Re: Why and when flash memory is needed in embedded system?

John wrote:
Is it possible that embedded system doesn't have flash memory? If we
use flash memory in embedded system, then we don't need to use ROM, or
both? My understanding is that flash memory is similar to ROM, that
stores permanent data like boot up instructions?? Is that correct?
Please advice. thanks...


I think some form of non-volatile memory is needed in a system
of any complexity. I can picture an ASIC or CPLD that does
something useful yet has no non-volatile memory. Like a
sound effect generator, one button switches sounds, the other
button turns sound generation on.

The non-volatile memory doesn't need to be flash. It can even
be SRAM with battery backup.

Flash memory is rom, it's just programmable in circuit by
the circuit/system itself.

-Dave

--
David Ashley http://www.xdr.com/dash
Embedded linux, device drivers, system architecture
.