Solid-state storage trend: Because flash memory modules are nonvolatile, fast to access relative to disks, low in power, and have no moving parts, they have become feasible alternatives to magnetic disk storage. Choose the best match.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: flash memory modules

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Storage media selection balances performance, durability, power, and cost. Solid-state drives (SSDs) and embedded flash modules have transformed storage by replacing or augmenting magnetic disks in many applications, from laptops to data centers and embedded systems.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Nonvolatility: retains data without power.
  • High-speed access compared to seek/rotational delays in disks.
  • Low power and no mechanical parts increase reliability and shock tolerance.


Concept / Approach:
Flash memory modules (NAND-based SSDs, eMMC, UFS, NVMe devices) provide rapid random access and high bandwidth without moving parts. While raw latency is higher than DRAM, it is far lower than disk seek times. Thus, flash-based modules are practical disk alternatives in many systems.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Identify attributes that make an alternative feasible: nonvolatile + fast + low power + no moving parts.Match these attributes to candidate technologies.CD-ROMs are read-only and slower for random access; ROM/EPROM are not capacity- or interface-appropriate as disk replacements.Conclude flash memory modules fit all criteria.


Verification / Alternative check:
Market trends show widespread adoption of SSDs over HDDs in client devices; embedded modules replace disks in mobile and IoT platforms due to size, power, and robustness advantages.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

  • CD-ROMs: Optical, slow random access, read-only.
  • ROMs/EPROMs: Intended for firmware storage; limited rewrite cycles and interfaces.


Common Pitfalls:
Assuming flash endurance equals DRAM or ignoring wear-leveling; overlooking that flash still has write/erase constraints despite being a strong disk alternative.


Final Answer:
flash memory modules

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