I’ve been diving into the world of embedded systems lately, and one topic that’s been on my mind is the use of internal flash memory versus external solutions. Currently, we’re evaluating whether to stick with the NRF52’s internal flash or opt for an external module. While external flash does have its perks, like additional storage capacity, it comes with a bunch of drawbacks that make me hesitant. Board space is a premium, and adding another component means more costs, longer lead times, and potentially more complex software integration. Plus, there’s the matter of power consumption, which is always a hot topic in low-power devices.
On the flip side, the NRF52’s internal flash seems pretty appealing. It’s integrated right into the chip, which simplifies the design and reduces the overall footprint of the device. But I’m curious—what are the downsides? I know about the limited erase/write cycles, around 20k, which could be a concern depending on how frequently the data is being updated. I’ve also heard that it might require some software tweaks to optimize its usage. But for our use case, we only need about 70kB of storage, which seems manageable.
I’d love to hear from others who’ve worked with the NRF52’s internal flash. Have you encountered any unexpected issues? How did you handle wear leveling or data retention? Any tips on maximizing its lifespan or performance would be incredibly helpful. Let’s brainstorm together and see if we can make the most of this built-in solution!