flashmuistipiirejä

Flashmuistipiirejä, or flash memory chips, are a type of non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. Unlike volatile memory such as DRAM, flash memory retains its data even when the power is turned off. This makes it ideal for storing information persistently.

There are two main types of flash memory: NOR flash and NAND flash. NOR flash offers faster read times and allows for random access to data, making it suitable for storing code, such as the BIOS in a computer. NAND flash, on the other hand, provides higher storage density and is more cost-effective for large-capacity storage applications. It is commonly found in solid-state drives (SSDs), USB flash drives, and memory cards.

The operation of flash memory involves trapping electrons in a floating gate within a transistor. Erasing and writing data involves applying specific voltages to move these electrons, thereby changing the state of the memory cell. Flash memory has a finite number of write/erase cycles before it degrades, a characteristic known as wear leveling, which is managed by controllers in devices to extend the lifespan of the memory. Its widespread use is due to its combination of non-volatility, speed, and relatively low cost compared to other persistent storage solutions.