Difference between EEPROM and Flash

Both flash memory and EEPROM are non-volatile memories, which means they can hold onto data even when the power is turned off. However, the two forms of memory do differ in several significant ways.

• New data can be written immediately after flash memory's contents have been erased. On the other hand, in order to write fresh data to an EEPROM, it must first be wiped.

• Flash memory can normally be overwritten about 100,000 times, before it begins to degrade. Only a few thousand times can an EEPROM typically be written before it needs to be changed.

• Flash memory costs more than EEPROM. This is because flash memory chips often require more silicon and other materials to create because they are larger than EEPROM chips.

Read this article to find out more about EEPROM and Flash and how they are different from each other.

What is EEPROM?

Electrically erasable programmable read-only memory is known by the EEPROM. EEPROM is a non-volatile memory which is used in the computers and other electronic to store small quantities of data that must be saved when the power is turned off. EEPROMs come in a variety of sizes, but the most current are 32K and 64K. Size is determined by the device's accessible bytes. Each byte can be independently programmed and deleted as necessary.

When compared to other forms of non-volatile memory, EEPROM has the benefit of being able to be wiped and reprogrammed without the use of a special tool or Erase cycle. This makes it possible to employ EEPROMs in applications where data needs to be updated regularly, like when upgrading firmware.

The fact that EEPROM only has a finite amount of erase/write cycles—typically about 100,000—is a drawback. After this time, the cell will no longer be able to reliably keep a charge, and data will begin to degrade. Because of this, EEPROMs are not appropriate for applications like log files where data needs to be continuously written and updated.

What is Flash Memory?

Memory that may be canceled and reprogrammed in blocks rather than one byte at a time is known as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory(EEPROM). Flash memory is extensively used as the top form of storing in numerous devices, including solid- state drives, USB flash drives, and digital cameras.

Flash, also known as flash memory, is a way of jotting and storing data that makes use of flash memory chips. Flash technology has a wide range of uses, from simple storage like flash drives to low- tech marketable systems. Since flash memory has an extremely low latency and doesn't lose data when the computer is shut off, it's superior to any other type of hard drive with moving corridor.

Flash memory is a special kind of EEPROM that can only be programmed and erased in big chunks. However, it appears that AND flash is being used for hardware that only supports large- block erasure. Flash memory is quite versatile. There are several features of flash memory. It is far less expensive than EEPROM and doesn't need batteries for solid-state storage, like static RAM. Flash memory is frequently utilised in situations where speed is crucial since it is faster than EEPROM (such as in digital cameras).

Difference between EEPROM and Flash

The following table highlights the major differences between EEPROM and Flash −

Conclusion

In conclusion, EEPROM and Flash are two varieties of non-volatile memory, each with special qualities and uses. In computer systems as well as microcontrollers where a little amount of data is kept, EEPROM is frequently employed. It is also employed when code updates are few, as opposed to flash memory, which excels in systems where code changes occur often. Compared to EEPROM, flash memory is significantly less expensive.

Md. Sajid

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Updated on: 13-Apr-2023

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