What type of memory do flash drives use?

Flash drives use a type of memory known as EEPROM, which stands for Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory. This technology allows data to be written and erased electronically, making it ideal for reuse and storage in portable devices like flash drives.

EEPROM is non-volatile, meaning it retains the information stored even when the power is turned off, which is crucial for data storage solutions that need to maintain data integrity over time. Flash memory, a subtype of EEPROM, is specifically optimized for high-speed writing and erasing, enabling the rapid data access that users expect from flash drives.

Other options do not accurately represent the technology used in flash drives. For instance, RAM (Random Access Memory) is volatile memory used for temporary data storage while a device is powered on, but it does not retain information without power. SATA (Serial ATA) refers to an interface standard for connecting storage devices rather than a type of memory. Flash Cache is typically a term used to describe a specific type of memory used to enhance the speed of data access in certain systems but does not apply directly to the technology behind flash drives.