Standardization

Part of the reason for the success of Flash memory Open NAND Flash Interface(ONFI) Working Group developed a standard low-level interface of the following specification: Standard pinout Standard command set for reading, writing, and erasing NAND flash chips Mechanism for self-identification

DATA PROTECTION

It keeps critical code secure in two ways:I.

II.

Block locking by software control Block locking by hardware interaction

APPLICATION
The Flash Memory technology has evolved into the preferred storage media for a variety of consumer and industrial devices.

In Consumer devices
I. II.
III.

Notebook computers Digital cameras

Cell phones

IV.

MP3 players etc.

In industrial devices
I. II. III.
IV.

Security systems Military systems Embedded computers

Wireless communication devices etc.

Future of Flash Memory

Continues to be among the most aggressively scaled electronic technologies

Memory cell size minimum of 20 nm expected to be met in 2010

May be replaced by Phase-Change RAM or other

emerging technologies

ADVANTAGE I. Since flash memory is non-volatile, no power is needed to maintain the information stored in the chip

II. Flash memory offers fast read access times and better
kinetic shock resistance than hard disks. III. When packaged in a "memory card," it is enormously

durable, being able to withstand intense pressure, extremes

of temperature, and even immersion in water. IV.Flash memory costs far less than byte-programmable EEPROM. V. Low power consumption.

LIMITATIONS

I. Not as fast as volatile DRAM memory used for main memory in PCs. II. Although it can be read or programmed a byte or a word at a time in a random access fashion, it must be erased a

"block" at a time.
III.Flash memory has a finite number of erase-write cycles IV.The cost per byte of flash memory is higher than the

corresponding cost of a hard disk drive.

V. Smaller capacity.

CONCLUSION

One of the most popular alternatives for portable device storage. Aggressive advances are still being made.

REFERENCE

Wikipedia.com Computer Architecture & Organization tutorialsweb.com

Created by:Satyajit Bora (ELB08027)

Girish Narah (ELB08029)