Articles by subject: Author: Edouard Haas

Making Sense of Flash File System Performances

Edouard Haas September 20, 2023

In this particular article, we show how the maximum average write throughput on a given flash device varies with the amount of stored data. We provide a simple performance model that can be used for setting realistic performance expectations, comparing file system performances, and questioning application requirements with minimal assumptions regarding the actual workload or file system implementation.

5 Things to Consider When Choosing an Embedded File System

Edouard Haas March 14, 2023

In this article, we cover five aspects of embedded file systems that you should have in mind when deciding which one to choose, five essentials that you can’t ignore. This is by no means a complete guide to embedded file systems but it covers enough to avoid common mistakes, particularly among application engineers who have little prior experience with embedded file systems.

Everspin MRAM Performance Benchmark Comparison

Edouard Haas November 7, 2022

For this article, we look at Everspin’s EM064LX in the context of data storage applications, focusing on access speed metrics, that is average throughput and worst-case access latency. For context, we compare MRAM performances with NOR and NAND flash using a simple benchmark and discuss the implications of the obtained results from an application design standpoint.

First Look at Everspin’s New xSPI STT-MRAM Lineup

Edouard Haas May 2, 2022

In this article, we take a closer look at this promising new offering, focusing on differentiating factors compared to existing flash-based devices and previous MRAM implementations. We present 4 use case scenarios to illustrate how we believe the EMxxLX xSPI family can compete with current flash-based solutions and how it really changes the game for us embedded designers.

Finding Flash a Successor

Edouard Haas March 31, 2022

This article is all about emerging non-volatile (NVM) technologies, a complex and ever-evolving topic that has stimulated numerous research fields over the years, and engaged substantial investments from the biggest players in the semiconductor industry. The topic is also quickly gaining momentum among embedded developers.

Uncovering SD card Performances using Bare-Metal Benchmarks

Edouard Haas October 24, 2021

In this article, we present a detailed discussion of SD card performances along with benchmarks for consumer and industrial-grade cards. The results help quantify the large variations in performance between individual devices and their impact on real-world performance.

The Case for QSPI NAND in Deeply (And Not So Deeply) Embedded Applications

Edouard Haas September 30, 2020

QSPI NAND is a memory technology specifically designed as a direct alternative to its popular cousin, QSPI NOR. But what exactly is QSPI NAND? How does it compare to QSPI NOR? How does it compare to parallel NAND? This is what this article is all about.

NOR vs NAND: So You Think You Know the Music?

Edouard Haas April 21, 2020

In-depth comparison between NOR and NAND covering aspects of NOR and NAND flash technologies that, in our view, are too often ignored including the impact of the application requirements on the choice of Flash technology.

Road leading to an SD Card shaped sunrise.

Managed vs Unmanaged: The Many Roads to Flash Storage

Edouard Haas March 26, 2020

Let’s explore and compare two different paradigms of flash management commonly used throughout the industry: managed flash and unmanaged flash. Managed flash devices include SD cards, USB flash drives, eMMC and UFS modules — also SSDs, but those are less often seen in embedded systems. These are all NAND-based devices.

Taming the Flash Beast

Edouard Haas February 26, 2020

This article is the first of an introduction series about flash memory with a focus on embedded systems. A high-level introduction shall we say. Not the kind that takes you straight to the electron and drags you through the depths of quantum physics. No. The purpose of this series is to provide useful information from