Reliably using memory cards and file systems in embedded systems

amrbekhit · 2011-11-23T12:07:51+00:00

Hello all,What is the best way to use non-user-serviceable memory cards with file sys=tems in embedded systems that can lose power at any time? The way I see it,= there are two problems that need to be addressed:1 - File system corruption due to sudden power loss immediately after the f=ile system has erased a sector on a device.2 - File system fragmentation (especially if you're not running an OS like =Linux. and so don't have access to defragmentation software. In my case, my= firmware is on the metal).So far, I can only think of the following ways to solve the above two probl=ems:=201 - Regarding the power supply issues, either use a UPS so that the system =is never turned off, or have a short term backup supply that can provide en=ough power for the system to safely close all file handles and write everyt=hing it needs to the memory card after it detects that main power has been =lost.2 - Regarding the fragmentation issues, the system could be programmed to r=egularly reformat the memory card at suitable times (e.g. for my applicatio=n, a remote datalogger, once all the data files have been successfully sent= to the server).What other problems would one need to address when using memory cards and f=ile systems in embedded systems, and how would one overcome them?Regards,Amr Bekhit

Nov 23, 2011 20 Replies

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Mark Borgerson 14 years ago

Good point. I hadn't delved far enough into the methods for pre- allocation to break things down to that point.

Mark Borgerson

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Reliably using memory cards and file systems in embedded systems

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