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MaxLoader User’s Guide
112
Why NAND Flash
NAND-based flash is a low-cost high-capacity memory technology commonly
used in large data applications such as digital cameras, 3G cell phones, PDAs,
etc. In addition to using this data storage capability, manufacturers have found
it beneficial in many cases to program code into NAND flash devices.
Embedded and mobile systems are increasingly using NAND flash for storage
because it has various advantages over other storage technologies. As always
though, life is a compromise and those advantages come with some limitations
that need to be addressed to provide a robust flash file system.
Hard disks are not a viable storage option for many embedded and handheld
systems because they are too big, too fragile and use too much power
Major difference is that NAND is shipped with marked bad blocks on the
device, while NOR chips are shipped defect free. Thus, one expects to
encounter some failures in NAND and should design accordingly.
How to Program NAND Flash
Since all Nand Flash contains BAD Block, NAND Flash developer should
know:
• What is the input parameter of ROM writer for supporting the pre-
programming in NAND flash memory
• Master image file.
• The number of NAND flash memory blocks. Refer to NAND flash memory
specification.
• The number of Reservoir blocks in NAND flash memory.(Refer to GBBM
specification.)
GBBM (Global Bad Block Management) manages the bad blocks of the whole
NAND flash memory.