3 ms·
Flash must be erased on a page boundary, the size of which varies, but ranges from 512 bytes up. The act of erasing a flash page turns all bits to 1s (0xFF for
by planteen 8y ago
Flash must be erased on a page boundary, the size of which varies, but ranges from 512 bytes up. The act of erasing a flash page turns all bits to 1s (0xFF for the entire page). When the flash IC breaks, you can usually tell by doing a blank check after erasing. Instead of being 0xFF all over, some bits will be "stuck" to 0. A common reason for a discrete IC flash part wearing out is that charge pumps are used to raise a low voltage like 3.3 V to 12-15 V which is required for erasing. These charge pumps are touchy and can die first, from what I have heard.