/> The main requirement in the development of the MMC consisted of ensuring backwards compatibility through to the first generation of devices in addition to being usable for the latest technologies as well. For this purpose, Swissbit designed an adapted interface and programmed a Siemens-specific firmware package. The MMC supports the MMC protocol as well as the SPI protocol. High quality components as well as intelligent firmware mechanisms ensure a long service life with guaranteed data retention of more than ten years with the highest level of reliability. Accordingly, the MTBF rating lies at more than 4,000,000 hours. A “wear-levelling” optimised to the application case, guarantees a maximum write frequency through the even distribution of all data accesses via the entire flash storage area. The data security guarantees the patented “Power-Fail-Protection”. It ensures that in case of unexpected interruption of the power supply, even the last write accesses are stored in a controlled way, so that no loss of data occurs and the Siemens control system can guarantee the last known status. The flash monitoring, that is unique on the market, provides information about the remaining lifetime of the MMC at any time. It continuously checks the card during ongoing operation, so that a replacement can be planned in good time through the evaluation of the relevant indicators.


MMC also fulfils extended industrial requirements
The MMC from Swissbit is suitable for usage under extreme application and environmental conditions and fulfils all requirements for industrial use. For Siemens, Swissbit has extended the regular availability with a “Frozen Bill of Materials”. To get around the short lifecycles of the storage market, Swissbit purchases the flash required for the MMC on the wafer level and stores them in nitrogen oxide. Furthermore, the MMC scores with an increased level of electrostatic discharge protection of up to 15kV and an expanded temperature range of -40°C to +90°C that was inspected in a function test.

Product and process quality
The duration of the project from the initial contact through to final system release by Siemens amounted to more than two years. During the selection, Swissbit was able to assert itself through the high quality of the solution at competitive prices. During an audit, Siemens tested the reliability of the process, the test coverage as well as the supplier management of Swissbit. For the supply, the storage specialist has developed a specific ecological logistics concept together with Siemens. The trays are returned for reuse through a shuttle service in order to keep the requirement for packaging and transport materials as low as possible.