Why industrial applications still rely on CFast storage

Industrial systems are evolving fast. Automation platforms, robotics, industrial IoT, and edge computing devices generate and process more data locally than ever before. Operating systems, application software, configuration files, and continuous sensor data must be stored reliably under harsh environmental conditions. At the same time, product lifecycles are long, qualification processes are strict, and system downtime is not an option.

Despite the emergence of newer interfaces, CFast continues to play a key role in industrial designs. Its SATA interface, mechanical robustness, and long-term availability make it a proven and trusted storage solution. However, modern workloads place new demands on endurance, data integrity, and security. These requirements go far beyond what earlier CFast generations were designed to handle.

With the F-75 and F-78 CFast series, Swissbit introduces a new generation of industrial CFast storage that addresses these challenges with a modern architecture built for predictable and reliable operation.

What challenges define industrial storage today

Industrial storage workloads are no longer simple or predictable. Many systems experience continuous or irregular write activity, often combined with bursts of high data throughput. Typical examples include sensor data logging, predictive maintenance, machine vision, and real time analytics at the edge.

These patterns put significant stress on flash endurance. At the same time, harsh operating conditions such as temperature extremes, vibration, and unstable power supplies increase the risk of data corruption or system failure. In applications like robotics, industrial control, or medical equipment, even minor data integrity issues can lead to costly downtime or safety risks.

Security has become another critical factor. Industrial systems are increasingly connected and must protect sensitive data, intellectual property, and system integrity. Encryption, secure boot, and controlled data deletion are now essential requirements in many regulated and safety critical environments.

A modern CFast platform for demanding workloads

The F-75 and F-78 series are based on a shared industrial platform that combines industrial grade 3D NAND, a DRAM cache, and advanced firmware features. This architecture is designed to deliver stable performance, high endurance, and long-term reliability across a wide range of industrial use cases.

Endurance is ensured through an optimized combination of industrial NAND flash, DRAM caching, RAID based mechanisms, and a dedicated operating mode that stabilizes write behavior over time. This allows the cards to handle sustained and burst write workloads while maintaining predictable endurance characteristics throughout their service life.

Data integrity is protected by an end-to-end data path protection architecture, covering the entire path from host interface to NAND. SRAM ECC and proven power fail protection help prevent data loss during unexpected shutdowns and reduce the risk of field failures in demanding environments.

F-75 and F-78 explained: choosing the right endurance profile

While both series share the same foundation, they are optimized for different workload profiles.

The F-75 series uses industrial grade 3D TLC NAND and offers capacities up to 512 GB. It is designed for read intensive and mixed workloads, making it a strong choice for PLC systems, HMI terminals, industrial PCs, and edge gateways that store operating systems, applications, and configuration data. F-75 combines higher capacity with reliable endurance for a broad range of industrial applications.

The F-78 series focuses on maximum endurance. By using 3D pSLC technology with increased overprovisioning, it is optimized for write heavy workloads such as continuous data logging, predictive maintenance, and motion control. In applications where write cycles dominate system behavior, F-78 provides an additional margin of reliability over long operational lifetimes.

Security and lifecycle control as standard features

Industrial and embedded markets often require more than just performance. The F-75 and F-78 series integrate AES 256 encryption, TCG Opal 2.0, Secure Boot, and Crypto Erase to support modern security concepts without additional hardware. UL certification supports compliance with safety requirements commonly demanded in North American industrial markets.

To support long-term operation, Swissbit provides tools for lifetime monitoring and data care management based on S.M.A.R.T. attributes. These capabilities allow system designers and operators to monitor drive health, plan maintenance proactively, and reduce the risk of unexpected failures in the field.

💡Definition block: key terms explained

• Industrial CFast storage

Industrial CFast storage refers to ruggedized CFast cards designed for long term availability, extended temperature ranges, and predictable behavior under continuous industrial workloads.

• Endurance in industrial flash

Endurance describes how many write cycles a flash based storage device can reliably sustain. High endurance is essential for applications with frequent or continuous write activity.

• TLC vs. pSLC NAND

TLC NAND offers higher storage density and is suitable for mixed workloads. pSLC uses TLC memory operated in a single level mode, providing significantly higher endurance and reliability for write intensive applications.

• Power fail protection

Power fail protection prevents data loss and corruption when power is lost unexpectedly, a common risk in industrial environments.

• Typical applications for industrial CFast storage

Industrial CFast storage is commonly used in PLC systems, HMI terminals, industrial PCs, robotics controllers, edge gateways, sensor data loggers, and machine vision systems. These applications benefit from a compact, removable SATA based form factor combined with high endurance, robust data protection, and long-term availability.

💡Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

• What is industrial CFast storage used for?

Industrial CFast storage is used in embedded and industrial systems that require reliable local storage for operating systems, applications, and data under harsh environmental conditions.

• Why does endurance matter in edge computing systems?

Edge systems often process and store data locally, leading to frequent write operations. Insufficient endurance can result in premature drive failure and system downtime.

• What is the difference between TLC and pSLC in CFast cards?

TLC provides higher capacity and good endurance for mixed workloads, while pSLC offers significantly higher endurance and is preferred for write intensive industrial applications.

• Why is power fail protection important in industrial storage?

Unexpected power loss can corrupt data or damage file systems. Power fail protection helps ensure data integrity and system stability in unstable power environments.

• When should engineers choose high endurance CFast storage?

High endurance CFast storage is recommended for applications with continuous data logging, frequent write cycles, or long operational lifetimes without regular maintenance.

A future ready CFast solution for industrial systems

The F-75 and F-78 CFast series are designed to support today’s industrial requirements while remaining adaptable for future NAND generations. With options for customization and a focus on long term stability, they provide a reliable storage foundation for industrial automation, robotics, industrial IoT, and edge computing systems that continue to rely on the proven CFast form factor.

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