What is Flash Memory
When we are using a computer, we are often in need different storage devices for storing data. The data is stored in digital format. There are two types of data storage, which are known as primary data storage, secondary data storage, also called tertiary storage devices. This classification is made according to the task performed by the devices. One of the secondary data storage types is the flash memory. Let's find out, what is it.
What is Flash Memory?
Flash memory is primarily used in USB flash drives, memory cards, MP3 players, digital cameras, personal digital assistants (PDA), mobile phones, etc. They can be used for general data storage, at the same time, they can also be used to transfer data between computers or other digital products. A specific type of Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) is used in the flash memory. The memory can be erased and programmed in large blocks of code. The credit of inventing the flash drives goes to Toshiba.
Most of us have been using USB flash memory. We have connected it to a computer, etc. and we have been able to store data without having to keep it connected to the powered device. At the same time, we have been able to use the data, at a later point of time. To cut the story short, flash memory is non-volatile, does not need power to maintain stored information (it is also referred to as NAND flash memory). Unlike the hard drives, the flash memory is in solid state. In others, it does not have moving parts. Storing of data takes place on a fixed medium, due to which it is also more durable, less prone to skipping or been lost. There is an advantage of using flash memory. It has fast read access time and better kinetic shock resistance. This is one of the reason, why the flash memory chips have become very popular in a number of portable devices. The flash memory card are very hard-wearing, at the same time they are able to hold up against intense pressure, extreme temperature and some of them are able to withstand immersion in water as well.
Types of Flash Memory
Now we will read on, what the different types of flash memory. Whatever, be the flash memory types, most of them have more or less similar function. All a person will have to do is put the card in the slot allotted and it synchronizes with the device and data gets encoded onto the card automatically. There are different types of computer memory cards available as well.
Secure Digital Card
They are abbreviated as SD cards. They are used in portable devices like digital video recorders, digital cameras, handheld computers, mobile phones, etc. They have been in use since 1999. One can buy the secure digital cards in varying memory capacity. They are currently available between 16 Mbs to 1 GB storage.
Mini Secure Digital Card
These cards are abbreviated as Mini SD cards. These cards are popularly used in mobile phones. The basic functionality of the Mini SD is not different from the SD cards. The only difference is that the Mini SD as the name suggests are smaller than the SD cards. They are available between 16 MB to 256 MB storage.
Compact Flash
These are much bigger in size as compared to the other types of flash memory. They are also called CF cards. These cards became very popular for digital cameras. The storage capacity ranges from 8 MB to 8 GB, which is convenient for storing a large amount of data. These cards have an advantage over the other cards, as they have both memory chips and a controller.
Smart Media
These cards were introduced in the market by Toshiba in 1995, however now they have been termed as obsolete for newer devices. Till the recent times, however, they were very popular. The storage capacity of these cards ranges between 16 MB to 128 MB, but nothing more than that. However, these cards remain in the market for devices, which cannot use memory cards higher than 128 MB.
After reading about what is flash memory and the different types of flash memory, you would naturally want to know, who are the flash memory manufacturers. There are many manufacturers of flash drives. The famous ones include SanDisk, Kingston, Transcend, Canon, Samsung, Toshiba, Hitachi, etc. Before you buy a USB memory stick, decide the kind of flash memory you want. Depending on the kind of flash memory you want, there are different manufacturers for the same.
