TLC Flash (Triple-Level Cell Flash)
SearchStorage, Thursday, May 23rd, 2024
TLC flash (triple-level cell flash) is a type of NAND flash memory that stores three bits of data per cell. TLC is also known as multi-level cell-3 (MLC-3), 3-bit MLC and X3.
Common use cases for TLC flash include enterprise- and consumer-grade solid-state drives (SSDs), storage cards in digital cameras and mobile phones, and USB drives. TLC flash offers a lower price per gigabyte than single-level cell (SLC) and MLC flash that typically stores two bits of data per cell. However, it's more expensive than quad-level cell (QLC) flash, which stores four bits of data per cell.
NAND flash manufacturers commonly use TLC with 3D NAND flash, in which the memory cells are stacked vertically on the chip. The memory industry moved to 3D NAND flash as manufacturers reached the scaling limits of 2D or planar storage technology, which uses a single layer of memory cells. 3D NAND enables higher storage densities at a lower cost per bit and improves the endurance of the flash. Samsung refers to its 3D NAND as vertical NAND, or V-NAND.