SLC Mode

Industries today require high-capacity storage devices to meet their growing need to process and retain data. High-density storage units are becoming more popular for their expanded capacity. Many of these are made with NAND flash. There are several types of NAND flash, each having different properties and advantages: SLC (Single-Level Cell), MLC (Multi-Level Cell), and TLC (Triple-Level Cell).

The figure below highlights the characteristics of different NAND flash types. Each pie represents a single storage cell. So in SLC, one bit of data is stored on one cell, while in TLC, three bits are stored.

The difference between the three technologies is clear. SLC stores the least amount of data, but features the fastest read/write speeds. TLC is the opposite. To save the same amount of data, three times the number of SLC cells are needed as compared to TLC, greatly increasing the cost. However, for most consumers, the desire for speed matches that for capacity. SLC cache* technology provides a balanced solution to meet this demand.

SLC Cache

By dividing a segment within TLC to simulate SLC, transfer speeds within the segment will be temporarily increased. Once buffer space is full, speed will return to its original level.

SLC Mode

SLC Cache limitations mean this technology cannot fulfill the demand for constant read/write at high speeds. That being so, another technology that can transform TLC into SLC has come into play—SLC Mode. Unlike SLC Cache, there are no buffer zone restraints on SLC Mode, because each TLC cell acting under this mode processes only one bit of data—just like SLC cells. Hence space constraints are removed and high read/write speeds can be sustained.

Although storage capacity per cell is reduced in SLC mode, taking three times amount of cells in TLC to simulate SLC, the cost is dozens of times less than SLC. This makes SLC mode an enticing alternative for companies seeking high storage capacity, high speed, and low cost.

SLC Mode solves the inherent limitations of TLC and offers better reliability than MLC—equivalent to SLC—at an advantageous cost. In short, SLC Mode is a new alternative solution just right for industrial applications.

Transcend Industrial SLC Mode SSDs

Widely utilized in various high-end embedded applications, Transcend’s 3D NAND and MLC NAND-based SSDs are ready to meet the demands of embedded storage. However, for specialized applications that require SLC-level performance and endurance, Transcend offers 3D NAND and MLC NAND-based SLC Mode SSDs to simulate the behavior of SLC flash. Transcend’s SLC Mode SSDs deliver high transfer speeds—especially random read and write speeds—and endurance of up to 100K P/E cycles, all at a much lower price point. Its high endurance and cost-effectiveness are ideal for always-on embedded systems and write-intensive applications.

Features

• Built-in Corner Bond technology increases the reliability of M.2/ mSATA SSDs under high thermal and vibratory situations.
• 30µ” gold finger PCBs for M.2/ mSATA SSDs protect components from potential chemical pollution, enhancing endurance and ensuring stable signal transmission.
• Anti-sulfur technology implemented in some models to prevent sulfurization in polluted environments.
• Various form factors including 2.5″, M.2, and mSATA.
• Supports Transcend’s Control Center management software and S.M.A.R.T. analysis to update firmware in real time and remotely monitor SSD status.
• Fixed bill of materials (BOM) and embedded-grade product lifecycle management.

Target Applications

• Road monitoring systems
• Enterprise servers
• Outdoor digital signage
• Data centers
• Digital entertainment systems
• Ruggedized computing

Transcend Embedded SLC Mode SSDs

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