Some basic questions related to uC

[semiconductor]

It would be very kind of you to clarify the following defenitions:

- What's Flash Memory? How is it different from EEPROM?
- In MCU, Flash Memory and EEPROM are the same?
- What is ISP (In-System Programming)?
- How does ISP differ from Master-Slave Programmer (Like EZDL)?
- What are the most powerful MCU supplies over the world? I know only three: Motorola with 68K, Atmel with AT89, AT90, ATMega and MicroChip with PICMicrocontrollers?

Thank you in advance!

 

[idlebrain]

- What's Flash Memory? How is it different from EEPROM?

In general Flash memory is one type of EEPROM, which can be erased only in blocks and progreammed byte wise where as EEPROM can be erased/programmed byte wise. It is off somewhat different semiconductor technology. It is cheeper than EEPROM.

- In MCU, Flash Memory and EEPROM are the same?

Generally If MCU reffers flash and EEPROM, they are different. The flash is for program space and EEPROM for non volatile data. This data can be changed by the program.

- What is ISP (In-System Programming)?
- How does ISP differ from Master-Slave Programmer (Like EZDL)?

Generally micros can be programmed using universal programmer kit. For this purpose we need to remove the micro from the actual ciruit and connect to programmer.
ISP means in circuit programming. For this purpose some extra hardware/software
will be build in to the cuiruit to enable the programming of flash with out help of programmer. You need not remove the micro from the board.

- What are the most powerful MCU supplies over the world? I know only three: Motorola with 68K, Atmel with AT89, AT90, ATMega and MicroChip with PICMicrocontrollers?

There are somany others like ST, Hitachi,Infenion, philips,NEC, and many other.

I tried to explain in short what I now, correct me if I am wrong.

Cheers
idlebrain