Flash Technology and Flash Carriers

Flash Technology

Today flash memory is very handy to use. It is used in many electronic devices such as Ethernet adapters, cable TV set top boxes, cell phones, network routers, PCs, PDAs, and video game consoles.

Flash memory technology consists of blocks of multiple locations where data is erased and programmed. The technology features non-volatile, solid-state storage memory. Flash memory is used with digital audio players, digital cameras, mobile phones, and USB flash drives (thumb drives, handy drive).

Each flash memory cell is made up of two transistors. First transistor - 'floating gate' is separated from the second transistor - 'control gate' by a thin oxide layer. Data is stored in binary system - as one (1) and zero (0). The normal condition (free electronic flows through the gates) has a value of 1. The abnormal condition has a 0 value. Here the electrons are pushed through the thin oxide layer and are trapped on the control gate. This leads to blockage of connectivity between the two gates.

In order to return the normal condition of 1, an electric field is applied to the cell. Thus the flow of electrons is redirected to the floating gate.

Flash Carriers
Floppy Disk

Floppy Disk was one of the first flash memory devices. Today it is still used as it is the cheapest mean to transfer a small amount of data. But today only a few manufacturers produce PCs with floppy drives.

Floppy Disk uses drag-and-drop procedure for moving the files back and forth. It has a standard capacity of 1.44 Mb.

This kind of flash drives contain moving parts, which can be damaged if forced. Usually the cases for protection are provided. They say that in the nearest future floppy disks are to be withdrawn from usage.

ZIP Disks

Zip disk is similar to Floppy Disk and supports higher capacity (around 100MB). A Zip Disk requires a ZIP drive to operate. Most of the our-days computers have rather USB ports than Zip drives, thus USB Flash Drives becoming a universal mean of data storage and transfer.

There are Zip Diskettes of 750 Mb, but they are mainly used for industrial applications.

The weak spot of Zip disks is about its moving parts. This is why the disks should be protected from extremal temperatures and physical impact.

CD/DVD

CD and DVD represent optical storage devices. The data (either media, digital or text information) is burned into the disc using laser technology.

There are CDs and DVDs which can be burned only once and there also exist CDs and DVDs which are rewritable. The point is that compatibility may become an issue when you play back your disc. Writing to a CD or DVD takes more time than writting to a Flash Drive. Besides you need special software to perform the burning process.

The capacity of a CD is 700 Mb. A DVD has around 4.7 Gb. There are also double-side DVDs which have a capacity of 8.5 Gb.

CDs and DVDs are the most fragile flash memory carriers. Their surface can be damaged by scratches or even dust. Besides you can't carry it in your pocket or in your bag without a protective cover (envelop, box, or disk folder).

Optical media (CD and DVD) is better to use for archiving and long-term storage of files.

External Hard Drive

An external hard drive is also a flash technology carrier. It provides extra hard drive storage space and plugs into a computer's peripheral port. To use an External Hard Drive sometimes additional software and an external AC adapter is required.

External Hard Drives are portable devices which vary in size and shape. They are bigger than Flash Drives and not quite portable, still they have a greater storage capacity. External Hard Drives are somewhat fragile. They should be transported with care due to internal moving parts.

Flash Drive

USB Flash Drive is one of the storing means that secure and is easy to use. It plugs into a computer's USB port, usually without additional software or setup. No batteries or power cords are needed. The power is received through USB port.

USB Flash Drive is widely used with most PCs. The drive is used mainly for exchange of data, software or programs (ex: anti-virus).

These means of storage are available in a range of storage capacities, from 16 Mb up to 64 Gb (at the moment).

USB Flash Drives are designed with a durable housing and are small, lightweight and sturdy, so you can carry them on a neck-stripe, key chain, or in your pocket.

Flash Memory Cards

Flash Memory Cards work just the same as USB Flash Drives, but are designed to store digital data in digital cameras, PDAs, etc.

What makes Flash Memory Cards really handy is that they come in different formats and capacities.

It is not quite right to consider Flash Memory Card to be an external storage device, as it dependents on the host device.

Considering the above it is pretty clear that users can benefit of a wide range of flash technology devices. All of them were elaborated to fit our needs and make our life easier. Everyone knows what s/he needs, and most of us opt for newest technologies. And most of us choose USB Flash Drives!