Select a suitable SD card

Unipi 1.1 are based on the Raspberry Pi computer that uses microSD memory cards as its memory storage. On Unipi e-shop, you can find three types of memory cards - pSLC, MLC and SLC. Each type offers different features and this article will tell you all the important info about their operation principle, mutual differences and biggest advantages.

Unipi 1.1

To describe the differences between the individual architectures, it is necessary to at least briefly explain the working principle of memory cards. Cards store data in memory blocks that consist of a network of memory cells. When data is written onto the card, an electric charge is stored in memory cells. This charge determines the cell’s logic state - 0 with the charge and 1 without it. In default state (a new card or erased memory block), all cells have logic state 1 and switch to state 0 during the data write. That means each memory block is erased during each rewrite.

pSLC memory cards

This technology can be described as a combination of MLC and SLC technologies (see below). From a technical point of view, the pSLC card is an MLC-type card whose memory cells emulate the SLC architecture by using only two outer logic states. That gives them up to five times the lifespan of MLC cards at the cost of reduced memory capacity while reducing the cost by up to 50% compared to SLC cards.

MLC memory cards

In MLC cards, each memory cell can have more logic states as it can contain two or more data bits. As a result, MLC cards can offer significantly higher memory capacity for a lower price. On the other hand, memory blocks are sensitive to memory cell wear, resulting in a lifespan of around 3000 rewrites. After the expiration of this lifespan, it is strongly recommended to replace the card with a new one.

SLC memory cards

Memory cells of SLC cards can store only a single data bit and can have only two logic states (0/1). That reduces the memory capacity and increases the cost of SLC cards, but both of these disadvantages are compensated by significantly increased lifespan in the range of tens of thousands rewrites and an extended operating temperature range.

Aside from its architecture, the memory card’s lifespan is also influenced by its application. For example, using cheaper MLC cards in installations with frequent memory rewrites (typically storing data in a database) or high/low temperatures may result in notable lifespan decrease. Power outages during the data write can then cause instant data corruption or even total loss. Both SLC and pSLC cards are protected against such hazards. Based on these facts, we highly recommend considering the conditions the card will be used in and your expectations before the purchase.

SLC card pSLC card MLC card
Capacity Up to 32 GB Up to 32 GB Up to 64 GB
Lifespan (number of rewrites) Up to 60 000 Up to 15 000 Up to 3000
Data write time (microseconds) 400 μs 400-500 μs 1400 μs
Price Highest Medium Lowest
Suitable for Industrial automation and other applications in demanding conditions All applications with increased reliability demands Small household projects, education installation, prototyping, application

Most available pSLC and SLC cards provide operating data that can be used to approximate the remaining lifespan. This allows you to replace a worn-out card in advance, preventing any data corruption or data loss. An upcoming article will elaborate on this functionality further. Typical MLC cards do not feature such functionality. However, their lifespan (and the lifespan of units as well) can be notably prolonged by following a couple of simple tips.

  • in case of a need for frequent memory rewrites, use a cloud database or local NAS storage instead. For development and prototyping, you can also use an external SSD drive connected to the unit via USB ports. In this case, the memory card serves only as operating system storage
  • do not place the unit in an environment with high or low temperatures, make sure there are no power
  • fluctuations or outages

SLC, pSLC and MLC memory cards can be purchased either as a standalone product in our e-shop or as part of a package: