FAQ
1. What is DiskOnModule (DOM)?
DOM is a flash module built on PCB, with either a 40 or
44 pin IDE interface. DOM works just like a hard disk (hence
the “disk” on “DiskOnModule”) but
without the problems associated with a hard disk. No need
to worry about hard drive crashes due to mechanical breakdowns.
DOM has no moving parts! We don’t have a spinning flying
disk, or hard drive heads that mechanically read that flying
disk. DOM very little power so generates very little heat,
is not susceptible to climatic conditions like a hard drive
and can withstand extremes of temperature shock and vibration.
2. How is power supplied to DOM?
40 PIN DOM comes with connector cable which allow you to
connect the DOM to the 4 pole power connector that is usually
use to connect 3.5” harddrives in your PC system, hence
you can supply power to DOMs exactly the way power is supplied
to computer HDD. This is required only in case of 40 pins
DOM.
3. What is 40/44pins ?
Regular IDE connectors on standard computer motherboards
have 40 pins whereas some other computers like embedded computers
have 44 pin connectors. In case of 44 pin connectors the
power is also supplied from same IDE connector, the DOM does
not require any external connector for the power supply.
4. How do I mount DOM?
You need to just insert DOM module in 40/44 pins IDE connector
without the need for any IDE cable etc.
5. Can I replace my computer HDD with DOM?
Yes you can replace your computer HDD with DOM, no drivers
are required, you will see the DOM recognized in the BIOS.
6. How do I set it to Master or Slave?
Disk on Modules can be set as Master or slave by positioning
the switch/jumper to one or the other.
7. Can I stack one L-Formed onto another L-formed?
In a single IDE channel you can have a maximum of 2 L-formed
modules. One of the Modules must be set to Master and the
other to Slave to avoid conflict. One of the Modules must
have a socket and pins – check the datasheets for the
correct part no.
8. How do I select the L formed to lay over the motherboard
and not out to the side etc?
You must order the correct module orientation. The options
are L-Formed so that the horizontal part is overlapping your
main board, or so that it lies away from the main board.
9. What is the typical Life time for a module?
Lifetime varies on how often the device is written too.
Wear-leveling is an intelligent management system that is
employed in DOMs so that the same parts of memory are not
written to again and again. Typically, the Mean Time Between
Failure (MTBF) for the standard type is 2,000,000 hours,
and for high performance/Turbo units is approx 1,000,000
hours. If you know the amount of data written to the drive
and the frequency the data is written it is possible to calculate
the life time. As the wear-leveling algorithm spreads the
wear across the whole DOM, using a larger capacity increases
the life time.
10. How long can data be stored on a module?
If data is written to a module, data retention is guaranteed
for 10 years.
11. Is Disk On Module the same as RAM drive?
In simple terms, no. Disk On Modules keep data once power
is lost to the computer. RAM drives are banks of ram that
are used to offer greater performance over standard hard
drives to run temporary programs, with low access seek times.
To retain data in this type of drive, an additional backup
power source must be used. RAM drives are very expensive.
12. How do I choose the right type for my application?
Refer to the manufacturer’s manual for the mainboard
to see what mode the IDE interface can use. UDMA and PIO
are the 2 main ones. Different DOMs use different modes (Datasheets
are available). Standard DOMs are likely to work on old and
new mainboards, whereas the type of controller in the Turbo
type is more suited to new main boards, and less likely to
work on old motherboards.
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