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Differences between SPI EEPROMs & SPI Flash memory

In embedded systems, a memory device is a physical device that can store data that can be used to communicate or perform a specific function. Memory devices can be interconnected using several different serial protocols, including SPI or Serial Peripheral Interface. There are several different types of SPI memory devices used in embedded systems, including flash memory and EEPROMs. In this article, we will provide a background on their relationship and a comparison between the two.

Differences between Flash Memory and EEPROM

SPI flash memory and EEPROMs are both considered non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory means that the device is able to retain data without requiring a constant power supply, allowing devices to store information even when powered off. They are both electronically writable and erasable memories and are microcontroller-based applications, meaning they are used either on-chip or off-chip to store information.

While flash memory and EEPROM devices are both capable of storing information used in embedded devices, their architecture and operations for reading, writing and erasing data differ slightly.

EEPROM stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory,

is a type of memory in which data is read, written, and erased at the byte level. Flash memory, on the other hand, which is a type of EEPROM, is architecturally arranged in blocks where data is erased at the block level and can be read or written at the byte level.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using flash memory versus EEPROM?

There are several advantages and disadvantages to using either flash memory or EEPROM devices:

Because EEPROMs perform their erase functions on a byte-by-byte basis, it increases the time required to erase and edit the device, but it allows developers to edit specific parts as needed. Flash memories are capable of erasing the device in large chunks of data, which greatly improves erase speed and allows the device to store information more compactly. However, it also loses the ability to edit specific bytes, forcing the developer to rewrite entire blocks of data when changes are made.

Running a series of erase and write cycles on a memory device causes it to degrade over time. One of the advantages of using EEPROMs is their improved lifetime. EEPROMs are capable of up to 1,000,000 erase/write cycles during their lifetime. Depending on the type of flash memory, flash devices have a shorter lifespan, with most flash products being able to withstand approximately 10,000 to 1,000,000 erase/write cycles before wear and tear begins to compromise the integrity of the memory.

In addition, flash memory has a smaller memory cell size than EEPROM in terms of size and cost, and is cheaper to implement.

SPI Flash & EEPROM Applications

SPI flash memory, also known as flash memory, has become widely used in the embedded industry and is commonly used for storage and data transfer in portable devices. Common devices include phones, tablets, and media players, as well as industrial devices such as security systems and medical products. Flash memory is particularly useful for static data applications such as USB flash drives.

EEPROMs are also very common in embedded applications and are often used to store minimal amounts of data in computer and electronic systems and devices.

Types of EEPROM and Flash memory

There are different types of EEPROM and flash memory. EEPROMs support both serial and parallel access. Serial EEPROMs are connected via serial protocols like I2C or SPI. For this reason, they have a limited number of pins and can operate over a minimal number of lines - typically two to four.

Parallel EEPROMs are connected to an 8-bit bus via parallel communications and require additional pins to operate - typically up to 28 to 32. While parallel EEPROMs operate faster than serial EEPROMs, serial EEPROMs, including SPI and I2C EEPROMs, are preferred due to their simplicity and the widespread use of I2C and SPI in many devices.

There are also several types of flash memory, with NAND and NOR flash being the most common. Both NOR and NAND flash offer different advantages for specific applications. NOR flash offers faster read speeds and random access capabilities, while NAND flash is more suited for fast data write and erase. NAND flash is more commonly used compared to NOR flash because it is optimized for high-density storage and can achieve a smaller chip size and lower cost per bit since it does not have random access capabilities.

Tools for SPI Flash Memory and EEPROM Devices 

Total Phase offers several host adapter tools that support reading, writing, erasing and verifying SPI-based flash memory and EEPROM devices. Depending on speed and application, embedded system engineers can use the Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter, the Cheetah SPI Host Adapter or the Promira Serial Platform to interface to such memory devices.

Flash Center Software
Flash Center Software
TP201310
Flash Center software allows for easy programming and adding memory ICs.

€0.00*
Cheetah SPI Host Adaptercheetah-Pin-belegung
Cheetah SPI Host Adapter
TP280121
The Cheetah SPI Host Adapter is a high-speed SPI adapter that is capable of communicating over SPI at up to 40+ MHz.

€395.00*
Aardvark I2C/SPI Host AdapterAardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter
Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter
TP240141
Erase, program, verify Memory Devices - The Aardvark I2C/SPI Host Adapter is a fast and powerful I2C bus and SPI bus host adapter through USB.

€309.00*
Promira I2C/ SPI/ eSPI Platform
TP500110-S
Promira is a universal hardware platform usable for a variety of applications, like I2C, SPI and eSPI.

Variants from €900.00*
€1,060.00*