Mass Memory Reliability Evaluation for On-Board Data Recording Applications

Abstract

When properly implemented, solid state memory technology can result in mass data storage products with very large mean time to failure (MTTF). Fairchild Space Company has developed a memory architecture for their Solid State Recorder (SSR), which optimizes solid state performance in terms of survival probability (> 10 years), speed (~ 140 Mbps), size, weight and power compared to market alternatives such as magnetic tape, magnetic disc, magnetic bubble and optical disc. The basis for the memory design was an in depth investigation of the survival probability of very large quantities of interconnected memory devices.