1.2.2

Flash Memory

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Uses of Flash Memory

Flash memory is usually based on a technology called Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). EEPROM can be used to create many flash memory devices:

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ROM chips

  • The Read-Only Memory chips on board modern Central Processing Units (CPUs) are made from EEPROM.
  • This provides the software needed for the computer to start.
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Solid State Drives (SSD)

  • SSDs are often used in home computers because of their performance.
  • SSDs are a form of re-writable flash storage.
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Secure Digital (SD) cards

  • SD cards are used to extend the capacity of devices such as:
    • Cameras.
    • Smartphones.
    • Tablets.
  • They provide high capacity for their physical size. This is useful in these smaller devices.

Properties of Flash Memory

Flash memory is a type of memory technology that can be used to create primary or secondary storage. It is commonly used to make Read-Only Memory (ROM), and Solid State Drives (SSDs).

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Non-volatile

  • Flash memory is non-volatile. This means that it will keep its contents once power is switched off.
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Short lifetime

  • Flash memory can only be flashed (re-written) a certain number of times before it starts to degrade.
  • We may lose access to the drive once the flash memory has degraded past a point.
  • Re-writable devices often include several blocks of flash memory. This means that only one block must be flashed at a time and so the device will last longer.
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Fast access

  • Flash memory is significantly faster than many other storage media such as Hard Disk Drives (HDDs).
  • This is partly because flash memory does not have any moving parts, and so we do not need to wait for parts to move before we can access the drive.
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Robust

  • Flash memory is not easily damaged by shocks.
  • Flash memory is appropriate in scenarios where it might be exposed to lots of vibrations. For example:
    • Industrial machinery.
    • Vehicles.

Jump to other topics

1Computer Systems

1.1Systems Architecture

1.2Memory & Storage

1.3Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols

1.4Network Security

1.5Systems Software

1.6Ethical, Legal, Cultural & Environmental Concern

2Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Programming

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