Digital signage is a critical way of conveying information for a business or an essential task. Consistency in displays is crucial for maintaining a professional brand image, keeping travelers informed, or signaling traffic alerts. When a digital sign fails due to a flash storage card reaching the end of its lifespan, this malfunction is highly visible and reflects poorly for the application at hand or could even pose a danger. In some cases, the proper functioning of digital signage...
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  With the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), applications increased popularity for the industrial market, and the size of the applications shrink the storage requirements become more critical. IIoT requires storage with a small form factor, industrial temperatures, robustness, reliability, and low power. SLC microSD (aka Trans Flash) integrates all these requirements in a small SiP (System in Package).   Delkin Industrial SLC microSD (Single Level Cell) solutions are widely adopted in industrial applications. Delkin Industrial SLC microSD is a controlled Bill...
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  What is a Locked BOM (Bill of Materials) Once an OEM has qualified a solution, they want to be assured that the part they purchase is the same part that was purchased last time, and will be the same in the future.  This can produce some challenges due to part availability and obsolescence. This is where a locked BOM comes in and is an important part of lifecycle management. Delkin has methods of mitigating these problems through creative supply chain management...
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  When it comes to purchasing embedded storage devices, although there are a multitude of manufacturers, you will find that most of the products are actually made in Asia. Although products made in Asia can certainly be of high quality, at Delkin, we believe there are advantages to choosing our products, which are built to order in the USA. It is true that the cost of labor in the USA is higher than overseas labor costs, but we believe that...
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  Industrial applications often face extreme temperature demands, and it’s important to note SSD industrial temperature considerations. As such, industrial SSDs must be able to stand up to demands without experiencing data loss or other failures.  SATA II SSD 2.5” and mSATA SSDs are both options for industrial use, thanks to their reliability in extreme temperature environments during both operation and storage. Choosing industrial SSDs ensures longevity and reliable data storage in rugged conditions.   Temperature Considerations for Industrial SSDs Industrial SSDs are...
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  Today’s SLC USB Flash drives are rugged, durable, and even customizable. Electrical engineers have built some impressive architecture to support the high capacities, favorable erase/write cycles, and rapid transfer rates that are typical of modern high-quality SLC USB Flash drives.   A Closer Look at NAND NAND was the brainchild of engineer Fujio Masuoka. Before he developed NAND, Masuoka invented Flash memory. He was inspired to use a large erase transistor to get the functionality of an EEPROM on the chip. Flash...
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  Although SLC NAND Flash memory provides a high level of performance, it still has a finite lifespan. There are only so many times a program and erase cycle can occur before a failure takes place and data is put at risk. To ensure that SLC memory lasts for as long as possible, SSDs rely on wear leveling algorithms. These algorithms ensure that writes are evenly distributed throughout the SSD so that blocks do not wear out prematurely. To further...
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  Commercial flash storage products are extremely common and widely available. For this reason, some engineers looking for storage for industrial applications look to commercial products first. However, in many cases, commercial flash storage will not be the best fit for their industrial applications. Instead, engineers and OEMs may benefit from looking for storage solutions from the basis of the usage model instead of simply opting for a widely available commercial-market solution.   The issue that most industrial applications run into  is...
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  Flash memory cards are used in countless industrial, commercial, and consumer applications. There are many advantages to choosing flash memory. It is fast and reliable, and in the industrial format, it’s capable of tolerating extreme operating conditions for a variety of applications. However, no two applications are the same, and there’s no single flash memory card that works for every device. At Delkin, we’re pleased to offer a variety of flash storage customization options for our industrial flash storage,...
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  As flash technology evolves, it is becoming increasingly challenging to compare memory devices. At one point, simply checking to see if a device used SLC or MLC flash was enough. Now, there are things like QLC, TLC, eMLC, and 3D NAND on the market, making it increasingly difficult for developers and OEMs to determine what is the right fit for them.   In the past, checking the P/E cycles, or Program/Erase cycles, of the flash was helpful, and then the TBW,...
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What Is Industrial eMMC or Embedded Multimedia Device? eMMC or embedded Multimedia is small yet rugged industrial grade NAND flash storage solution. The technology is popular for use in portable devices like cell phones, tablets, and advanced networking and communications applications. Industrial eMMC is also an industrial flash storage form factor of choice for various applications used in the Internet of Things (IoT). A network is a collection of servers, mainframes, computers, peripherals, network devices, and other relevant devices that are...
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  For engineers seeking board-level storage for SATA-based designs, industrial SSD is the solution. This NAND storage option is ideal for logging critical data in rugged environments that require a small form factor. Industrial grade products are designed to provide reliable embedded storage when temperature, shock, and vibration demands are extreme. This makes them compatible with the needs of industries such as aerospace, transportation, and healthcare, where losing critical data is not an option. Here are the facts engineers need...
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  Many modes of transportation including motor vehicles, trains, and aircraft use industrial flash storage for critical data storage functions. Due to the varying nature of these transportation methods, technology is designed to execute specific roles and address special concerns. However, a common requirement found in all transportation technology systems is the need to reliably store operational, navigational, and system performance data. The rugged reliability of Delkin Devices Industrial Flash Storage can address these needs across various transportation systems and vehicle types. In...
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  A challenge faced by application engineers is the concept of balancing reliability and industrial specifications with higher usage models and increases program/erase cycles. As part of life cycle management, it’s important to monitor the usage of the flash storage device over time to ensure there are no failures in the host application. One way to help review the lifecycle stage of the industrial flash storage device and determine the usage model of many P/E cycles is with the usage...
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  A solid state flash drive SATA is an SSD that uses the SATA interface. Solid state drives have increased dramatically in popularity, replacing hard disk drives, or HDDs, as the go-to storage drive format for a wide range of devices. There are several advantages to using SSDs rather than HDDs, particularly in industrial applications. SSDs that work with the SATA interface offer speed, reliability, and easy compatibility, which is part of the reason why they are so popular with...
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  Although conventional wisdom dictates using the newest technology possible, it is not always feasible to constantly upgrade to new designs. For many industrial users, constant upgrades are just not realistic. For this reason, they need to rely on legacy technology. Using legacy products means they don’t have to update their design or take a chance on how a new design will work in their applications. However, a challenge with legacy electronics is finding the right kind of memory. Even...
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  Purpose of Write Protection Write protection is a feature on flash storage cards and other forms of flash memory that prevents data stored on the card from being deleted and new data from being added. It exists to ensure that you cannot inadvertently write over critical data or delete data to make space to write new files. When write protection is activated, you will be able to read data on the card-only write operations are blocked.   For some applications that are...
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  NAND vs. NVMe- The need for data storage capacity and speed in industrial applications has caused a growing list of interface options for memory. Applications and industrial flash storage hosts become more robust and have ever-expanding spec requirements. For engineers and OEMs, keeping up with the advances and determining what fits best in their applications is an ongoing process. A subject that frequently comes up is NAND vs. NVMe—what are these two technologies and how do they compare to each...
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  “One-size-fits-all does not work for our embedded/industrial high capacity application. Flash storage customization is required”   Background: A well-known OEM and buyer CF cards was expanding the use and data storage needs for a mission-critical application. They had been adding content to CF cards for a series of years, but now they needed to increase volume, so new application specs now required CF card customization. There were new orders coming in for their application and other areas of manufacturing had increased...
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  Are you looking for reliable, rugged storage for a device used in industrial operating conditions? If so, a microSD card may be the perfect choice. One of the reasons why microSD cards in general are so popular is that they are designed according to very strict specifications determined by the Secure Digital Association. This allows designers and engineers to avoid compatibility issues. However, not all microSD memory suppliers are the same, and the supplier you choose can have a...
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Flight data recorders are a key component of aviation safety. Information gleaned from flight data recorders after an accident gives aviation experts insight into the cause of the incident so that they can take steps to ensure that it never happens again. With the data from flight recorders after air disasters, the aviation industry has made many changes to airline design and flying techniques to continually increase the safety of air travel.   Flight recorders have to withstand extreme conditions without...
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  A locked BOM, or bill of materials, is one of the key advantages to purchasing industrial grade memory from Delkin. A locked BOM means that the flash, firmware, and controller will not be changed on a memory card without advanced notice and a new product number being issued. This notice gives engineers and OEMs a warning about changes to their storage systems that could impact the functionality of their devices. It also allows them to place any final orders...
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  Data security is a significant concern for anyone who uses anything from a smartphone to a home alarm system, but for people with industrial applications, data security is even more important. Data loss on an industrial device can have catastrophic outcomes for entire industries. In the case of devices used in healthcare and transportation, the impacts of data failure can even lead to loss of life. For these reasons, the price of data failure is always high. Companies must...
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  For industrial developers, power failures are one of the biggest challenges. A power fail can have significant and costly impacts, from the breakdown of an automated manufacturing system that leads to delays in production to failures of critical medical equipment that hamper doctors’ abilities to provide necessary care to patients. Preventing and mitigating power failures are critical steps when it comes to designing and maintaining an industrial device. Although it is not always possible to prevent power fails, it...
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  In computing, “form factor” is a catch-all term that can have a few different meanings. When describing hardware, form factor refers to the size, arrangement, and configuration of a specific device or a component of a device, such as a motherboard. Form factor can also mean the footprint of a freestanding computer or the size of memory necessary for a software program to run. The form factor of a device will have a significant impact on the kind of...
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  For industrial device engineers and users, NAND flash memory has trounced hard disk drive, or HDD, memory as the storage solution of choice. With NAND flash memory, you get the benefits of increased speed and data security—two factors that are critical to industrial users. However, even with the inherent benefits of NAND flash memory, choosing the right supplier is also important. For industrial users in particular, working with a NAND flash memory supplier who offers a variety of products...
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   Avnet is a leading provider of parts for the world of technology. Companies of all sizes and from all corners of the globe depend on Avnet to get the products they need to continue their cutting-edge work. Avnet is always on the forefront of new technological developments and works hard to make sure that they can offer their customers the very best parts from the leading technological producers. That is why Delkin is pleased to have Avnet partner with...
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CFast memory cards offer high-speed data transfer solutions and large capacities. This makes them a good fit for industrial applications that need a combination of speed and power for high-resolution videos and other large files. Industrial CFast cards are ideal for devices that will be used in rugged operating conditions, where temperature extremes and high levels of shock and vibration are likely. Get the facts about CFast SATA cards here.   CFast Basics Although CompactFlash, or CF, cards have long been a...
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  The power consumption of embedded storage devices is one of the leading factors that designers and OEMs consider when selecting memory cards. Memory systems that require a large amount of power from the host device are not viable and prevent the efficient use of the host device. However, improving the performance of the host device is only one reason why low power needs are important for memory cards. The demand for intelligent power usage is also growing. Intelligent power...
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If you’ve been searching for industrial grade memory, then you have likely encountered the term NAND flash memory. NAND flash memory is used in a wide variety of industrial flash storage devices, thanks to its ability to store a large amount of data on a small device. You can find NAND flash memory in solid state drives and USB drives in consumer, commercial, and industrial applications. One reason why NAND flash memory is so popular is that it is...
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  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...
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  Are you considering an mSATA SSD for your device? mSATA refers to mini-SATA, which is a SATA drive with a small form factor. In recent years, mSATA has increased dramatically in popularity, thanks to the growing demand for small devices. With an mSATA drive, you get the reliability and power of a SATA-interface SSD in a size that fits a modern device. An mSATA 256GB SSD is a drive with 256GB of storage space. Could this be the right...
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  When it comes to flash memory, reliability is key. This is especially true for industrial applications, which often handle mission critical data and for which data failures can cause costly and dangerous outcomes. For this reason, data reliability testing is an important part of choosing flash memory products and ensuring they are working as efficiently as possible in the applications in which they are used. Delkin offers a variety of data reliability testing options, using real-world conditions and customized...
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  Power management is a critical issue for industrial applications and embedded storage for many different reasons. When it comes to embedded memory, choosing memory that does not have a significant power draw means that the device itself can operate more efficiently and requires less power for operation. On a broader scale, this allows devices to be greener. Requiring less power for memory means that industrial customers use less power overall, which can have huge impacts when considered on a...
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  CompactFlash, or CF, cards are one of the most popular and well known choices for embedded memory. They were first introduced to the market in 1994. Thanks to several updates to stay current with modern trends, they are still embraced by users who appreciate their far-reaching compatibility and ease of integration. Industrial CF cards are built with industrial capabilities. As a result, they can tolerate extreme temperatures and other demanding operating conditions. Here is a closer look at CF...
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  Within computer units, there are smaller systems that are designed to perform a single task. These smaller systems are called embedded modules. Embedded modules can perform many important functions within a larger system, but one of the most important kinds of embedded modules are embedded memory systems. As with any component of a system you are designing, it is essential to consider the design and datasheet of any kind of embedded module you select, so you can ensure that...
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  Are you looking for a high-speed, removable storage solution with enough capacity for even high-resolution videos in a small form factor? If so, than CFexpress cards could be right for you. CFexpress is a next generation CF—or CompactFlash—card that is designed to keep up with the speed and size of today’s hosts. With high-speed data transfers, low latency, and industrial grade options, CFexpress is perfect for rugged operating conditions. Here is what you need to know.   CFexpress Basics CFexpress is a...
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  If you’ve used a key fob, smartphone, or GPS system, you’ve used an embedded computing system, even if you didn’t realize it. In fact, embedding computing applications and embedded systems are all around us and play a central role in everyday activities, yet they are frequently overlooked or misunderstood. Traffic lights, car braking systems, and wearable medical devices are all examples of embedded systems and exemplify just how common—and essential—they can be. Here are the answers to some of...
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  When it comes to industrial storage, many designers and engineers may initially overlook USB drive options. After all, USBs are so widely available in the consumer market at low prices that it doesn’t seem likely that this same kind of device could meet the demands of industrial grade memory. In reality, USB modules are available for the industrial market. These devices provide the same kind of easy compatibility and portability you expect from USBs with industrial features like extended...
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  Field application engineers, or FAEs, need parts vendors they can rely on in order to build the kinds of devices they want to create. At Delkin, we understand the crucial role that FAE support plays in application development and maintenance. Our team is focused on providing the kind of help and guidance necessary to let FAEs focus on what they do best. With our help, you can design applications with confidence, knowing that that the products you’re creating and...
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  Flash memory has replaced hard disk drive (HDD) storage for a huge number of commercial and industrial applications. There are several reasons for this change. One is that flash memory is generally more reliable. It doesn’t involve any moving parts, as HDD storage does, so it is less prone to failures. This feature is especially important for industrial users, as industrial devices are often used in environments with high levels of shock and vibration, which can cause failures in...
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  Industrial applications are used in virtually every field and industry, from healthcare and automation to gaming and transportation. Because they may be used in more challenging operating conditions than consumer or commercial applications, they have unique needs for embedded memory. When choosing embedded memory for an industrial application, it is important to select storage that not only aligns with your budget and performance needs, but can also withstand the operational environment in which it will be used. Here is...
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  Embedded multimedia controllers, or eMMCs, are a type of flash memory card that contain the flash memory and flash memory controller on a single die. They are frequently used in portable electronic devices that need flash memory, but don’t have space for separate flash memory and controllers. Having the combination of both memory and controller on a single die saves space in these devices. However, eMMC is not the right solution for every application, and there can be issues...
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  Are you looking for a tried and true embedded storage option that is capable of storing high-resolution photos and videos as well as critical data securely and reliably? If so, Compact Flash memory cards could be the right fit for you. Compact Flash memory cards, or CF cards, revolutionized the embedded memory market when they were initially introduced, and they have been used in countless commercial and industrial applications since. Users value CF cards for their reliability, high capacities,...
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  One of the most enduring forms of flash storage available is the USB flash drive. This storage format is familiar to most people due to its popularity in the consumer market, but it also has a place in the industrial market. Industrial users appreciate the fact that USB drives are compatible with virtually any device and can safely make large amounts of data portable. When manufactured to meet industrial operating standards, USB flash drives can withstand the same kind...
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  Most people have heard of software and hardware, but what about firmware? Although firmware may not be as familiar to people as software and hardware, it plays a critical role in the functioning of every type of digital device and gadget. As with most things related to device design, there is not a single type of firmware that works the same way in every application and in every operating condition. That is where firmware modification comes into the picture....
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  One way Delkin retains its position as a leading provider of cutting-edge embedded storage solutions is taking part in the major industry events that matter. We will continue that tradition by attending Germany’s Embedded World Conference 2020. Visit the Delkin booth and enter to win 100 Euros in Amazon vouchers! Click here to schedule an appointment with an attending Delkin Rep.   This event, held in Nuremburg, Germany, is a signature event in the embedded technology industry. Delkin will also be...
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  No two devices are designed exactly the same, so it makes sense that there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all solution for embedded memory. This fact is especially true for industrial applications, where operating conditions can play an important role in the viability of embedded memory. For industrial clients, trying out a memory card or drive and hoping for the best is not an option. Industrial applications handle critical data and are relied upon in can’t-fail situations. To...
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  TBW, or terabytes written, is a function of multiple factors, but achieving a better TBW is an ongoing goal of many SSD developers. With the trend of 3D flash memory, which is anticipated to outpace 2D MLC storage, many users—particularly those whose flash memory drives store sensitive data—are worried about reliability. Is 3D flash less reliable than 2D flash, and how does 3D flash design impact TBW? Here is what you need to know about 2D vs 3D TBW...
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