What does FLASH mean?

[Archduke Tips]

I was cataloging ICs at work and some of them had FLASH in the description.

Does anybody have any idea what FLASH means for an IC?

One of the devices I looked at specifically that had FLASH in it's description was a PIC16F87.

I think maybe it has something to do with the amount of erase/write cycles that can be performed on the chip?

[ziggytrix]

EEPROM maybe?

[Archduke Tips]

EEPROM means Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory.

The difference between EEPROM and EPROM is that when you want to reprogram an EPROM you have to use a UV light on this little clear window dealy in the center of it, but when you want to reprogram an EEPROM all you have to do is set a jumper and it erases.

Still doesn't answer my question about FLASH.

Nice try though.

[ziggytrix]

http://www.futurlec.com/Microchip/PIC16F87.shtml

http://computer.howstuffworks.com/flash-memory1.htm


to question me is folly. i have google on my side.