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Flash memory is technology that is primarily used in memory cards and USB drives to store and transfer data between computers and digital devices. Flash memory is a non-volatile memory device, which means it can retain stored data even if the power source is removed. Flash memory is popular today in many applications including personal digital assistants (PDAs), laptop computers, digital audio players, digital cameras, mobile phones and game consoles.
Other notable features of flash memory are a faster read-access time, better kinetic shock resistance, and an ability to withstand intense pressure, extremes of temperature, and immersion in water. Flash memory is a low-cost, high-density device with high-speed architecture, low power and high reliability. Most PC manufacturers are considering replacing computer hard drives with flash drives.
Flash memory was invented in 1984 by Dr Fujio Masuoka while he was working for Toshiba. But Intel is credited with introducing the first commercial NOR-type flash chip in 1988. NOR-based flash has long erase and write times and in 1989 Toshiba came out with a NAND-based flash memory chip. The first NAND-based removable media format was called SmartMedia. Many other formats have followed since, including Multimedia Card, Secure Digital, Memory Stick and xD-Picture Card.
Nowadays, computers have started using a solid-state drive (SSD) instead of a conventional magnetic drive. A SSD can read data at 57MB per second and write at 32MB per second as against the 24MB per second speed of their magnetic counterparts.
There are also other benefits like a faster boot-up time and a SSD is up to 60 per cent lighter, more robust and uses far less power (0.5W when busy, compared to a hard drive’s 2W). The lack of moving parts which should allow a PC to operate in complete silence.
Today, flash memory products like memory cards and USB drives are available in capacities ranging from 512MB to 32 B. The highest capacity currently found in USB devices is 128GB.
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