Rugged USB Drives Explained

USB drives are among the most widely used and recognized storage devices on the market. They allow consumers and industrial users alike to have powerful, portable storage that is universally compatible. For industrial users, however, it’s important to choose the right kind of USB drive. Many industrial applications rely on embedded storage for its ruggedness, but rugged USB drives are also available. For users who need a rugged USB drive, industrial grade products are essential. If you are in the market for a USB drive for an industrial application, here is what you need to know.

Why use a USB drive over embedded storage in industrial applications?

Embedded storage has many advantages for some devices. However, in certain instances, industrial users need storage that is not just rugged, but also portable. Although USB drives are so ubiquitous that some people have them on their key chains, it doesn’t mean that the utility they provide is any less necessary for industrial users who need an easy and secure way to transport data. Another advantage of rugged USB drives is that they can be customized in a huge variety of ways, both inside and out. They can feature different lengths, colors, and labels to match the functionality and branded needs of OEMs.

What makes a USB drive rugged?

Rugged USB drives meet the same standards as other kinds of industrial storage. They feature high-endurance SLC NAND flash technology, which is the fastest, most secure kind of flash storage available. They can also work in extreme temperature conditions, ranging from -40 degrees C up to 85 degrees C, which is a much broader temperature range than commercial grade products. Commercial grade USB drives are designed with MLC or TLC flash storage, both of which are not as secure or fast as the SLC used in rugged USB drives.

What capacities are available in rugged USB drives?

Capacities vary, so users can find a drive that meets their needs. With SLC flash models, capacities range from 128MB to 32GB. There are some MLC flash USB drives that meet the temperature operating ranges for rugged conditions and offer greater storage capacities of up to 64GB. With MLC storage, two bits of data are stored per cell, so it is possible to offer additional storage in these devices without making them bigger. Although MLC is not quite as reliable as SLC flash, it is still a highly reliable storage option and a good fit for some industrial applications.

Delkin offers a variety of rugged USB drives with a large number of customization options. Our team can help you balance your needs for capacity, customization, and rugged operations. Contact us today for assistance.

CLICK HERE to purchase through Avnet. Delkin Devices Industrial Flash Storage can be ordered today through our distribution partner Avnet.