Flash Memory

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Flash memory is a non-volatile memory chip used for storage and for transfering data between a personal computer and digital devices.It has the ability to be electronically reprogrammed and erased.It is often found in USB flash drivers, MP3 players, digital cameras and solid-state drives.

Flash memory is a type of electronically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), but may also be a standalone memory storage device such as a USB driver.  EEPROM is a type of data memory device using an electronic device to erase or write digital data. Flash memory is a distinct type of EEPROM, which is programmed and erased in large blocks.

Flash memory incorporates the use of floating-gate transistors to store data. Floating-gate transistors, or floating gate MOSFET (FGMOS), is similar to MOSFET, which is a transistor used for amplifying or switching electronic signals.

Floating-gate transistors are electronically isolated and use a floating node in direct current (DC). 

Flash memory is similar to the standard MOFSET, except the transistor has two gates instead of one.

Flash memory was first introduced in 1980 and developed by Dr. Fujio Masuoka. 

Flash memory was named after its capability to erase a block of data "in a flash". Dr. Masuoka's objective was to create a memory chip preserving data when the power was turned off.

Dr. Masuoka also invented a type of memory known as SAMOS and developed a 1Mb dynamic RAM (DRAM). In 1988, Intel Corporation produced the first commercial NOR-type flash chip, which replaced the permanent read-only memory (ROM) chip on PC motherboards containing the basic input/output operating system (BIOS).

Flash memory chip is composed of NOR or NAND gates. NOR is a type of memory cell created by Intel in 1988. The NOR gate interface supports full addresses, data buses and random access to any memory location. The shelf life of NOR flash is 10,000 to 1,000,000 write/erase cycles.

Flash memory has many features. It is a lot less expensive than than EEPROM and does not require batteries for solid-state storage such as static RAM(SRAM). It is non-volatile, has very fast access time and has higher resistance to kinetic shock compared to a hard disc drive. Flash memory is extremely durable and can withstand intense pressure or extreme temperatures. It can be used for a wide array of applications such as digital cameras, PDA's(personal digital assistance), digital audio players and solid-state drives (SSDs).