Flash Memory
FLASH is a type of non-volatile Memory device, meaning data is not lost when power is removed. FLASH is the most widely used type of memory device and it is split into two main categories: NOR and NAND.
NOR FLASH offers faster read speeds and random-access capabilities, making it suitable for code storage and execution.
NAND FLASH, on the other hand, has faster write speeds than NOR and it is typically used to store large data files such as music, movies, pictures, etc.
NOR FLASH is available in two formats, Parallel or SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface). Over time, SPI FLASH has evolved into many different subcategories including Multi I/O, Quad SPI, Hyperbus, Octal, Semper, Wide Voltage, etc.
NAND FLASH is offered in form of SLC (Single Level Cell) NAND components. But NAND FLASH is largely consumed in form of die. NAND die is used to build storage devices such as USBs, Memory Cards, Solid State Drives, Embedded Multimedia Cards, etc. The NAND die used to build these devices can be TLC (Tri Level Cell), MLC (Multi Level Cell), PseudoSLC or SLC. TLC NAND is the most inexpensive, while SLC NAND has the highest price, the price variance being directly linked to the endurance – how many read and write cycles each type of die can tolerate before it deteriorates.
The accepted “rule of thumb” (which can vary based on the application) is that TLC NAND is good for up to 500 cycles, MLC for up to 3,000 cycles, PseudoSLC (or SLC-Lite as it is sometimes called) will work well up to 20,000 cycles and SLC NAND will be good for 60,000 cycles.
Future Electronics distributes high quality FLASH devices from world class suppliers. These devices are available on futureelectronics.com in trays, tubes, reels or individual quantities.
