Multi-level cell (MLC)
NAND flash that stores two bits per cell by using four distinct charge levels per floating gate.
In engineering usage, MLC means two bits per NAND cell (four voltage levels). Colloquial marketing sometimes says “MLC” for any multi-bit flash including TLC and QLC—this glossary uses the 2-bit sense. 2-bit MLC sat historically between SLC endurance/performance and TLC density/cost; planar and early 3D products shipped distinct MLC SKUs. Today retail client SSDs are dominated by TLC and QLC; 2-bit MLC persists mainly in industrial and specialty qualifications. Always verify datasheet bits-per-cell when someone claims an “MLC SSD” in 2020s procurement language.
Relations
- related
- slc, tlc, qlc, nand-flash
- supersedes
- slc
- superseded by
- tlc