Swissbit | X-ON

In an increasingly digitized world, data integrity, security, and availability have become critical assets across all industries. From industrial automation to medical devices, transportation systems to enterprise IT infrastructure, the demand for reliable storage and secure data communication continues to grow exponentially.

At the intersection of high-performance memory and cutting-edge cybersecurity is Swissbit AG, a global leader in embedded storage and secure IoT solutions. With a reputation for quality, innovation, and trust, Swissbit has carved a niche in delivering robust memory products tailored to meet the most demanding environments and secure data needs.

Company Overview

• Name: Swissbit AG

• Founded: 2001

• Headquarters: Bronschhofen, Switzerland

• Manufacturing: Germany (Berlin), with global distribution

• Employees: 300+

• Markets: Worldwide, with strong presence in Europe, North America, and Asia

Swissbit was formed through a management buyout from Siemens in 2001. Since then, it has grown into Europe's leading independent manufacturer of memory and embedded storage solutions. The company combines German engineering with Swiss precision to provide products that meet industrial, military, medical, automotive, and network security requirements.

Mission and Vision

Swissbit’s core mission is to provide high-quality, durable storage and security solutions that exceed the expectations of industrial customers. The company’s vision includes becoming a global leader in integrated secure storage and embedded IoT systems, enabling a smarter, safer digital future.

Core Capabilities and Technologies

Swissbit specializes in three major solution areas:

1. Embedded Memory and Storage Products

Swissbit offers a wide array of flash memory products designed for industrial-grade applications. These include:

• SSD (Solid State Drives): SATA and PCIe NVMe interfaces

• CFast™, CompactFlash®, and SD cards

• USB flash drives and eUSB modules

• eMMC and DRAM modules

These products are optimized for long life, data integrity, and endurance, even in harsh conditions.

2. Security Solutions

Swissbit embeds advanced security features into its storage devices, transforming them into crypto-enabled modules for secure authentication, data encryption, and boot protection. Key technologies include:

• Secure Boot and Firmware Protection

• Trusted Platform Modules (TPM)

• Hardware-based Encryption (AES-256)

• Secure Element Integration

3. Embedded IoT Edge Solutions

Swissbit has introduced a unique portfolio of IoT security devices, including USB tokens, SD cards, and microSD cards with integrated secure elements. These solutions support:

• Secure key storage

• TLS/SSL certificate management

• Multi-factor authentication

• Secure VPN or remote access

Product Portfolio

Swissbit’s products are categorized into two primary lines: Storage Products and Security & IoT Products.

A. Storage Solutions

a. SATA SSDs

• Interfaces: SATA III, 6 Gb/s

• Form Factors: 2.5”, mSATA, M.2 2242 / 2280

• Features: Power-fail protection, wear-leveling, thermal throttling

• Applications: Industrial PCs, servers, medical imaging, and telecom equipment

b. PCIe NVMe SSDs

• Interface: Gen3 x4

• Form Factors: M.2 2280, BGA

• Endurance: Optimized for read/write-intensive environments

• Use Case: AI/ML systems, real-time processing, automotive systems

c. SD, microSD, and SDHC Cards

• Available Capacities: From 1 GB to 512 GB

• Industrial Grade: Extended temperature (-40 °C to +85 °C), enhanced reliability

• Data Retention: Optimized for frequent access and long-term use

d. USB Flash Drives & eUSB Modules

• Form Factors: Standard USB-A, USB Type-C, PCB-mount

• Data Security: Optional AES encryption, secure firmware

• Application: Secure software distribution, machine data logging

e. DRAM Modules

• Types: DDR3, DDR4, DDR5

• Form Factors: SO-DIMM, UDIMM, ECC, ECC-Registered

• Applications: Servers, industrial controllers, embedded systems

B. Security & IoT Solutions

a. iShield Key and iShield HSM

• USB-based hardware security modules (HSMs)

• Used for digital certificates, key generation, and secure communication

• Supports PKCS#11, OpenSC, OpenSSL

b. iShield Camera

• Add-on module for protecting AI cameras and edge devices

• Provides secure boot, identity management, and data encryption

c. Secure Boot Devices

• Used to secure Linux-based embedded systems

• Combines storage and secure element for authenticated booting

d. NetPolicy Token

• USB dongle with policy enforcement

• Enables VPN security, multi-factor authentication, endpoint compliance

Target Industries

Swissbit’s rugged, secure, and reliable products serve mission-critical markets, including:

1. Industrial & Automation

• Embedded controllers, factory automation, SCADA systems

• Need for consistent performance in harsh environments

• Long product lifecycle and obsolescence management

2. Medical

• Imaging systems, patient monitors, diagnostic tools

• Requires stable data retention, long-term availability, and compliance

3. Networking & Telecom

• Firewalls, routers, switches

• Requires secure booting, encrypted storage, and high-speed data processing

4. Transportation & Automotive

• Railway control, avionics systems, in-vehicle infotainment

• Needs shock/vibration resistance, wide temperature support, and fail-safe performance

5. Aerospace & Defense

• Secure data logging, mission recording, edge computing

• Requires tamper resistance, cyber resilience, and certified security

6. Retail & Digital Signage

• POS terminals, kiosks, and signage systems

• Requires compact flash, fast read/write, and security against malware

R&D and Innovation

Swissbit places a strong emphasis on research and development, continually pushing the envelope of:

• NAND flash optimization algorithms

• Security firmware development

• AI-assisted failure prediction

• Secure edge computing

• Energy-efficient designs for mobile and embedded use

Their Berlin production facility includes a state-of-the-art cleanroom, which ensures manufacturing quality and traceability from wafer to packaged device.

Certifications and Quality Assurance

Swissbit adheres to the highest standards of quality, with certifications including:

• ISO 9001 – Quality Management

• ISO 14001 – Environmental Management

• IATF 16949 – Automotive Production

• ISO 27001 – Information Security Management

• TPM & TCG Compliant – Trusted computing standards

Additionally, all products undergo extensive testing for endurance, thermal performance, and EMI compliance.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Swissbit is committed to eco-friendly production by:

• Reducing e-waste and obsolescence

• Supporting RoHS and REACH compliance

• Designing long-life and low-power components

• Using recyclable materials and minimizing packaging waste

Their Berlin facility uses green electricity, and the company promotes a circular economy approach in product design.

Key Customers and Use Cases

Swissbit is a trusted partner of global OEMs, governments, and integrators. Use cases include:

- Industrial IoT Gateways: Using Swissbit PCIe SSDs with secure boot and TPM for secure data logging and over-the-air firmware updates.

- Medical Devices: Employing industrial eMMC in portable diagnostic tools for reliable and error-free patient data recording.

- Secure Network Appliances: Integrating Swissbit's USB HSMs in firewalls for cryptographic acceleration and key isolation.

- Smart Retail Terminals: Utilizing encrypted microSD cards to secure transaction logs and user authentication data.

Global Reach and Partnerships

Swissbit serves customers globally through:

• Sales offices in Europe, North America, and Asia

• Distribution through leading electronics suppliers

• Partnerships with security and OS providers (Microsoft, Linux Foundation, AWS IoT)

• Collaboration with research institutions and government cybersecurity labs

Looking Ahead: The Future of Swissbit

Swissbit is positioning itself at the crossroads of:

• Secure edge computing

• Decentralized data processing

• Privacy-first embedded systems

• Post-quantum cryptography integration in hardware

• AI-enhanced SSD health monitoring and smart memory

With the rise of connected vehicles, AI/ML at the edge, and cybersecurity by design, Swissbit’s solutions are more vital than ever.

Conclusion

Swissbit’s journey from a memory module manufacturer to a global leader in secure storage and embedded IoT is a testament to its focus on innovation, reliability, and customer-centric engineering. Their ability to deliver customizable, industrial-grade, and cyber-resilient solutions makes them a trusted partner for future-facing industries.

As data security and system integrity become paramount in an increasingly connected world, Swissbit stands as a beacon of quality, performance, and trust—empowering businesses and institutions to build secure digital ecosystems with confidence.