The difference between Flash and EEPROM

The following aspects to introduce the difference between Flash and EEPROM:

1. Read mode

Flash and EEPROM both use random reading, which can directly access the data in the memory through the address.

2. Write mode

Flash and EEPROM are not written in the same way, EEPROM can be written in bytes, while Flash usually needs to be written in blocks.

Also, in Flash, to write a piece of data, you need to erase an entire block and then write new data to that block.

3. Erase mode

Flash and EEPROM do not erase in the same way, EEPROM can be erased by bytes, while Flash generally needs to erase by blocks.

That is to say, in Flash, to erase a data, usually need to erase a whole block, and then the block needs to be retained in the data write again, more trouble than EEPROM operation.

4. Erase speed

The erasure speed of EEPROM is much slower than Flash, and the erasure speed can be affected by many factors, including the memory model used, the type of interface used, the amount of data written and erased, the chip temperature, and so on.

5. Storage density

Flash has a higher storage density than EEPROM and can store more data.

6. Longevity

The life span of Flash and EEPROM depends on the usage mode, application scenario, and so on.

In general, EEPROM may last a little longer because it can write and erase individual byte units, whereas Flash needs to erase entire pages or sectors.

This means that EEPROM can manage memory more flexibly and reduce the number of erases to memory cells.

However, this does not mean that EEPROM will last longer in all cases.

Step 7: Price

Flash is cheaper than EEPROM.

8. Different communication interfaces

Flash many use SPI protocol interface, EEPROM many are IIC protocol interface.

9. Data protection methods

Flash has hardware and software protection functions, whereas EEPROM only has software protection functions.

10. Final summary

Flash is more suitable for storing code and constants, that is, scenarios that do not require frequent updates and have a large amount of data, such as audio data, picture data, programs, and so on.

EEPROM is suitable for storing frequently updated data with a small amount of data, such as system parameter configuration.