Flash Memory by Matt & Sam

What is Flash Memory? Flash memory is a type of memory storage device for computers & devices. It is a type of 'EEPROM' chip, which stands for Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory. Flash memory is normally portable, so is often used to back-up data stored on computers, or to transport data from one place to another.

Types of Flash Memory Your computer's BIOS chip CompactFlash (most often found in digital cameras) SmartMedia (most often found in digital cameras) Memory Stick (most often found in digital cameras) PCMCIA Type I and Type II memory cards (used as solid-state disks in laptops) Memory cards for video game consoles

How Flash Memory Works Here is the arrangement of flash memory: Each electron in the 'thin oxide layer' can contain a bit of data when charged, so data will be stored on to the flash memory by charging certain electrons to create a binary number, which the computer can then read. So when an electron in flash memory is charged, it's binary value is '1', when not charged, it is '0'.

How Data is Saved Flash memory is 'Read-Only' Memory in the sense that when there is no power in the flash memory device, data is still stored. It is therefore a 'non-volatile' memory type. However, because it is Electronically Erasable Programmable, data can be erased from flash memory, by 'discharging' previously charged electrons where the data was saved.

Common Flash-based electronic devices The most common type of flash memory in use today is NAND. This name is taken from the electronic logical gate NAND operator because flash memory uses floating gate MOSFET transistors that are arranged in a similar way. There are many consumer electronic devices that use NAND flash memory as storage. Some external storage solutions also utilize NAND flash memory. The types of hardware that you are likely to come across that uses this type of technology include: MP3 players Portable Media Players Flash cards / memory sticks such as MicroSD and MicroSDHC USB Flash drives Smartphones / Mobile phones Other multimedia devices

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