20+ Years Solving Flash File System Challenges

From architecture review to troubleshooting production issues—we've probably seen it before. Get expert guidance from the team that created YAFFS and has deployed it in millions of devices.

Why Work With Aleph One?

Deep expertise you won't find anywhere else

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We Created YAFFS

Not just users or implementers—we designed and built the file system used in millions of devices and trusted by NASA. We understand it at the deepest level.

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20+ Years of Field Experience

Deployed in aerospace, medical devices, infrastructure, consumer electronics. We've debugged failures, optimized performance, and solved edge cases you haven't imagined yet.

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Deep Flash Memory Knowledge

We understand flash physics, failure modes, vendor differences, and the trade-offs between SLC, MLC, TLC, NAND vs NOR. Not just software—the complete picture.

Quick Problem Resolution

We've probably seen your problem before. Data corruption? Power-fail issues? Performance bottlenecks? We can often diagnose and solve problems others struggle with for months.

Our Services

Tailored expertise for every stage of your project

1. Architecture Review & Recommendations

Get it right from the start. We'll review your system architecture and provide expert recommendations on:

  • Flash memory selection (SLC vs MLC vs TLC, NAND vs NOR)
  • File system selection and justification for your use case
  • YAFFS configuration for optimal performance and reliability
  • Cost vs reliability vs performance trade-off analysis
  • RAM, boot time, and storage capacity planning
  • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies

Typical engagement: 1-2 week review, detailed report with recommendations

2. Integration & Porting Services

Seamless YAFFS integration into your system:

  • YAFFS integration with your RTOS (VxWorks, eCos, FreeRTOS, etc.)
  • Bare metal integration using YAFFS Direct Interface
  • Custom driver development for your flash hardware
  • Linux kernel integration and configuration
  • Performance tuning for your specific hardware
  • Migration from other file systems (JFFS2, FAT, etc.)
  • Testing framework setup and validation

Typical engagement: 2-8 weeks depending on complexity

3. Troubleshooting & Problem Resolution

Solve production issues fast. We investigate and resolve:

  • Data corruption and filesystem consistency issues
  • Power-fail behavior and recovery problems
  • Performance bottlenecks and slow operations
  • Flash wear and device longevity concerns
  • Integration bugs and system-level issues
  • Edge cases and unusual failure modes

Typical engagement: Days to weeks; often much faster than trying to solve alone

4. Long-Term Support Contracts

Ongoing partnership for the life of your product:

  • Priority email and phone support with guaranteed response times
  • Regular system health reviews and optimization recommendations
  • Advance notification of flash industry changes affecting your design
  • Future-proofing guidance for next-generation hardware
  • Custom feature development as your needs evolve
  • Training for your engineering team

Typical engagement: Annual or multi-year contracts

5. Training & Knowledge Transfer

Empower your team with deep understanding:

  • Flash file system fundamentals workshop
  • YAFFS internals deep dive
  • Best practices for embedded storage systems
  • Debugging and troubleshooting techniques
  • Custom training tailored to your application

Typical engagement: 1-3 day workshops, on-site or remote

Success Stories

Real problems solved for real clients

Aerospace Mission Critical

Challenge: Satellite system needed guaranteed data integrity in extreme radiation environment.

Solution: Customized YAFFS configuration with enhanced error detection and recovery for radiation-induced bit flips.

Result: 7+ years continuous operation in space with zero data loss.

Infrastructure Device Corruption

Challenge: Telecommunications equipment experiencing intermittent filesystem corruption in field deployments.

Solution: Identified power supply issue causing voltage dips during writes. Implemented hardware changes and optimized YAFFS configuration.

Result: Eliminated field failures, saved 6-month redesign cycle.

Medical Device Boot Time

Challenge: Patient monitoring device took 45 seconds to boot, unacceptable for emergency use.

Solution: Optimized YAFFS checkpoint strategy and flash layout, reduced unnecessary scanning.

Result: Reduced boot time to under 8 seconds, met regulatory requirements.

Consumer Device Flash Longevity

Challenge: Point-of-sale terminals wearing out flash prematurely, high warranty costs.

Solution: Analyzed write patterns, recommended MLC to SLC change for critical partitions, tuned garbage collection.

Result: Extended device lifetime from 3 years to 8+ years.

How We Work

1. Discovery Call

30-minute conversation to understand your challenge, timeline, and goals. No obligation, no sales pressure—just engineering discussion.

2. Proposal & Engagement

We'll outline the scope, timeline, and cost. Fixed-price for defined projects, time-and-materials for troubleshooting and open-ended work.

3. Execution

Direct communication with our technical team—no account managers or middlemen. Regular updates, collaborative problem-solving.

4. Delivery & Support

Comprehensive documentation, knowledge transfer, and ongoing support as needed. We're here for the long term.

Investment & Value

Our consulting rates reflect deep, specialized expertise you won't find elsewhere. Consider that:

Most importantly: We've probably seen it before.
That experience is invaluable when you're facing a critical deadline or field failure.

Industries We Serve

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Aerospace & Defense

Satellites, avionics, mission-critical systems

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Medical Devices

Patient monitoring, diagnostic equipment, surgical devices

Infrastructure

Power grid equipment, telecommunications, industrial control

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Industrial Systems

Manufacturing equipment, robotics, automation

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Automotive

Infotainment, telematics, fleet management

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Consumer Electronics

High-volume products requiring proven reliability

Ready to Solve Your Flash File System Challenge?

Let's discuss your project. Most initial consultations are free—we'll let you know if we can help.

Request Consultation Email Us Directly

Phone: +44 (0)1223 811679
Email: info@aleph1.co.uk
Response time: Usually within 24 hours