NAND flash memoryNAND flash memory is a type of non-volatile storage technology that does not require power to retain data. There are two types of flash memory, NAND and NOR. The names refer to the type of logic gate used in each memory cell. (Logic gates are a fundamental building block of digital circuits). NOR flash was first introduced by Intel in 1988. NAND flash was introduced by Toshiba in 1989. The two chips work differently. NAND has significantly higher storage capacity than NOR. NAND flash has found a market in devices to which large files are frequently uploaded and replaced. MP3 players, digital cameras and USB drives use NAND flash. NOR flash is faster, but it's also more expensive. NOR is most often used in mobile phones. Some devices use both NAND and NOR. A pocket PC, for instance, may use embedded NOR to boot up the operating system and a removable NAND card for all its other memory/storage requirements. NAND has a finite number of read-write cycles, though the total number continues to increase with each generation of chips. If the NAND card wears out, the user simply buys a new one and the device continues to function. By passing the expense of additional storage on to the consumer, manufacturers have been able to lower the price of consumer electronic devices significantly. An important goal of NAND flash development has been to reduce the cost per bit and increase maximum chip capacity so that flash memory can compete with magnetic storage devices like hard disks. New developments in NAND flash memory technology are making the chips smaller, increasing the maximum read-write cycles and lowering voltage demands. Such improvements will continue make the technology even more common in laptops and thin client desktop computers.  | Read more about NAND flash memory:
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| Last updated on:
Aug 03, 2009 |
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