What to Expect from a Rugged SD Card
An SD card is one of the most widely used, reliable forms of Flash storage available. It is used successfully in a wide range of devices, including in industrial applications. For industrial users, a more rugged version of a traditional SD card is usually required to withstand the demands of environments with extreme temperatures or intense vibrations. Rugged, industrial SD cards have the endurance necessary for this kind of use.
What makes an SD card rugged?
Rugged SD cards are industrial grade Flash memory devices designed to be used in extreme environments. They are made to meet the SD Association SD card guidelines and are designed for 100% uptime without any loss of data protection. In addition to the increased data integrity of industrial grade SD cards, they can also operate in extreme temperature environments. Many industrial SD cards work without any loss of function in temperatures ranging from -45 degrees C to 85 degrees C. This wide temperature range is essential for industrial applications where temperature extremes are the norm.
What is the purpose of SLC Flash in a rugged SD card?
SLC NAND Flash is standard in rugged SD cards. Using SLC Flash is part of what increases the endurance and data integrity of a rugged SD card. With SLC Flash, one bit of data is stored per cell. Because of the limit on single-cell data, there is less likelihood of there being an error during read or write operations, which helps to protect valuable data and reduce the risk of errors. SLC NAND Flash also ensures fast processing and SD card longevity.
What are some other advantages of a rugged SD card?
SD cards are small in size, making them an easy fit in small storage spaces. They also have a low pin count, increasing compatibility for the small form factor. Industrial SD cards may also come with wear leveling algorithms that further increase the longevity of the memory, as well as integrated life monitoring, which can help to prevent unexpected failures associated with the end of the card’s cycling capabilities. Typically, rugged SD cards also come with a controlled bill-of-materials, allowing for increased confidence in the long-term functioning and compatibility of this memory solution.
There are multiple rugged Flash memory storage options available. Delkin’s team members can answer your questions to help you select the right solution for your application. Contact our representatives for additional information or engineering samples.