MEMORY
We offer both the development of special memory solutions and the integration and evaluation of existing solutions in practical applications. Our focus is on Solid State Disk technology and semiconductor based memories, e.g. NAND Flash, NOR Flash, EEPROM, FE-RAM.
Development focus is on the adoption of existing base technologies (e.g. USB) for various mechanical form factors and other special requirements, such as environmental hardening, security features and power consumption.
In addition, the evaluation or selection of storage devices for specific applications plays an important role. This involves both the evaluation of performance parameters and analyses of the lifetime of storage in concrete applications. We develop bridging solutions to connect existing storage solutions to specific interfaces.
We solve the fast and efficient programming of storage media, the parallel copying of data to a large number of media and the process documentation with our own programming systems, such as devices of the IQ series. We look forward to your storage challenge!
Topics
- Data security
- Data retention
- Energy efficiency
- Speed
- Write Cycle Endurance
- Robustness mechanical/electrical
Modules
RAW and Managed Nand (EMMC) solutions
When using NAND Flash memory, it is possible to use NAND Flashes directly (Raw NAND Flashes) or to use managed NAND Flashes such as eMMC. Raw Nand Flashes offer maximum flexibility in the application. Managed Nand is recommended as non-volatile memory due to the integrated controller, which already performs various tasks, such as wear leveling, and is particularly suitable for complex embedded systems.
NAND Flash memory solutions
NAND Flash memories currently represent the de facto solution for non-volatile memory solutions in complex embedded systems at the points where capacities in the gigabyte range are required. Thereby, the integration density of SSDs (Solid State Disks) based on this technology is currently about the same as that of traditional hard disks with electromagnetic recording technology. We offer storage products of different form factors, storage technologies and physical design.
Process integration of storage programming units
The integration of copying systems into more complex production processes or higher-level systems (machines) often also requires special adaptations of these copying units. This includes the coupling to external software for the regulation of the production process as well as for the realization of special logging of the processes. We offer systematized programming devices, modules and individual hardware and software adaptations. Optimized for the integration of existing production processes.
FPGA Design
FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays – configurable hardware components) are used wherever microcontrollers or other standard components cannot be used. We use FPGAs e.g. within high-performance copying devices to realize an efficient distribution of the data to be copied to all target storage media. FPGAs can, unlike universal microcontrollers, be programmed optimized for your application. How high is your efficiency demand?
Copy devices for removable media
In order to copy a large amount of data carriers with almost identical data, the use of copying stations designed for this purpose is useful. Not only to accelerate the copying process through parallel writing/verifying of the data carriers, but also in terms of process stability and traceability. If professionally documented data duplication, verification and the implementation of a copying system in a process environment are required, then we offer customized device and module solutions.
Other memory solutions (NOR, EEPROM, FeRAM, SRAM, RAM)
Apart from NAND flashes as the de facto standard for non-volatile mass storage solutions, there are various alternatives that are recommended for use, depending on the individual application purpose.
Interfaces (e.g. SATA/PATA, USB, PCIe,UFS)
Various interfaces are available for connecting mass storage devices. In addition to various standard interfaces, there is also the possibility of implementing special application-specific and proprietary interfaces.
Bridging solutions (e.g. CardReader, NAS)
Often solutions are needed to connect storage media with a defined interface to other device interfaces. Popular is for example the connection of SD cards or SATA hard disks via USB to a host computer. We offer appropriate bridging solutions for this purpose.
Security Features
Security-critical applications have a high demand on the secure and access-proof storage of data. Various mechanisms can be implemented for this purpose – from simple standard encryption of the stored data to authorization of a host computer/user towards the data carrier or even the data carrier towards a host computer. We design and implement individual security concepts and resulting mechanisms for you.
Customized special storage
Some applications require unusual storage solutions. Whether with special proprietary interfaces or special functionalities. Depending on the requirements, various functionalities and product features can be realized.
Energy efficient storage solutions
Energy-efficient solutions are important from an economic point of view, especially for embedded systems. In the case of NAND flash memories, attention must also be paid to the lowest possible self-heating, since the stored data is lost more quickly with increasing temperature (data retention). Other aspects, such as the energy balance of the entire product, play a decisive role, especially in decentralized, battery-powered application scenarios.
Storage optimization for demanding environments
For use under adverse environmental conditions, adequate protection of the electronics is necessary. Different aspects play a role here. Starting with higher-than-usual protection against electrostatic discharges, through a hermetic seal to protect against liquids, to measures against mechanical stresses such as shock and vibration.
Lifetime analysis
NAND Flash memory (as well as many other types of memory) wears out over time. Especially for the use in systems with a longer projected runtime it is of essential importance to design the memory accordingly. There are various parameters for this, such as the selection of a suitable memory type or configurations and adjustments to the access behavior of the application, which contribute to memory optimization.