Delkin Blog

SSDs are so ubiquitous today that you may be surprised to learn that they once were only found in industrial applications in rugged operating conditions. These conditions, including extremely high and low temperatures, are not the norm for consumer or commercial devices. As such, when SSDs were introduced, OEMs and designers in those markets largely overlooked them.

However, the benefits of SSDs soon attracted users across the gamut of devices and markets. In fact, they are so popular today that it can be easy for users in the industrial market to choose the wrong kind of SSD. Learn about ruggedized SSD options here, and find the right drive for your application with help from Delkin.

How do SSDs compare to HDDs in rugged environments?

SSD stands for solid state drive. These drives use NAND flash memory to store data on chips that are made up of individual cells. Data are written and read to each cell through a series of voltage changes. The number of bits of data stored per cell determines the grade of the NAND flash memory, as well as the storage capacity of the drive.

The popularity of SSDs can be traced to the fact that they do not have any moving parts. SSDs were originally designed as an alternative to hard disk drives, or HDDs, which store data on magnetic disks that spin for read and write operations. Although HDDs offer tremendous capacities, they have some downsides due to their moving parts. The spinning disk is prone to failure, especially when the device is jostled or exposed to high temperatures—which can happen often in industrial operating environments.

Additionally, the disk-based design of HDDs makes them slow. The disk has to launch and start spinning in order for read and write operations to occur. SSDs offer much greater speeds, as well as far smaller sizes—two factors that have made them well positioned to meet modern trends for device designs.

What makes ruggedized SSDs unique?

Ruggedized SSDs are designed specifically for use in industrial environments. For industrial OEMs and designers, this is a critical factor. Frequently, users with industrial applications will choose an SSD that was designed for the consumer or commercial market, only to face high rates of device failure. The reason for this is simple: although consumer and commercial SSDs are well designed for the kinds of devices in which they are intended to be used, they lack features to meet the demands of industrial operating environments.

Ruggedized SSDs offer an extended operating temperature range of 85 degrees C to -40 degrees C, as well as tolerance of rapid temperature fluctuations. They can also handle the high shock and vibration levels commonly found in industrial operating conditions. If a non-ruggedized SSD is used in these conditions, there is a significant risk of data loss or complete device failure. This can lead to costly—and in some cases, dangerous—outcomes.

Can I customize my ruggedized SSD?

For industrial users, there are other benefits that come with using a ruggedized SSD. These include a locked bill of materials (BOM) and lifecycle management. However, an even more important feature for many industrial users is the customization options available.

At Delkin, we work with each customer to ensure that the device they choose is the best for their application. We can provide custom testing to see how a particular SSD will perform in an application’s usage conditions. In addition, we offer custom packaging, labeling, data formatting, and more to meet the needs of your device.

Do you have questions about choosing a ruggedized SSD or other industrial embedded storage solution? Contact Delkin today to speak to a member of our product team. We offer ruggedized SSDs in a range of form factors and capacities. We will be happy to provide personalized guidance specific to your device and needs.

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