Flash memory?

Question

How does it work? How can data be stored on a chip? When you unplug...lets say a flash drive how does the data stay stored on it?

Answer 1

Flash memory is non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed. It is a technology that is primarily used in memory cards and USB flash drives for general storage and transfer of data between computers and other digital products. It is a specific type of EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) that is erased and programmed in large blocks; in early flash the entire chip had to be erased at once.

Flash memory is non-volatile, which means that no power is needed to maintain the information stored in the chip. In addition, flash memory offers fast read access times (although not as fast as volatile DRAM memory used for main memory in PCs) and better kinetic shock resistance than hard disks. These characteristics explain the popularity of flash memory in portable devices. Another feature of flash memory is that when packaged in a "memory card," it is enormously durable, being able to withstand intense pressure, extremes of temperature, and even immersion in water.

check the following sources for in-depth details:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flash_memor...

http://www.howstuffworks.com/flash-memor...

http://www.explainthatstuff.com/flashmem...

Answer 2

Flash memory cannot store memory without maintaining a charge. All those little flash drives people carry around have little batteries in them so they can retain their data.