Flash memory erase granularity: Assess the statement: "Most flash chips use a bulk (chip) erase operation in which all cells on the chip are erased simultaneously." Consider how flash is typically erased in practice.

Introduction / Context:
Nonvolatile flash memory supports erase-before-write semantics. Understanding its erase granularity is important for firmware updates, wear leveling, and file-system design. The term “bulk erase” (chip erase) exists, but typical workflows rely on smaller erase units.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Modern flash families: NOR and NAND.
• Erase granularity options: sector/block erase is common; some devices also allow chip erase.
• Real systems rarely need to erase an entire chip at once.

Concept / Approach:
Most flash chips are designed to erase data in sectors/blocks (for NOR, often called sectors; for NAND, blocks comprising many pages). A “chip erase” command may be provided, but practical use emphasizes sector/block erase to limit data loss and wear. Therefore, saying “most flash chips use bulk erase” as the normal or defining operation mischaracterizes typical usage and capability.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) NOR flash: supports sector erase (e.g., 4 KB, 64 KB) and often chip erase; code storage commonly erases sectors only.2) NAND flash: supports block erase (much larger than a page); bulk chip erase is uncommon in normal operation.3) System software performs targeted erases to update regions while preserving others.4) Hence, the statement that “most chips use bulk erase” is inaccurate.

Verification / Alternative check:
Bootloaders, flash file systems, and datasheets emphasize sector/block erase cycles, endurance per block, and bad-block management rather than routine chip-erase procedures.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” exaggerates chip-erase usage. Tying the claim to EEPROM or a single flash type ignores that both NOR and NAND depend primarily on sector/block erases in practice.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “erase” means “erase everything”; overlooking endurance implications and the need for granular updates.

Final Answer:
Incorrect