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Knowledge Base F Flash memory | Flash memory |
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Flash memory is non-volatile, which means that it does not need power to maintain the information stored in the chip. In addition, flash memory offers fast read access times (though not as fast as volatile DRAM memory used for main memory in PCs) and better kinetic shock resistance than hard disks. These characteristics explain the popularity of flash memory for applications such as storage on battery-powered devices. Another allure of flash memory is that when packaged in a 'memory card', it is nearly indestructible by ordinary physical means, being able to withstand intense pressure and boiling water. Examples of applications include digital audio players, digital cameras and mobile phones. Flash memory is also used in USB flash drives (thumb drives, handy drive), which are used for general storage and transfer of data between computers. It has also gained some popularity in the gaming market, where it is often used instead of EEPROMs or battery-powered SRAM for game save data. Flash memory cards are available in different speeds. Some are specified the approximate transfer rate of the card such as 2MB per second, 12MB per second, etc. However, other cards are simply rated 100x, 130x, 200x, etc. For these cards the base assumption is that 1x is equal to 150 kilobytes per second. This was the speed at which the first CD drives could transfer information, which was adopted as the reference speed for flash memory cards. Thus, when comparing a 100x card to a card capable of 12MB per second the following calculations are useful:
To convert Kilobytes into Megabytes divide by 1024. Therefore, the 100x card is 2.65 MB per second faster than the card that is measured at 12 MB per second. Flash Memory Manufacturers
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