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Flash Memory
Flash Memory can save/store data permanently without requiring a power source, unlike RAM (Random Access Memory).
Flash Memory is therefore referred to as non volatile solid state memory as you can write onto Flash Memory allowing you to save changes or updates to the data. It is also different to ROM (Read Only Memory) as Data is written and erased electronically.
USB Flash Drives are made using a printed circuit board fitted into a plastic or metal casing, onto the circuit board the flash memory and controllers are automatically mounted. As the purpose is to save and store data, to access it typically requires a computer of some sort with a USB port. Flash drives come in various shapes, the most common forms are USB sticks and USB pens.
NAND and NOR type Flash Memory was invented by Toshiba in the mid 1980’s.
NOR flash memory has longer erase and write times than the NAND type, which also has a cost advantage per bit over NOR Flash Memory and hence NAND Flash Memory became the popular choice for Memory Card and PC Card applications.
Products like USB Flash drives and Memory Cards such as SD cards and MMC cards are all based on NAND Flash Memory.
