MicroSD (Secure Digital) cards are compact, non-volatile storage devices that have become integral components in embedded systems. It owns tiny size, high storage capacity, and wide availability make them an excellent choice for the embedded devices.

NOTE: This article is in reference to Transcend embedded microSD and SD card products.

MicroSD Applications in Embedded Systems

Data Logging and Recording:

MicroSD cards are commonly used in applications that require continuous data logging or data storing, such as in industrial automation, surveillance monitoring, Internet of Things (IoT) devices and automotive systems.

Audio and Video Playback:

Embedded systems in multimedia devices, such as advertising machine and handheld gaming consoles, can use MicroSD cards to store media files.

Instrumentation and Measurement Systems:

Test and measurement equipment often incorporate MicroSD cards to store measurement data, configuration settings, and calibration information.

Monitor your SD/Micro SD Lifespan

Command 56 (CMD56) is a vendor-specific command defined in the SD standard. Transcend has defined the Card Life command, which can be used to determine the degradation status of NAND Flash. By using the Card Life command, the developers can determine the number of write cycles remaining in their memory card, allowing them to take preventive measures before the card reaches its lifespan. This command also allows for the assessment of the degradation status of MicroSD cards during evaluation and testing. Transcend also define some innovated S.M.A.R.T. features which allows the user to evaluate the status of the SD in a much more efficient way.

The following github project provides step-by-step instructions on using Raspberry Pi with Transcend MicroSD in a Linux system, along with sample code for reference.

How to: Monitor SD card health and status using Raspberry Pi :
https://github.com/transcend-information/RaspberryPi-SDcard-SMARTQuery

Transcend has announced that the SD / MicroSD cards currently come equipped with the latest 3D TLC NAND technology. As these products feature NAND Flash, it is crucial for industrial equipment users to assess their lifespan as a key factor in managing and optimizing the use of SD / MicroSD cards. The SD cards are highly durable and reliable, making them suitable for use in challenging environments such as industrial machinery. We remains committed to providing customers with cutting-edge products that meet their needs.

NOTE: This article is in reference to Transcend embedded SSD products.

In the fast-paced world of technology, managing storage devices efficiently is crucial for businesses, especially when dealing with large-scale edge devices. With the advent of cloud-based solutions, remote management has become a game-changer, offering flexibility and efficiency. In this blog post, we’ll explore how the Control Center, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, revolutionizes SSD management, providing users with a seamless experience.

Remotely managing SSDs in edge devices presents specific challenges due to the distributed and often resource-constrained nature of edge computing environments. Some challenges associated with remotely managing SSDs include:

• Scalability: Managing a vast number of IoT devices distributed across different locations can be complex. Handling scalability issues, such as device provisioning, configuration, and updates at scale, requires efficient management systems.
• Remote Monitoring and Diagnostics: Monitoring the health, performance, and status of edge devices remotely is challenging. Having mechanisms in place to collect real-time data, perform diagnostics, and troubleshoot issues without physical access to the devices is essential.
• Device Configuration and Updates: Configuring and updating software, firmware, or applications on edge devices in a distributed manner can be complex. Ensuring seamless and secure updates without disrupting device functionality or causing downtime is a challenge.

Control Center

The Control Center, a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, revolutionizes Transcend embedded SSD management, providing users with a seamless experience.

1. SaaS Solution for Streamlined Management:
   Control Center stands out as a cloud-based application designed specifically for storage devices. Being a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution, it offers a host of benefits. The cloud-based nature allows for quick deployment, ensuring that users can scale up or down based on their needs. This level of flexibility is especially advantageous for managing large-scale edge devices efficiently.

2. Integrated Management for Transcend Various Embedded Storage Devices:
   One of the standout features of Control Center is its ability to provide integrated management for a variety of Transcend Embedded storage devices, including SSDs, DRAM modules, and SD/microSD cards. Users can monitor all their storage assets through an intuitive interface, gaining instant access to crucial device information. This includes details such as capacity, health status, and lifespan. The unified management interface simplifies the monitoring process, making it a breeze to keep track of diverse storage components.

3. Remote Maintenance for Cost-Efficient Operations:
   Control Center takes remote management to the next level by allowing firmware updates in real-time. This feature is significantly reducing maintenance costs. Remote maintenance ensures that firmware updates can be deployed efficiently without the need for physical access to each device. This not only saves time but also minimizes the operational impact on businesses.

4. Proactive Issue Resolution with EWS System:
   The Control Center comes equipped with an Early Warning System (EWS) that actively detects potential issues with storage devices. In the event of an anomaly, users are promptly notified through emails or messages. This proactive approach to issue resolution significantly decreases the risk of device downtime, ensuring continuous and uninterrupted operations. Businesses can now address potential problems before they escalate, enhancing overall system reliability.

5. High Compatibility with SDK Integration:
   Control Center offers a built-in Software Development Kit (SDK) that facilitates seamless integration with various operating systems and platforms. This high level of compatibility ensures that the solution can be tailored to the specific needs of different environments. Whether you’re working with Windows, Linux, or other platforms, Control Center’s SDK ensures a smooth and cohesive integration experience.

Manage from the Cloud or On-Premise

The Control Center is set up to give users maximum flexibility and control. Users can connect through cloud-based architectures such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure or install it directly on their local network or server. Users who access the Control Center via the cloud enjoy greater operating efficiency as their business grows, thanks to the rapid scalability this technology provides. On the other hand, users can deploy the system in their local network or servers. Data security is in the hands of the organization. Companies can elect to implement a mixed strategy.

Please visit AWS marketplace or Azure marketplace to subscribe and install.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized the way we store and access data, offering lightning-fast speeds and enhanced reliability. However, like any electronic device, SSDs require proper monitoring and maintenance to ensure they continue to perform optimally over time.

NOTE: This article is in reference to Transcend embedded SSD products.

SMART Technology

One of the most significant advancements in drive monitoring is SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology). This groundbreaking feature is integrated within modern hard drives and SSDs, providing them with a level of self-awareness previously unseen.

SMART Parameters for SSD Health Monitoring

SMART technology provides valuable insights into the health status of SSDs by tracking various usage parameters.
For Transcend embedded SSDs, the following parameters are particularly relevant:

• A9 (Percentage) Field: Represents the health percentage for SATA SSDs.

• 05 (Percentage Used) Field: Represents the percentage of life used for NVMe SSDs.

These fields are key indicators of the SSD’s overall health and remaining lifespan.

In addition to health percentages, SMART technology also monitors the following parameters:

• Operating Temperature:the temperature of the SSD during operation.
• Read and Write Operation Metrics: the number of read and write operations performed.
• Power-On Hours: the total number of hours the SSD has been powered on.
• Unexpected Power Interruptions: unexpected power interruptions, which can impact the SSD’s stability and data integrity.

To monitor the health of Transcend embedded SSDs, focus on interpreting the A9 and 05 fields, which correspond to health percentages for SATA and NVMe SSDs respectively.

The following github project provides to build executable file in Linux for Transcend embedded SSD, along with sample code for reference. The procedure can also be used as a reference for non-Linux systems.

How to: Monitor SSD health and SMART status in Linux :
https://github.com/transcend-information/Linux-SMART-Command

Monitoring the health of SSDs is crucial for ensuring their optimal performance and longevity. SMART technology plays a pivotal role in this process, enabling storage devices to autonomously monitor and report their operational status. By proactively monitoring these parameters, you can take timely action to maintain the SSD’s performance and reliability.