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Introduction
Flash-based storage devices (MicroSD cards, CF cards, USB sticks,
and solid-state drives) do not contain any moving parts as compared
to the commonly used hard drives. Flash-based devices are compact,
extremely resistant to humidity and shock, use very little energy, do
not lose data during power failures, and are becoming less expen-
sive. They are thus ideally suited for use with MOBOTIX cameras.
The number of write/delete cycles of every storage cell of a flash
device is limited (for example, 10,000, 100,000 or more, depending on the quality). The
controller of the flash device automatically detects individual flash cells that are no longer
functioning. The contents of the faulty cell will then be rebuilt using a checksum and will
be moved to a properly working spare cell. The faulty storage cell will be marked as "bad"
and will no longer be used. No data is lost in this process.
In addition, MOBOTIX cameras constantly monitor activated flash storage devices. MOBOTIX
has developed a technology to test the wear of the flash device by logging the number of
write/delete cycles (patent pending). The flash memory wear is automatically displayed in
the status bar in the live camera image but it can also be viewed at anytime in the Admin
dialog.
MxFFS formatting of the MicroSD card means that the MOBOTIX camera software will use
the flash device as evenly as possible, thus allowing for the maximum possible number of
write/delete cycles. This also means that all storage cells of the flash device will be written
and deleted with the same frequency, if possible. The MOBOTIX technology increases the
life of the flash device considerably and also improves the security and the reliability of
the storage process.
The life expectancy of a MicroSD card increases proportionally to the storage capacity,
since the camera software will execute fewer write/delete cycles on each storage cell.
The first deletion will begin once the SD card has been filled to capacity (first full cycle).
The theoretical life expectancy of a 16 GB MicroSD card is between 10 and 35 years,
depending on the degree of use.
More reliable than
memory devices
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