Understand how to use the P/E cycles min number.

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fema_4813766
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Hi, I have a question about the maximum number of P/E cycles of a flash memory, in particular I am interested in a S25FL256L, but the question is generic. In the datasheet I read that the minimum number of P/E cycles is 100,000.

100,000 Program/Erase Cycles, minimum

The question is: are 100,000 cycles of P/E on each single device (each bit) or are 100,000 cycles of P/E in general?

Let me explain better, what I mean is: Imagine having to store only one byte, can I perform 100,000 P/E cycles on location 0x000000, then I can do another 100,000 on location 0x000001, then another 100,000 on location 0x000002 and so on, or after doing the first 100,000 on the first location the memory has finished its 100,000 P/E cycles?

Can anyone help me understand how to use the number 100,000?

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BushraH_91
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750 replies posted 50 likes received 250 solutions authored

Hello Federico,

The flash erase unit is sector. So the “100,000 Program/Erase Cycles, minimum” is for each sector in a flash device. Every erase operation on a given sector is counted as one P/E cycle for that sector.

If the application requires frequent flash erase/program operations, wear-leveling technique is suggested to avoid one specific sector end of life much earlier than the others.

Thank you

Regards,

Bushra

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BushraH_91
Moderator
Moderator
Moderator
750 replies posted 50 likes received 250 solutions authored

Hello Federico,

The flash erase unit is sector. So the “100,000 Program/Erase Cycles, minimum” is for each sector in a flash device. Every erase operation on a given sector is counted as one P/E cycle for that sector.

If the application requires frequent flash erase/program operations, wear-leveling technique is suggested to avoid one specific sector end of life much earlier than the others.

Thank you

Regards,

Bushra

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