Archives for SiliconSystems

Where to find SLC flash memory and support

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16GB PCMCIA Card

16GB SSD-P PCMCIA Card

As many traditional suppliers are transitioning to MLC flash from SLC flash memory how can you be sure you are getting industrial grade flash memory products?

Consider this before buying any SLC flash memory:

NOT ALL FLASH MEMORY IS CREATED EQUAL

Though MLC flash memory may be more cost effective to you it is not more reliable that SLC manufactured memory.  SLC flash memory includes advanced wear leveling algorithms for better durability and longevity.

Industrial flash cards are temperature rated at -40C to +85C  operating temperature.  Additional specifications include shock ratings of 1500G and vibration tested to 20G.

Companies looking to replace older flash memory such as Sandisk, Kingston or SiliconSystems, will need to consider the proper level of support in addition to the correct flash hardware component.

Older cards having used the latest chips and BIOS of their time will be difficult to replace.  Transitioning to a newer chipset with a new BIOS capable of addressing larger capacities will allow for the transition of legacy hardware to available flash products on the market today.

The search engines will return a plethora of potential hardware suppliers.  However you must consider the post support available after you have purchased.  Pre & Post support are critical to a smooth transition of hardware components.

One such partner to consider is www.SSDsDirect.com….  Armed with a new interactive website, product reviews, comments and questions related to SLC flash memory offers you the level of support you need to determine the right amount of support needed to complete you project in a successful and timely manner.

Ask your supplier is they offer samples and offer post technical support on the product as it relates to your installation.  With you over 15 years of flash memory experience www.PCcardsDirect.com… and its affiliates offers a high level of support no available to most online e-Tail, retail and VAR.

Contact sales at PCcardsDirect.com… for additional information regarding this article.

 

Top 7 Reasons why SiliconSystems PCMCIA and CF Cards are hard to find

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1.  Western Digital purchased SiliconSystems.

2.  After the acquisition Western Digital discontinued production of the PCMCIA ATA Cards.  They still continue to offer compact flash cards…For now..

3.   The old “-3012” series SiliconSystems cards are no longer available.  The new series is the 4000 series.  Typically a 6-8 week lead time when purchased in quantities of 60 or more.

4.  Why off the shelf cards are not compatible  as drop in replacements?  SiliconSystems used a proprietary combination of flash and controller to assemble their cards and drives.  Many solution providers ensured that their hardware required only SiliconSystems cards to operate.

5. Are any of their options such as SiPurge, SiDestroy still available?  There other drives on the market that offer these features.  However, they are very expensive and typically cost prohibitive to anyone except the military.

6. Can I make any changes to adapt to these new cards?  Yes, typically it was the software that was configured to look for certain sectors on the SiliconSystems card.  If you have access to the code you can change it to write to any sector of a card.

7.  As the market for flash memory decreases the cost associated to develop, manufacture and promote these products continue to increase.  In a shrinking market it is difficult for companies to spend millions of dollars and operate in the black.  As a result we will continue to see legacy products disappear from the marketplace.

What options are available to continue to service and maintain legacy hardware still in operation today?  In the past five years we have had PCMCIA cards make a resurgence.  Specially industrial grade high temperature rated PCMCIA cards.  Older voice PBX  systems, routers and large scale locomotives all still require this form factor.  In all of these sectors it is not cost effective to upgrade the hardware to accommodate a card with a modern chip configuration.

PCcardsDirect has assembled a compatible PCMCIA ATA PC Card with an enhanced controller for better compatibility with older SiliconSystems cards.  Before you scrap your old hardware you will want to test a this new card.  Available from 64MB to 16GB capacities at: www.pccardsdirect.com…

SiliconSystems Cards are they still available?

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Since the departure of Sandisk from the PCMCIA arena, SiliconSystems picked up the torch and has been running with it.  However, since the purchase of SiliconSystems by Western Digital, the PCMCIA PC Card form factor is no longer available as SiliconSystems.  So all of those “SSD-P” part numbers are no more.  Now this is not true for the compact flash cards.  Western Digital still offers CF cards.  However this too has changed from the traditional “-3012” suffix to the newer 4000 series.  Engineers still looking for compatible cards are urged to consider the “-S” configuration offer by PCcardsDirect.  This card offers the same controller as those used by the older now unavailable SiliconSystems Company.  Available in fixed and removable bit, engineers and technicians may order a sample to test and QC.  In certain instances software may have been developed to only write to the SiliconSystems card.  In this case changes to the code will have to take place.  For a listing of available card options visit: www.PCcardsDirect.com…

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