So here we go again. Another industrial grade USB flash drive, this time from STEC. Yes it’s tough, yes the STEC will withstand shock, both physical and electric, and includes STEC proprietary flash memory controller. This built-I ECC engine can detect up to 5-byte errors and correct up to 4-byte errors and with advanced write algorithms to guarantee 2 million write/erase cycles. Not sure how they are doing that as I’ve reported before on the life cycle of a flash drive which is based more off the flash memory type not the algorithms used during the write process. None-the-less, we’ll drink their juice for now.
The STEC industrial grade UFD withstands the NEBS Level 3 compliance and passed ESD testing for 8kV and 15kV air. If you don’t know what all that means, well neither do I. With some quick Google searches we have:
NEBS Level 3 – Network Equipment Building System and level 3 means the product meets toughest requirements for fire, vibration and airflow. After reading the spec if you simply threw the UFD across the room onto your stove for 5 seconds and it survives, chances are you’ll pass the Level 3 NEBS test. Wiki NEBS
ESD 8kV & 15kV – Electrostatic Discharge of solid state electronics. A spark is triggered at 30KV so obviously the STEC wont withstand that, but surviving either 8kV or 15kV is above average. Wiki ESD
So it’s clear if you are in the need of an industrial grade UFD for specific applications the STEC key drives are worth a closer look.
