Locked BOM Embedded Flash Storage

We’re regularly asked how Cactus can offer a LOCKED BOM for our flash storage devices when they’re based on NAND flash memory.

This is a great question and it requires a good deal of planning and stringent processes to ensure there are no changes over the life of a product. The Cactus Industrial Grade and Industrial MLC flash storage devices lock the Firmware, Controller silicon and NAND silicon.

Since NAND flash is constantly transitioning to finer geometries as suppliers take advantage of lower production costs, Cactus is constantly forecasting the market and customer demand, then working closely with our key NAND flash suppliers.

Products such as Industrial CF, Industrial mSATA and all other Industrial Grade offerings have a typical life from inception to EOL of 5-7 years, which is a much longer life cycle than the Industrial MLC offering.

The longer life of Industrial Grade products is due to their use of SLC (Single Level Cell) NAND memory.SLC NAND is based on larger, more reliable geometries and is offered for a longer period of time than MLC NAND used in our Industrial MLC products.

Industrial MLC typically has a life from inception to EOL of 18-24 months.We hold the BOM for these products as well, which is not typical for MLC NAND based storage.

As a product is nearing transition, we contact active OEM customers to discuss whether extending the life of the product or transitioning to the new geometry is the best choice for their requirements.This is done through our PCN (Product Change Notification) process.

If an OEM would like to continue receiving the same BOM part for months or years in the future, we will work with them to extend the product life for their needs.In many cases we can do this for a reasonable period of time without additional cost.

At Cactus Technologies, we’re focused on embedded OEM customers and providing service to exceed their expectations. For more info, please contact a Cactus Technologies’ Expert.