TOPIC 3.3: FLASH MEMORY
STORAGE

Descriptions

  • Non-volatile memory chip used for storage and for transfering data between a personal computer (PC) and digital devices
  • able to be electronically reprogrammed and erased
  • often found in USB flash drives, MP3 players, digital cameras and solid-state drives

Flash-based gadgets

a. This wireless LAN card allows laptop and PDA users to access the Internet from any Wi-Fi access point.

b. This flash-based player provides everything you need to play music and store data on the go. It also comes with a built-in FM radio and voice recorder.

c. It looks like an ordinary watch, but this USB drive from Edge Tech can store up to 1 GB of flash memory. It will let you save and transfer your photos, songs and data files easily.

d. This flash memory card is used as 'digital film' to store images on a digital camera.

e. This hand console lets you play games stored on ROM game cards, which have a small amount of flash memory to save user data, for example high scores.

f. This USB flash pen drive.

Main Components of USB
Flash Drive

  • Standard USB plug. This provides connects the flash drive to a device.
  • USB mass storage controller. This is a microcontroller for the USB. It has a small amount of RAM and ROM.
  • NAND flash memory chip. The data is stored in this component.
  • Crystal oscillator. The data output is controlled by this component.

Express Card

  • An ExpressCard module is a removable device that fits in an ExpressCard slot.
  • Developed by the PCMCIA.
  • Commonly used in notebook computers.

Solid State Drive (SSD)

  • Flash memory chips are a type of solid state media and contain no moving parts.

Advantages

  • Faster access time
  • Faster transfer rate

Generate less heat and consume less power

  • Last longer

Different between HDD and SSD

Hard Disk Drive (HDD)

  • no moving parts
  • fast
  • small
  • cheaper
  • larger storage

Solid State Drive (SSD)

  • flash storage and no moving parts
  • much faster
  • more smaller, less space - physically
  • expensive and less storage

Pros and Cons of
Flash Memory

Pros

  • Faster read and write compared to traditional hard disk drives.
  • Smaller size.
  • Less prone to damage.
  • Cheaper than traditional drives in small storage capacities.
  • Uses less power than traditional hard disk drives.

Cons

  • Flash memory cells have a limited number of write and erase cycles before falling.
  • Most flash drives do not have a write-protection mechanism.
  • Smaller size devices, such as flash drives make them easier to lose.
  • Currently costs a lot more per GB than traditional hard drives for larger storage capacities.
  • May require a special version of a program to run on a flash-based drive to protect from prematurely wearing out the drive.