NOR flash
NOR flash
NOR flash is a type of non-volatile memory that provides faster read operations than NAND flash, enabling code execution directly from the memory chip, and is commonly used in embedded systems and microcontrollers.
What does NOR flash Mean?
NOR flash is a type of Non-volatile memory (NVM) used in electronic devices. It is similar to NAND flash, but has different operating characteristics. NOR flash is organized into memory cells, each of Which can store one bit of data. The cells are arranged in a two-dimensional array, with each row and column representing a unique address.
NOR flash is accessed using a random access method, meaning that any memory cell can be accessed directly without having to Read or write to other cells first. This makes NOR flash faster than NAND flash, which uses a page-based access method. However, NOR flash is also more expensive than NAND flash.
NOR flash is typically used in applications where speed is more important than cost. For example, NOR flash is used in boot ROMs, which store the instructions that are executed when a computer starts up. NOR flash is also used in embedded systems, where it is used to store code and data.
Applications
NOR flash is used in a wide variety of applications, including:
- Boot ROMs
- Embedded systems
- Consumer electronics
- Industrial automation
- Automotive electronics
NOR flash is particularly well-suited for applications where speed is more important than cost. For example, NOR flash is used in boot ROMs because it provides fast access to the instructions that are needed to Start up a computer. NOR flash is also used in embedded systems, where it is used to store code and data that must be accessed quickly.
History
NOR flash was developed by Intel in the early 1980s. The first NOR flash chip was introduced in 1988. NOR flash quickly became popular in the computer industry, and it is still used in a wide variety of applications today.
NOR flash has undergone a number of significant developments over the years. In the early days, NOR flash chips were relatively small, with capacities of only a few megabits. However, over time, NOR flash chips have become much larger, and they are now available with capacities of up to several gigabits.
In addition to increasing in capacity, NOR flash chips have also become faster over time. The first NOR flash chips had access times of around 100 nanoseconds. However, modern NOR flash chips have access times of around 10 nanoseconds.
The development of NOR flash has been driven by the increasing demand for faster and more reliable memory. NOR flash is now an essential component in a wide variety of electronic devices.