Kingston Technology Flash Memory Manual page 2

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1.0 Flash Memory: Empowering A New Generation of Flash
Storage Devices
Toshiba invented Flash memory in the 1980s as a new memory technology that allowed
stored data to be saved even when the memory device was disconnected from its power
source. Since then, Flash memory technology has evolved into the preferred storage media
for a variety of consumer and industrial devices.
IN coNSuMEr DEvIcES, FlASh MEMory IS wIDEly uSED IN:
• Notebook computers
• Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs)
• Global Positioning Systems (GPS)
• Solid-state music players such as
MP3 players
Flash memory is also used in many industrial applications where reliability and data retention
in power-off situations are key requirements, such as in:
• Security systems
• Embedded computers
• Networking and communication products
• Retail management products
(e.g., handheld scanners)
2.0 Flash card or uSB Flash Drive capacity
Some of a Flash storage device' s listed capacity is used for formatting and other functions
and thus is not available for data storage.
When a Flash storage device is manufactured, steps are taken to ensure that the device
operates reliably and to permit the host device (computer, digital camera, PDA, cell phone,
etc.) to access the memory cells — i.e., to store and retrieve data on the Flash storage device.
These steps — loosely called "formatting" — utilize some of the memory cells within the
device and thus reduce the capacity available for data storage by the end user.
Formatting includes the following operations:
1. Testing each memory cell in the Flash storage device.
2. Identifying all defective cells and taking steps to ensure that no data will be written
to or read from a defective cell.
kingston.com/flash
• Personal computers
• Digital cameras
• Cell phones
• Electronic musical instruments
• Television set-top boxes
• Military systems
• Solid-state disk drives
• Wireless communication devices
• Medical products
c o M M I T T E D T o M E M o r y
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