How does a USB memory stick work?
The world's highest capacity flash drive can hold up to a terabyte of data - but how can you fit all of that information into a box the size of your thumb?
Asked by: Mark Reiderman, Belgium
The chip inside contains a grid of transistors acting like tiny switches. All data is reduced to binary 1s and 0s and one of these values is stored at each point in the memory. To store a '1', the transistor in the relevant location is switched on, allowing charge to flow through it. The transistors stay in their on or off states even with no power, so the data stays intact even when you disconnect your memory stick.
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors
Sponsored Deals
May Half Price Sale
- Save up to 52% when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology.
