Technical Success Story: SD Card Customization
A frequent Delkin customer wanted to expand their application with higher levels of usage and data output. However, when they tested their content loading equipment, also called a duplicator, their SD cards kept failing when the duplicator tried to add data. They had already ordered new cards, so they wanted to find a solution quickly and make use of their order. They contacted Delkin for assistance in finding a solution.
Problems Encountered
This OEM purchased new duplicator equipment in anticipation of expanded use of their application. However, as soon as the duplicator attempted to load data, the SD cards in the application started to fail. These cards worked seamlessly with the old duplicator, but the new one caused high failure rates. Returning the new duplicator and resorting to the old equipment was not an option, so the customer was eager to find a solution that would work. The applications manager contacted Delkin’s Customer Applications Team for assistance in finding answers.
Investigative Process
First, Delkin asked the customer to check with the duplicator manufacturer to ensure that compatibility issues were not to blame. The manufacturer examined the issue and determined that the problem was not occurring in the copying phase, but rather in the read verification test phase. As such, they stated that the SD card was not compatible with the duplicator.
Delkin’s Customer Applications Team used this information to start their investigation. They recreated the process the customer was using and received the same results as the manufacturer—the problem was occurring in the read verification test phase. As they recreated the customer process, they also analyzed the old duplicator so that they could better understand the system.
Effective Solution
The team at Delkin determined that the signal integrity was accurately meeting the timing specifications and that the power draw was in the appropriate range. They also noted that Delkin’s SD cards feature a slightly reduced BUS strength, which is a feature that is offered by Delkin to save power during the initiation of the SD card. The cable of the new duplicator was twice the length of the old one, which further decreased the BUS strength. Changing the cord length of the new duplicator was impossible, but Delkin was able to change the BUS strength for the customer, increasing it to avoid failures.
Lessons Learned
Most of Delkin’s customers appreciate the reduced BUS because they want SD cards optimized for power, but in this instance, the feature caused a problem when new equipment was introduced. A simple customization from Delkin allowed the customer to move forward with their planned application changes.
At Delkin, our Customer Applications Team is always on standby to help our customers solve problems with their host storage. We have solved complex cases in the past, and we’re here to help you. Contact us if you need assistance with rugged, controlled storage.
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