also find it in medical devices. Medical devices may be used by a doctor or nurse as part of a patient’s care plan. Patients may also use medical devices on their own. There is no margin for error when it comes to data storage in medical device applications. Because...
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For industrial kitchens, industrial flash storage plays a critical part of ensuring quality control and accurate data reads in everything from industrial refrigeration to industrial oven settings. Automation allows processes to work as efficiently as possible, while also removing the risk of human error from the equation. At the core of effective automation is industrial flash memory. Industrial flash memory is specifically designed to provide reliable data storage in rugged environments. Of particular relevance for industrial kitchen lines is...
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  Background- Looking for SD Card Solutions  A customer reached out to Delkin in frustration over the SD cards that they had purchased from another supplier and were looking for better SD card solutions. The customer had been using the same SD cards from that same supplier for years. However, they suddenly didn’t seem to be working the same way. The customer couldn’t understand what the problem was or how to solve it. They were frustrated that the SD card malfunctions...
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  MicroSD cards—the smaller version of traditional SD cards designed for small devices—are a popular choice for flash memory in both consumer devices, like smartphones, and in industrial applications. Since the introduction of the microSD card, this storage format has evolved alongside the technologies it supports. These cards offer ever-increasing speeds and capacities, along with the kind of reliability that makes them viable for industrial users. Today, you can get a microSD card with 128GB capacity. This is 1,000...
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  Compact Flash—also written as CompactFlash or CF—is a widely used type of storage for consumer and industrial markets. Although consumer grade CF cards are easy to find and use, industrial CF cards are different. Consumer CF is a removable form of storage, while industrial CF is embedded storage specifically designed to meet the unique needs of industrial applications and operating environments. For industrial users, custom Compact Flash cards are essential for ensuring that their embedded storage works as efficiently...
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  Virtually everyone has had experience with USB storage. It is one of the most recognizable forms of storage on the market today, and is used by everyone from consumers to specialized industrial companies. Designed with flash storage, USBs offer large storage capacities and the convenience of portability. When designed for the industrial market, they also provide upgraded features that are necessary for rugged operating conditions. For industrial users, in addition to portable, external USB flash drives, there are also...
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  Embedded flash memory is the key to operations for a laundry list of devices, applications, as well as complex and sensitive industrial systems. Embedded memory design has changed over the years from relying on mechanical disks to utilizing electronically programmed flash memory. These changes have allowed embedded memory design to achieve significant advances in terms of reliability, capacity, and power. At the same time, embedded memory has decreased in size to accommodate the push for small devices. Here is...
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  Not all solid state storage companies are created equally. Although it can be tempting to think that one SLC SSD is the same as another, that’s simply not the case. With Delkin, in addition to getting our high-quality products, you also get unmatched support and personalized service. This ensures that you obtain the best critical data storage at the right price for your business. When you’re considering solid state storage companies, be sure to keep in mind the following...
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  A fact of life with embedded flash memory is that it will eventually need to be replaced. The structure of flash memory is such that it has a limited lifespan. However, there are many things you can do to extend the life of the embedded memory you have and to manage the end of life process strategically to minimize disruption. SMART card commands found in industrial embedded memory cards play an important role in this process.   At Delkin, a core...
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  At Delkin, we serve a diverse industrial applications marketplace with wide-ranging storage needs. The one thing that unites all of these customers is their demand for industrial storage that maintains its integrity in demanding operating conditions. Delkin is an industry leader in this kind of storage, which we design using NAND flash memory in multiple form factors. From industrial storage for mission critical data to storage for custom industrial applications, the team at Delkin can work with clients from...
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  Embedded Multimedia Card (eMMC) General Description Designed for a wide range of applications in consumer electronics, mobile phones, handheld computers, navigational systems and other industrial uses, routers, eMMC (embedded multimedia card) is an embedded non-volatile memory system, comprised of both flash memory and a flash memory controller, which simplifies the application interface design and frees the host processor from low-level flash memory management. This benefits product developers by simplifying the non-volatile memory interface design and qualification process – resulting in...
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    Industrial grade flash storage devices have a higher endurance, a locked BOM, longer life cycles, wider temperature ranges, and overall superior performance. That’s why they are widely used in HPEC or High-Performance Embedded Computing where a long-lasting computing performance is expected. When it comes to HPEC applications, it’s important to consider the impacts of endurance, compliance, and reliability that industrial flash storage can offer. Before selecting the industrial flash storage device for embedded computing applications, let’s review the features...
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 SMART is a critical technology for SSDs, or solid-state drives. It makes locating the source of a failure simple and helps to reduce the occurrence of future failures. SMART SSD monitoring and performance is an important tool for industrial applications that use industrial Flash storage. Here are answers to common questions that will help you clear up any confusion about SMART and SSDs.   What is SMART? SMART is an acronym that stands for Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology. As the name...
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  Hospitals and other medical organizations have grown increasingly reliant on technology to deliver patient care and coordinate medical information. The result is a vast quantity of medical information that requires secure and reliable storage for any medical device. Medical hardware and flash storage naturally go hand-in-hand. When choosing a flash storage solution for medical data, there are a few important considerations OEMs must keep in mind.   The Average Size of Medical Files Medical files typically contain large amounts of data,...
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