[SOLVED] Writing flash memory at runtime

Hai friends,

I have used silab F300 microcontroller. I am using some parameters (project specific), those values can be finalized only after the power on. Means, the product should run at first with default values then those parameters to be saved in memory. Once if it is saved in memory, again it should not be changed until the factory (programmer) wished to. Actually i have used flash memory location to save those parameters during run time. The problem is i didnt had large space in PCB for a external memory as well as i dont want to spend a device just to store 20 or 30 bytes of datas

Of course i done it and it is working without issues. But i would like to know will it give any problem in future or is it a bad programming?



Regards,
karthikkr

the only possible problem (besides the little more complicated software implementation) might be the the endurance of the flash - you can *only* write 20000 times to the same cell (minimum value according to datasheet). if this is not a problem, like in most cases, there is nothing wrong with it.

karthikkrv85 said:

But i would like to know will it give any problem in future or is it a bad programming?

Click to expand...

If it is tested and works OK, then I can't see why having problems in the future. But yuvko gave an idea of this scenario drawbacks. This is why EEPROM is prefered for cases like that. Easier implementation and (depending on the part) approximately 10 times more write/erase cycles.

Alexandros

Thanks a lot yuvko and alexxx...

Actually in a interview i told this way of flash write and i told them it is working too... but they didn't agree and said it is impossible in run time. I told the procedures too still they didn't agree and said it will affect in long run

So i got the doubt about my programming.

dear yuvko... u r right for the life span of flash but as per my application, i do not erase and write the location more than 10 or 15 times in worst situation.

I am really thankful to you both. I was worried a lot. Now i am quite relaxed