DJI CINESSD by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.: Teardown & Specs Analysis (FCC ID SS3-PS256M21611)
The DJI CINESSD, crafted by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., is a high-performance solid-state drive (SSD) engineered to meet the rigorous demands of professional a
The DJI CINESSD, crafted by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., is a high-performance solid-state drive (SSD) engineered to meet the rigorous demands of professional aerial cinematography. Designed specifically for use with the DJI Inspire 2 and other compatible equipment, this storage device is essential for capturing and storing high-definition, lossless video footage—a necessity for filmmakers and content creators who demand uncompromised quality and reliability in their workflow.
Certified under FCC ID SS3-PS256M21611 (grant date: None), the DJI CINESSD meets stringent U.S. regulatory requirements for electromagnetic emissions and device safety. This certification not only ensures legal marketability within the United States but also affirms the device’s compliance with critical RF emission standards, safeguarding both users and sensitive equipment from electromagnetic interference.
In this in-depth article, we’ll dissect the DJI CINESSD from every angle: exploring its standout features, detailed technical specifications, wireless capabilities, internal hardware components, and the regulatory landscape underpinning its FCC certification. Whether you’re a professional drone operator, a tech enthusiast, or an engineer keen on teardown analysis, this comprehensive review reveals what sets the DJI CINESSD apart in the fast-evolving world of professional video storage.
Key Features & Specifications
The DJI CINESSD is purpose-built to address the unique challenges of high-bitrate, lossless video capture and storage. Here’s a breakdown of its key features and technical specifications, along with insights into their practical benefits:
Key Features
Essential for Lossless Video Recording:
Enables seamless capture of raw, high-bitrate video streams without compression artifacts, which is crucial for post-production flexibility and broadcast-quality results.
High-Performance Storage Device:
Utilizes advanced NAND flash technology and a high-speed controller to deliver sustained write/read speeds, ensuring no dropped frames during intensive recording sessions.
Designed for DJI Inspire 2 and Other Equipment:
Engineered for compatibility and reliability with DJI’s flagship drone systems and other professional-grade hardware, allowing for easy integration and upgrades.
Robust Build Quality and Modularity:
Features a durable metallic enclosure for EMI/RFI shielding and physical protection, as well as a modular design that supports straightforward replacement or upgrades.
Technical Specifications
Capacity:
Available in 120GB and 480GB versions, catering to different project scales and storage needs.
Weight:
42.5 grams, lightweight enough not to impact drone flight dynamics while remaining robust.
Dimensions:
105.6 mm × 27 mm × 7 mm, compact for easy integration into drone bays and external readers.
Operating Temperature Range:
0° to 40°C, ensuring stable performance in typical field conditions.
Storage Temperature Range:
-40° to 85°C, providing resilience during transport and storage.
Humidity Tolerance:
5% to 95%, non-condensing, supporting reliable operation in diverse environments.
Bluetooth:
Bluetooth Present (details not specified), potentially for device management or diagnostics, though specifics are not disclosed in the FCC filing.
Practical Implications
High-Speed Data Integrity:
The multi-layer PCB design, differential pair routing, and robust edge connector ensure data is transferred quickly and reliably, critical for 4K/6K video capture.
Thermal Management:
Integrated thermal pads and metallic enclosure dissipate heat generated during continuous high-speed writes, preventing throttling and extending component lifespan.
Professional Workflow Integration:
The modular form factor (M.2/NGFF interface) allows for rapid swapping of storage during field shoots, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.
Operating Frequencies
This device operates on the following frequencies as detailed in its FCC filing:
No detailed frequency data could be parsed or is available for this device.
The specific bands and power levels are crucial for understanding the device’s wireless capabilities, range, and adherence to regulatory standards for various technologies it might employ (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, other RF communications).
Technology Deep Dive
While the DJI CINESSD’s primary function is high-speed data storage, the FCC documentation notes the presence of Bluetooth technology (specifics not disclosed). Bluetooth integration in storage devices is typically employed for device management, diagnostics, or secure pairing with host systems—functions that can enhance workflow efficiency in professional environments.
Given the lack of explicit frequency or power data, it can be inferred that the wireless subsystem (if active) is low-power and non-intrusive, designed not to interfere with the main storage functions or the sensitive electronics of the host drone. Bluetooth’s typical operating range and power profile ensure minimal impact on battery life and negligible risk of interference with other flight-critical systems.
The absence of Wi-Fi, cellular, or other RF technologies aligns with the device’s focus on high-speed, direct data transfer (PCIe/SATA) rather than networked storage. This design choice prioritizes data integrity, low latency, and maximum throughput—attributes essential for professional-grade video capture. The internal test reports and PCB design further underscore a meticulous approach to signal integrity, EMI suppression, and robust connectivity, all of which contribute to the CINESSD’s reliability in demanding field conditions.
In-Depth Internal Component Analysis / Teardown
Precision Engineering in SSD Design
A close examination of the DJI CINESSD’s internal hardware reveals a device engineered for maximum durability, data integrity, and performance—a testament to SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.’s commitment to professional-grade solutions.
Bottom PCB view showing connector interface and dense trace routing.
The interior reveals the solder-side of the main PCB, encased within a robust metallic enclosure that doubles as both physical protection and an effective EMI shield. Although major ICs are absent from this view, the intricate network of dense trace routing and numerous vias—especially via-in-pad structures—signals a complex, multi-layer board optimized for high-speed data transfer. The differential pair routing, particularly near the high-density edge connector, is indicative of PCIe or SATA interfaces, ensuring signal integrity for lossless video recording. The presence of multiple test points and a possible debug header shows a design optimized for both manufacturing diagnostics and field servicing. The overall build quality is exemplary, reflecting a focus on reliability and performance in professional environments.
Component side PCB with NAND flash, controller, and thermal pads.
The component side of the PCB is densely populated with key integrated circuits, including several large NAND flash memory packages (shielded by blue thermal pads) and a central controller IC responsible for managing high-speed data flow. Power management is handled by an array of PMICs, inductors, and capacitors, ensuring stable operation under demanding workloads. The inclusion of crystals/oscillators provides precise clock signals necessary for data integrity at high transfer rates. The blue thermal pads facilitate heat dissipation by conducting waste heat to the metallic enclosure, an essential feature for sustained, lossless video capture. The high-density edge connector, robust enclosure, and modular design all point to a device engineered for both reliability and serviceability in professional video workflows.
M.2 SSD PCB with Samsung NAND and controller.
This image highlights the component side of an M.2 form factor SSD PCB, featuring multiple Samsung NAND flash memory chips and a central controller—likely paired with a DRAM cache for buffering high-speed data transfers. The multi-layer PCB, robust ground planes, and differential pair routing near the gold-finger edge connector underpin the device’s high data throughput capabilities. The compact, modular design ensures easy integration and replacement, while the high-quality soldering and dense component placement reflect meticulous engineering. This layout is optimized for the fast, reliable storage required in 4K/6K aerial video capture, with no extraneous components to compromise reliability or performance.
SSD PCB with Samsung NAND and modular connector.
The SSD PCB here is populated with high-capacity Samsung NAND flash ICs and a dedicated controller, all connected via an M.2 gold-finger edge connector. The presence of an adapter interface suggests DJI’s use of a proprietary connection standard for integration with their camera or drone systems. Multiple power regulation components (inductors, capacitors) are visible, ensuring clean and stable power delivery to the sensitive memory and controller circuits. The layout is dense and clean, supporting high-speed, high-reliability operation without unnecessary complexity. The absence of antennas and the focus on robust electrical and mechanical interfaces highlight the CINESSD’s specialization as a professional storage solution.
High-density interface PCB with edge and board-to-board connectors.
This PCB assembly features high-density edge connectors and a fine-pitch board-to-board connector, serving as the interface backbone within the CINESSD enclosure. The black solder mask, precise trace routing, and multitude of vias indicate a multi-layer construction designed for high-speed signal integrity. While no major ICs are visible on this side, the presence of decoupling capacitors and test points underscores the board’s role in power filtering and manufacturing diagnostics. The engineering focus here is on mechanical robustness and reliable, high-speed connections—critical for the performance demanded in professional drone applications.
Bare underside of M.2 SSD PCB with gold-finger connector.
The bare underside of the M.2 SSD PCB reveals a dense network of traces, vias, and gold-finger edge connectors, characteristic of high-speed storage devices. The differential pair routing near the connector ensures signal integrity for PCIe or SATA data lines, while the multi-layer design (evidenced by numerous via structures) supports robust power and ground distribution. The lack of components on this side allows for more efficient thermal management and mechanical protection, with all active elements mounted on the opposite face. This design approach reflects a commitment to durability, modularity, and uncompromising performance in aerial video capture environments.
Regulatory Insights & FCC Filing
The DJI CINESSD’s FCC certification under FCC ID SS3-PS256M21611 is a critical endorsement of its compliance with U.S. electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and RF emission standards. Although its grant date is listed as None, the device is registered with the FCC, signifying that it has met the required benchmarks for legal sale and operation within the United States.
FCC filings for such devices typically include:
Test Reports: Detailing electromagnetic interference (EMI), RF exposure, and compliance with relevant standards.
Internal and External Photos: Revealing the device’s construction and component layout for transparency and verification.
User Manuals: Outlining safe operation, installation, and handling procedures.
Schematics and Block Diagrams: Providing technical insight into circuit design and system architecture.
Key insights from the user manual highlight the DJI CINESSD’s intended role as a high-performance storage device for the DJI Inspire 2 and similar equipment, emphasizing the necessity of proper handling to maintain optimal performance. The absence of explicit wireless test data suggests that, while Bluetooth capability is present, it is either dormant by default or operates within strict regulatory limits to minimize risk and interference.
The FCC certification process ensures that the DJI CINESSD will not cause harmful interference to other electronic devices and that it can be confidently deployed in professional and consumer environments alike.
Potential Use Cases & Target Audience
The DJI CINESSD is meticulously engineered for scenarios where uncompromising data integrity, speed, and reliability are non-negotiable. Practical use cases and user profiles include:
Professional Aerial Cinematographers:
Filmmakers and production crews using the DJI Inspire 2 or similar platforms to capture high-resolution, lossless video footage for commercials, feature films, or documentary projects. The CINESSD’s high-speed storage ensures no dropped frames and seamless post-production workflows.
Media and Content Creation Studios:
Studios requiring rapid, hot-swappable storage solutions for large-scale video projects. The modular design and robust build quality allow for quick turnaround during shoots and reliable data transfer in fast-paced environments.
Technical Professionals and Engineers:
Drone operators and system integrators who demand reliable, high-performance storage for data-intensive applications such as mapping, surveying, or scientific research, where data loss or corruption is unacceptable.
While the target audience is not explicitly defined in the FCC filing, the device’s features and performance clearly cater to advanced users and professionals in the visual media, broadcast, and technical sectors.
Conclusion
The DJI CINESSD by SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD. (Model: CINESSD, FCC ID SS3-PS256M21611) stands out as a purpose-built, high-performance storage solution for professional aerial cinematography and demanding video workflows. Its FCC certification underscores a commitment to regulatory compliance, safety, and operational reliability in the U.S. market. With robust internal engineering, advanced NAND flash technology, and thoughtful design for modularity and thermal management, the CINESSD is a critical enabler for lossless video capture and efficient post-production. As the demands of professional content creation continue to rise, devices like the DJI CINESSD set the standard for quality, performance, and regulatory assurance in the industry.
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