NOR

/nɔːr/

n. “The flash memory that’s built for speed and direct access.”

NOR is a type of non-volatile flash memory distinguished by its ability to provide fast random access to individual memory locations. The name comes from the “NOT OR” logic gate that forms its underlying architecture. NOR flash is commonly used in embedded systems, firmware storage, and applications where code must be executed directly from memory, known as XIP (eXecute In Place).

Key characteristics of NOR include:

NAND

/nænd/

n. “The flash memory building block that stores bits without power.”

NAND is a type of non-volatile flash memory commonly used in SSD drives, USB drives, memory cards, and embedded storage. The term comes from the logic gate “NOT AND,” which forms the basis of its internal architecture. NAND memory retains data even when the power is turned off, making it ideal for persistent storage in modern electronics.

Key characteristics of NAND include: