Flash Memory

Plastic or Metal frame memory cards?

Plastic or Metal frame memory cards?

Everyone is familiar with the typical plastic frame compact flash or PCMCIA memory cards.  But did you know that a more rugged metal frame card is also available.  APRO Co manufactures both plastic and metal framed compact flash and PCMCIA cards.  These metal cards have the same through-put specifications of the plastic framed cards but allow more rigidity for extreme conditions.  Such as:

  • Locomotive Train application
  • Geological expeditions
  • Harsh environmental conditions
  • Extreme heat and cold conditions
  • Extreme Shock and Vibration situations

Industrial temperature grade cards are rated at -40°C~+85°C.  Commercial temperature cards are rated at industrial temperature grade 0°C~+70°C.

The standard plastic casing 43.0 g / 1.52 oz and the Metal casing 60.0 g / 2.12 oz.  If weight is a consideration we recommend using the plastic casting.

In addition to the temperature ratings another factor is if you choose to have a conformal coating applied to the PCB of the memory card.  The coating can be either acrylic or silicon based an provides another layer of protection for the components on the card.  Military aircraft, and highly sensitive equipment typically are the only current demands for this coating to be applied.

Surveying companies in Alaska and Canada greatly benefit from the use of industrial temperature rated CF, SD and PCMCIA cards in the use of their surveying equipment.  As does the USGS (U.S. Geological Survey) in their equipment.   Oil and Gas repair facilities also greatly benefit from using these industrial cards increasing the time between service calls and downtime.

For additional information visit www.PCcardsDirect.com

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