Delkin Blog

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 meets their specific needs. If you’re considering custom uSD memory, here is what you need to know.

uSD Basics

uSD cards are essentially smaller versions of the familiar, full-size SD card. The uSD card is roughly the size of a fingernail—15mm x 11mm x 1mm—while the full-size card is 24 mm x 32 mm x 2.1 mm. The smaller size makes uSD cards ideal for small devices in both consumer and industrial markets.

Like any SD card, uSDs must meet the strict guidelines set by the Secure Digital Association. This means that you can always feel confident about the basic specifications of the cards and their compatibility with the SD interface.

uSD for the Industrial Market

Industrial uSD cards are specifically designed to function in the rugged operating conditions that are common in industrial environments. For instance, they have extended temperature ranges, from -40 degrees C to 85 degrees C. In addition, they are highly tolerant of shock and vibration.

Industrial uSD cards typically feature SLC flash technology. With SLC (single-level cell) flash, one bit of data is stored on each cell. This design dramatically extends the lifespan of the storage and makes it the most secure kind of flash available. However, SLC flash does come with one feature that can be an issue for some industrial customers. Storing one bit of data per cell limits the storage capacity. For industrial users who need more capacity, there are industrial grade MLC (multi-level cell) flash designs. These offer extended temperature ranges and other industrial features, but can provide more storage space.

Custom uSD Options

For industrial OEM customers, off-the-shelf uSD cards aren’t an option. At Delkin, we understand that customization is key. We offer a long list of ways for you to ensure that your embedded memory works for your specific application’s design. These options include content and image loading, proprietary form factors, serialization or other tracking options, and conformal coating. We can also provide private label packaging, labels, and pad printing.

For many clients, the most important custom uSD service we provide is custom testing and manufacturing requirements. These custom options allow us to ensure that your uSD storage is optimized to work as efficiently as possible with your application design. This service can also help you get the maximum life from your embedded storage.

Customization is not available from every industrial storage manufacturer, but Delkin leads the field in meeting clients’ unique needs with every project. Talk to one of our team members today to learn more about how we can meet your needs for rugged embedded memory.

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