EEPROM vs. Flash: What are main differences between them?

Electrical storage devices like EEPROM and Flash are both a part of ROM. Flash can store more data with a higher data density than EEPROM and has a simpler circuit. EEPROM is accessible per byte, while Flash is accessed by block. This article is going to talk about more differences between the EEPROM and Flash.

What is EEPROM?

The non-volatile memory known as EEPROM (electronically erasable programmable read-only memory) may be electrically written to and erased. It is used to store small amounts of information that must be kept even if power is lost, including calibration or system configuration settings. Since EEPROM can be erased and reprogrammed byte by byte, it is slower than flash memory but more adaptable.

As opposed to other types of non-volatile memory, EEPROM can be erased and reprogrammed without the need for specialized equipment or erase cycles. As a result, EEPROMs can be used in applications that call for routine data updates, such as firmware upgrades.

EEPROM vs EPROM

An EEPROM is the current equivalent of an EPROM, which is a more advanced form of a PROM. The relative size of an EEPROM cell is 3, while that of an EPROM cell is 1. The EEPROM chip will be deleted and reprogrammed inside the electrical circuit, but the EPROM chip needs to be detached from the computer circuit in order to wipe and reprogram the BIOS.
To address the issues with ROM and PROM, EPROM and EEPROM were created. In comparison to using the restricted advantages of ROM and PROM, employing EPROM and EEPROM to delete and reprogram data gives chip reusability at a substantially faster and lower cost. EPROM is a modified form of PROM and ROM. On the other hand, EEPROM is a better iteration of EPROM.

What is Flash Memory?

Non-volatile memory known as flash memory is used to store vast amounts of data, including the operating system for a tablet or smartphone. It is faster than EEPROM but less flexible because it can only be deleted and reprogrammed per block. Solid-state drives (SSDs), memory cards, and USB drives all utilize flash memory.

Flash memory is a type of volatile memory that can only have huge blocks of data encoded and wiped. However, it appears that ONLY big block erasure-capable hardware uses AND flash. Flash memory has several uses. There are several features of flash memory. For solid-state storage, like static RAM, it is far less expensive than EEPROM and does not need batteries. Because flash is faster than EEPROM, it is frequently utilized in applications where speed is essential (such as digital cameras).

Flash Memory vs RAM

Non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, may store data without requiring continual power. DRAM and SRAM, the two most used types of RAM, are both volatile memory types that require continuous power to store data. Flash memory technology inspired the name of flash drives. Random access memory, or RAM, was created in 1967 as a superior replacement for cyclic access memory. RAM and flash memory both have an impact on how data is used and stored in today's gadgets. Random access memory, or RAM, is the common type of memory used in most computers. But to be more precise, DRAM, or dynamic random access memory, is the type of memory that is typically used by our computers. Later, we'll go into more detail. As long as RAM has an electrical power supply, it can store information as 1s and 0s.

Flash Memory vs EEPROM

Video related to EEPROM vs Flash

EEPROM vs Flash Features

EEPROM Features

• Protocol for bidirectional data transfer.
• Hardware data protection write protect pin.
• 16-byte pages (4K, 8K, 16K) and 8-byte pages (1K, 2K) compose modes.
• Automatic writing cycle.
• Organized internally 8-by-128 (1K), 8-by-256 (2K), 8-by-512 (4K), 8-by-1024 (8K), or 8-by-2048 (16K).
• Accessible automotive devices.
• Two wires read and write data into a two-wire serial interface.
• Low and standard voltage operation (compatible with 100 kHz (1.8V) and 400 kHz (2.7V, 5V)).
• Schmitt triggers with filtered inputs to reduce noise.

Flash Features

• High speed
• Low power consumption
• Reliability
• Relatively high read and write speeds
• Ensures high-speed read/write, data security, and stability while consuming a low power supply.

EEPROM Memory Types

Types of Flash Memory

	NOR Flash Explained	NAND Flash Explained
Flash Memory Definition	NOR Electronic gadgets use Flash Memory, a form of Non-Volatile Memory (NVM), to store data. Since the first decade of the 1990s, it has been widely utilized and often takes the form of integrated circuits.	A non-volatile storage technology called NAND Flash can store data without the need for power. An everyday example would be a mobile phone, where data files like images, videos, and music are kept on a microSD card and saved on the NAND Flash (also known as the memory chip).
Cell Array
Cell Size	4F2	10F2
Layout
Cross-section
Applications	Mobile phones, scientific equipment, and medical gadgets including MP3 players, digital cameras, and USB (Universal Serial Bus) flash drives are the most common applications for NOR flash. NAND and NOR flash are both used by some devices.	Devices, where enormous files are often uploaded and changed, have found a market for NAND storage. NAND technology is used in USB flash drives, digital cameras, and MP3 players.

How does EEPROM Memory work?

Both EEPROM and UV-EPROM are based on the same principle. The trapped electrons in the floating gate will change the characteristics of the cell, causing it to store a logic "0" or "1" instead of a logic "0."

EEPROM is the memory type that employs the least number of standards for cell design. Two transistors are found in the majority of cells. In this case, the electrons will be captured by the floating gate on the memory transistor. There is also a usable access transistor available. Unlike an EPROM, which erases the cell when the electrons are released from the floating gate, an EEPROM deletes the cell when the electrons are locked in the floating cell.

How does Flash Memory work?

A floating gate MOS tube (MOSFET) is the fundamental unit of flash memory. The floating gate can store charge, changing the control gate's switching threshold level. When a positive charge or electron is present in the floating gate, the word "1" is displayed, while a negative charge or electron is present, the word "0" is displayed.

We will quickly go over the read/write and erase operations of flash memory using NAND Flash as an example.

When reading a cell, the CG terminal is often linked to Vgate, which is typically 0V, Vd, which is 1V, and Vs, which is grounded. The Sensing circuit will output a result of "0" if there is a negative charge (Programmed) in the floating gate. In this case, the MOSFET is inactive, the Icell current is zero, the voltage on the Bit Line parasitic capacitor (typically pre-charged (Precharge) to a suitable voltage) does not change significantly, and the MOSFET conducts. The Icell current is a few hundred nA, and the voltage on the Bit Line parasitic capacitor.

NAND Flash read operations are typically carried out on a Page basis. The selected Page has a voltage Vread (typically 0V) applied to its corresponding WL, while all other unselected Pages have a voltage VpassR (often 4.5V–6V) applied to their respective WLs. BL is linked to 1V and SL is grounded. As a result, the amount of the Icell current will only depend on whether the selected cells contain charge or electrons, making all unselected cells identical to a pass-through (pass-through) MOSFET.

Pros and cons of EEPROM vs Flash

EEPROM vs Flash Applications

EEPROM Applications

• An EEPROM is usually used as a fixed section of memory that holds specific data.
• In the computer field, EEPROMs can store BIOS configuration files, programs for USB keyboards and mice, firmware information, and more.
• In other fields, EEPROMs can be used for control systems or configuration settings for embedded devices, including temperature sensors and automotive engine control units.

Flash Applications

• To offer dependable and stable data storage solutions, devices like USB flash drives, SSD hard drives, digital cameras, smartphones, etc.
• Embedded and industrial applications, including those for self-driving cars, smart homes, medical equipment, etc., can also make use of flash memory.

Conclusion of EEPROM vs Flash

In reality, many products that quickly modify the data stored on the chip cannot employ EEPROM chips because of their sluggish read/write speeds. Flash memory, a type of EEPROM that employs in-circuit wiring to erase by applying an electrical field to the entire chip or to preset parts of the chip called blocks, was created by manufacturers as a solution to this problem. Flash memory writes data in chunks, typically 512 bytes in size, rather than one byte at a time, making it work much more quickly than conventional EEPROMs.

Both EEPROM and Flash are types of electrical storage that are part of ROM. Compared to EEPROM, Flash has a simpler circuit and can store more data with a greater data density. Flash is accessed by block, whereas EEPROM is accessed by byte; EEPROM can be erased more frequently than FLASH; EEPROM is more erasable than FLASH; EEPROM costs more per unit of capacity than FLASH; EEPROM typically has a small capacity; EEPROM is typically used to store data that won't be lost when the program is running to power down, whereas FLASH is typically used to store the program.

EEPROM vs Flash FAQ

EEPROM vs Flash

FLASH cannot be erased as frequently as EEPROM. In addition to costing more per unit of storage than FLASH, EEPROM is more erasable than FLASH. In contrast to FLASH, which is often used to store programs, EEPROM typically has a tiny capacity and is used to store data that won't be lost when the program is going to shut off.

Why is flash memory considered nonvolatile?

Flash storage makes use of flash memory, a kind of nonvolatile memory. Even if your power goes out, you won't lose your data since nonvolatile memory doesn't need power to retain the integrity of recorded data. In other words, when the disk is turned off, nonvolatile memory won't "forget" the data it has saved.

Why choose EEPROM instead of Flash?

The lifespan capacity of an EEPROM is one million erase/rewrite cycles. Depending on the type of Flash memory, Flash devices have a limited lifespan; most Flash products can withstand 10,000–1,000,000 erase/write cycles before damage begins to jeopardize the integrity of the storage.

What are the pros and cons of EEPROM and Flash?

Even after the power is turned off, non-volatile EEPROM data is kept intact. Flash memory is devoid of rotating components. Just electrochemical processes determine it. The lack of moving parts also increases its physical toughness. While different voltages must be used to read, write, and erase data in EEPROM, the majority, if not all, of flash memory devices are unable to achieve capacities comparable to that of hard disk drives.

What are the disadvantages of Flash?

Most flash memory units, if not all of them, are unable to achieve capacities comparable to hard disc drives. Another disadvantage is that flash memory rewrites data in block units. Always handle each byte independently, which may take some time. This drastically slows down editing when done directly on flash-stored files.

What are the disadvantages of EEPROM?

Different voltages must be applied to read, write, and delete the data in EEPROM. Data retention issues arise because the manufacturer only offers a ten-year data retention warranty and the used insulator is not a perfect insulator.