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Non Volatile Memory
Non Volatile Memory
Non Volatile Memory
WilliamsKilburn tube (194647) Delay line memory (1947) Selectron tube (1953) Dekatron Non-volatile ROM
CBRAM SONOS RRAM Racetrack memory NRAM Millipede memory FJG Historical
Paper data storage (1725) Drum memory (1932) Magnetic-core memory (1949)
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Non-volatile memory, nonvolatile memory, NVM or non-volatile storage is computer memory that can get back stored information even when not powered. Examples of non-volatile memory include read-only memory, flash memory, ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), most types of magnetic computer storage devices (e.g. hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape), optical discs, and early computer storage methods such as paper tape and punched cards. Non-volatile memory is typically used for the task of secondary storage, or long-term persistent storage. The most widely used form of primary storage today is a volatile form of random access memory (RAM), meaning that when the computer is shut down, anything contained in RAM is lost. Unfortunately, most forms of non-volatile memory have limitations that make them unsuitable for use as primary storage. Typically, non-volatile memory either costs more or has a poorer performance than volatile random access memory. Several companies are working on developing non-volatile memory systems comparable in speed and capacity to volatile RAM. IBM is currently developing MRAM (Magnetoresistive RAM). Not only would such technology save energy, but it would allow for computers that could be turned on and off almost instantly, bypassing the slow start-up and shutdown sequence. In addition, Ramtron International has developed, produced, and licensed ferroelectric RAM (F-RAM), a technology that offers distinct properties from other nonvolatile memory options, including extremely high endurance (exceeding 1016 for 3.3V devices), ultra low power consumption (since F-RAM does not require a charge pump like other non-volatile memories), single-cycle write speeds, and gamma radiation tolerance. Other companies that have licensed and produced F-RAM technology include Texas Instruments, Rohm, and Fujitsu. Non-volatile data storage can be categorized in electrically addressed systems (read-only memory) and mechanically addressed systems (hard disks, optical disc, magnetic tape, holographic memory, and such). Electrically addressed systems are expensive, but fast, whereas mechanically addressed systems have a low price per bit, but are slow. Non-volatile memory may one day eliminate the need for comparatively slow forms of secondary storage systems, which include hard disks.
Electrically addressed
Electrically addressed semiconductor non-volatile memories can be categorized according to their write mechanism. Mask ROMs are factory programmable only, and typically used for large-volume products not required to be updated after manufacture. Programmable read-only memory can be altered after manufacture, but require a special programmer and usually cannot be programmed while in the target system. The programming is permanent and further changes require replacement of the device. Data is stored by physically altering (burning) storage sites in the device.
Read-mostly devices
An EPROM is an erasable ROM that can be changed more than once. However, writing new data to an EPROM requires a special programmer circuit. EPROMs have a quartz window that allows them to be erased with ultraviolet light, but the whole device is cleared at one time. A one-time programmable (OTP) device uses an EPROM chip but omits the quartz window in the package; this is less costly to manufacture. An electrically erasable programmable read-only memory EEPROM uses electrical signals to erase memory. These erasable memory devices require much time to erase data and to write new data; they are not usually configured to be programmed by the processor of the target system. Data is stored by use of floating gate transistors which require special operating voltages to be applied to trap or release electric charge on an insulated control gate for storage sites.
Flash memory
The flash memory chip is a close relative to the EEPROM; it differs in that it can only erase one block or "page" at a time. It is a solid-state chip that maintains stored data without any external power source.[1] Capacity is substantially larger than that of an EEPROM, making these chips a popular choice for digital cameras and desktop PC BIOS chips. Flash memory devices use two different logical technologiesNOR and NANDto map data. NOR flash provides high-speed random access, reading and writing data in specific memory locations; it can retrieve as little as a single byte. NAND flash reads and writes sequentially at high speed, handling data in small blocks called pages, however it is slower on read when compared to NOR. NAND flash reads faster than it writes, quickly transferring whole pages of data. Less expensive than NOR flash at high densities, NAND technology offers higher capacity for the same-size silicon. Page 2 of 4
Organic
There are polymer printed ferroelectric memory. Thin Film Electronics ("Thinfilm") produces rewriteable non-volatile organic memory based on ferroelectric polymers. Thinfilm successfully demonstrated roll-to-roll printed memories in 2009.[3][4][5] In Thinfilm's organic memory the ferroelectric polymer is sandwiched between two sets of electrodes in a passive matrix. Each crossing of metal lines is a ferroelectric capacitor and defines a memory cell. This gives a non-volatile memory comparable to ferroelectric RAM technologies and offer the same functionality as flash memory.
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Specifications
Specification (March 2007) Device model 2.5" HDD 1" microdrive Flash memory Optical disc Blu-ray Tape MRAM
HP Ultrium Everspin (formerly of [8] 960 Freescale Semiconductor) [9] MR2A16A 0.047 400 0.075 0.0021 0.004 35000
Density (GBit/cm2) Capacity (GByte) Price per bit (Eur/GByte) Price per unit (Eur) Price per medium (Eur) (For removables) Data rate (Mbit/s) Access time (ms) (Average/typical)
6.7 2 6.0
3.8 50 1.25
110 nd
87 nd
14 nd
635 40
2340 30
17.4 nd
540 11
80 12
23 0.025
144 180
640 72000
436 1.000035
0.6
0.1
25
20
0.08
0.5x3x4
0.1x1.2x2
4x15x19
2x10x10
0.1x1x1.8
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