Flash write cycles

Discussion around the SwissMicros DM42 calculator
Dave Britten
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Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:27 pm

Flash write cycles

Post by Dave Britten »

I noticed that the manual mentions the flash chip being rated for a minimum of 100,000 write/erase cycles, and that the FAT is always stored in a static location. What actions on the calculator cause flash writes? Does this only happen when manually saving calculator state or transferring programs via USB?
Michael
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Re: Flash write cycles

Post by Michael »

Correct, write cycles only happen if you manually save state files or save program files to the FAT partition.
toml_12953
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Location: Malone, NY USA

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by toml_12953 »

Michael wrote:
Sun Dec 17, 2017 8:02 pm
Correct, write cycles only happen if you manually save state files or save program files to the FAT partition.
How about updating the firmware? Does that use a different area?
Tom L

Some people call me inept but I'm as ept as anybody!
DM10L SN: 059/100
DM41X SN: 00023 (Beta)
DM41X SN: 00506 (Shipping)
DM42 SN: 00025 (Beta)
DM42 SN: 00221 (Shipping)
WP43 SN: 00025 (Prototype)
Michael
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Re: Flash write cycles

Post by Michael »

The firmware is located in the CPU, the FAT partition is in the external QSPI flash chip.
toml_12953
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Location: Malone, NY USA

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by toml_12953 »

Michael wrote:
Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:02 pm
The firmware is located in the CPU, the FAT partition is in the external QSPI flash chip.
Good! Then you can update the firmware as often as possible! :lol:
Tom L

Some people call me inept but I'm as ept as anybody!
DM10L SN: 059/100
DM41X SN: 00023 (Beta)
DM41X SN: 00506 (Shipping)
DM42 SN: 00025 (Beta)
DM42 SN: 00221 (Shipping)
WP43 SN: 00025 (Prototype)
Dave Britten
Posts: 137
Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:27 pm

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by Dave Britten »

Ha ha, I'll be impressed if anybody needs to do over 100,000 firmware flashes.

If the FAT partition is only ever written to manually, then I don't think we'll have to worry much about wearing it out. Even saving state once every day would be a drop in the bucket.
rprosperi
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Location: New York

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by rprosperi »

Dave Britten wrote:
Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:59 pm
Ha ha, I'll be impressed if anybody needs to do over 100,000 firmware flashes.
Not me, I'd be depressed if that many updates were needed... :oops:

Personal impressions aside, it's clear internal architecture and technology planning were well thought out, as is typical from the SwissMicros team. But talented as the are, I wish they could do something about delivery times to USA... :(
--bob p

DM42: β00071 & 00282, DM41X: β00071 & 00656, DM10L: 071/100
Dave Britten
Posts: 137
Joined: Wed Jun 14, 2017 9:27 pm

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by Dave Britten »

Yeah, I'll be leaving for Florida Friday afternoon, and it's going to really be down to the wire whether or not I have the 42 to tinker with when I'm not the driver.
toml_12953
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Location: Malone, NY USA

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by toml_12953 »

rprosperi wrote:
Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:04 am
Personal impressions aside, it's clear internal architecture and technology planning were well thought out, as is typical from the SwissMicros team. But talented as the are, I wish they could do something about delivery times to USA... :(
Amen to that! I'm in the USA and waiting on my shipping version. That's not too bad, though, since I have the Beta to play with in the meantime.
Tom L

Some people call me inept but I'm as ept as anybody!
DM10L SN: 059/100
DM41X SN: 00023 (Beta)
DM41X SN: 00506 (Shipping)
DM42 SN: 00025 (Beta)
DM42 SN: 00221 (Shipping)
WP43 SN: 00025 (Prototype)
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Walter
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Location: On a mission close to DRS, Germany

Re: Flash write cycles

Post by Walter »

rprosperi wrote:
Mon Dec 18, 2017 12:04 am
I wish they could do something about delivery times to USA... :(
Look at it as "justice of international trade" - usually, we in Europe have to wait for delivery from Chin... pardon ... America first! And feel lucky that the seller is willing to ship abroad ... SCNR
WP43 SN00000, 34S, and 31S for obvious reasons; HP-35, 45, ..., 35S, 15CE, DM16L S/N# 00093, DM42β SN:00041
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