Slightly OT:
For those out there who don't really understand how Flash memory works or how it will compete with Clik! I've pulled this letter from a company that makes software to utilize flash. In my mind the only drawback to flash is cost. As we all know, memory costs are dropping daily. If flash continues to evolve I can't really see how Clik! can compete.
Thank you for the inquiry to Datalight.
In regard to your question on the comparison between FlashFX and MicroOS, an
operating system made by e.Digital: FlashFX is not an operating system, it is the
software which, once loaded onto the target system, makes flash arrays appear as a
disk to the operating system. I have attached a data sheet on FlashFX for your
convenience.
We provide embedded system software to Intel for their 386, 486 and Pentium
chipsets. We are under NDA, as you probably can imagine, so more detail can only be
given with proper authorization.
Please let us know if or how I can be of further assistance.
Laurie Walker
Inside Sales Associate
Datalight, Inc.
18810 - 59th Ave. NE
Arlington, WA 98223
(360) 435-8086 ext. 133 office
(360) 435-0253 fax
lauriew@datalight.com"
"The unique characteristics of flash memory make it ideally suited for embedded
systems. Flash memory is non-volatile, has low power requirements and a rugged
nature, making it superior to standard hard disks for embedded system applications. A
single flash memory device can serve as ROM for the storage of code and also as a
disk drive for the storage of data.
The characteristics of flash memory also require a significant level of software support.
FlashFX provides this software which, once loaded in the target system, makes flash
arrays appear as disk drives to the operating system and applications. These drives are
appropriately referred to as flash disks. In short, FlashFX allows you to use a flash
array as if it were a standard disk. Applications use normal operating system calls to
read and write data to and from the flash disk. Advanced features provided by
FlashFX, such as wear-leveling, garbage collection, and programming algorithms are
transparent to applications and operating systems using the flash disk.
FlashFX 4.0 . . .
? FlashFX uses a patented technology called Variable Block Flash (VBF) format to
access data in flash memory more efficiently than existing solutions. VBF is the format
previously used by CardTrick v3.01 and FlashFX features a number of enhancements.
? FlashFX uses optimum wear leveling to extend the life of the flash disk. This
wear-leveling algorithm ensures that all erase zones are used evenly across the entire
flash disk. Wear leveling takes place even in extreme cases where large portions of the
flash, used for long-term storage, are not erased on a regular basis. Wear leveling can
significantly extend the useable life of a flash array.
? FlashFX includes additional source code and documentation necessary to integrate
into a wide range of hardware environments.
? FlashFX allows the flash array to be paged into system address space, accessed
through a small I/O address, or mapped entirely into the CPU's address space.
? FlashFX can be configured to execute from ROM, using as little as 7KB of RAM and
9KB of ROM.
? FlashFX, through the fault tolerant VBF format, provides a high level of data
protection through automated write-interruption recovery. This protects the low-level
data structures to avoid losing data in harsh environments where power interruptions are
common.
? FlashFX allows hard and floppy disk drive emulation via the PC AT x86 BIOS
extension. Source code for an interrupt 13h interface is provided for easy customization
and high compatibility with ROM BIOS.
? FlashFX supports flash arrays of up to 2GB. Only 16 bytes of RAM space is needed
for each megabyte of flash memory.
? FlashFX includes source code and support for many flash memory devices.
? FlashFX includes programming algorithms for common flash parts from Intel and
AMD.
FlashFX for Windows® CE
With the FlashFX Porting Kit, FlashFX is portable to any microprocessor supported by
Windows CE. While Windows CE provides software drivers for a third party hardware
solution, Datalight's FlashFX allows the flexibility to select an optimum flash solution at
the most competitive price, rather than being tied to a single source for flash hardware.
FlashFX is written entirely in portable ANSI C code, and all code that may require
modification is clearly designated.
Wear leveling algorithms included in FlashFX, assure even usage of flash parts,
maximizing flash longevity. Reduced code and data requirements provide more flash
memory and RAM for your applications and data storage. FlashFX is a fault tolerant
system which prevents data corruption if a battery fails, a power cord is disconnected or
the flash media is removed while writing data.
FlashFX uses a patented technology called Variable Block Flash format (VBF). While
the minimum sector size (granularity) that can be allocated varies from 512 bytes down
to 64 bytes, VBF can allocate data blocks of up to 64KB. This means that performance
is enhanced significantly due to better use of resources for tracking data.
FlashFX for Windows CE:
? Provides the most reliable solution
? Provides a high level of fault tolerance
? Includes true wear leveling
? Is the fastest flash file system
? Includes patented VBF format
? Includes 100% portable ANSI C code
? Includes full source code
? Means low cost license fees
? Is easily customized
? Supports common NOR, NAND and AND parts
? Supports Windows CE 2.0 and 2.10
About the FlashFX Software Development Kit
A Software Development Kit is available for FlashFX that allows configuration to a
wide range of x86 target systems. These systems can run the DOS or QNX operating
systems and x86-compatible CPUs, or several Windows CE target platforms. The
SDK includes:
? Minimal source code needed for configuration to target environments.
? Tools to aid in development and manufacturing of flash disks.
? Microsoft® Windows CE, Borland®, and Watcom® libraries.
? Source code of algorithms for numerous flash parts from AMD, Intel, and others.
? Printed and bound User's Guide.
? Library files for DOS x86 and QNX environments.
? An enhanced formatter with auto detection of bad blocks and allocation of extra spare
blocks.
? Sample code to build new FlashFX configurations.
? Tools to build BIOS extensions and DOS, QNX, and Windows CE device drivers.
About the FlashFX Porting Kit
A Porting Kit is also available for FlashFX, making it portable to other operating
systems and CPU families. FlashFX is written entirely in ANSI ‘C' for portability. The
Porting Kit includes:
? Printed and bound User's Guide.
? Full source code in ANSI C.
? Instructions for porting FlashFX to non-supported operating systems and CPUs.
? Tools to aid in development and manufacturing of flash disks.
? Support for Microsoft Windows CE.
? Modifiable code for configuration to target systems.
? Sample code showing usage of the FlashFX API."
Datalight is a registered trademark of Datalight, Inc. FlashFX Pat. 5,860,082 1/12/99.
Microsoft and Windows CE are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All
other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.
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