Aerial Delivery OEM Solves CompactFlash EOL | Maketronics

Customer Profile

A precision aerial delivery and cargo recovery systems provider, serving government, international organization, and commercial customers, using ruggedized industrial storage in its guidance and mission computers.

The Challenge

The Swissbit SFCF2048H1AF2TO-I-DS-523-STD, an industrial-grade CompactFlash card, was discontinued and no longer available through standard channels. Because it's a data storage component qualified into flight and mission-critical hardware, swapping to a different card would mean requalifying the storage interface and its software compatibility across the platform.

Why the Component Is Critical

The card is the onboard, ruggedized storage in the mission and guidance computer, rated for -40°C to 85°C operation, non-volatile capture of flight and mission data under demanding conditions. Substituting an unqualified card risks data integrity or compatibility issues in equipment that has to work correctly on first use, every time.

The Product

Swissbit SFCF2048H1AF2TO-I-DS-523-STD, C-500 Series Industrial CompactFlash Card

• 2GB capacity, SLC NAND flash

• Industrial temperature range: -40°C to +85°C

• Type I CompactFlash form factor

• Status: Discontinued (EOL)

Maketronics' Solution

Sourced genuine stock through Maketronics' vetted network after the card was discontinued through standard channels. Delivered a qualified match for the customer's existing hardware and software, avoiding a storage interface requalification.

Results Delivered

• Genuine, qualified card sourced despite discontinuation

• No requalification of the storage interface or firmware

• Mission-critical hardware kept in production without a design change

Key Takeaway

When a rugged storage card goes end of life in equipment that has to work the first time, every time, Maketronics finds the genuine part instead of forcing a requalification.