What even is an USB stick?

We all use them, but do we even know how it works? Basically, USB is a small electronic device that stores data. It serves exactly the same purpose as serving floppy disks, CDs, or DVDs, which are slowly disappering, as USB stick allows for faster data transfer, more than 1000-times overwriting and much larger memory capacity in a very small and portable format.

Usb sticks (or USB flash drive, this is the second term we often find) were invented in 1999, and the first commercial models came to the market in 2000. The first models had small capacities, from only 8MB to 32MB, which compared to today's models that can handle up to 512 GB or even 1 TB looks like a drop in the ocean. At the same time, the speed of data transfer is also increased, and from there, different generations - USB 1.0, USB 2.0, which is the current standard, and USB 3.0 - are slowly gaining ground.

How is an USB stick assembled?

Usual USB stick is made up of a USB connector that is attached to the memory circuit. It combines old and new technologies - a memory part (usually EPROM or EEPROM chips) with a microprocessor. The connector is usually Standard A USB - a classic, flat connector. Some models (including our Twister Mobile) can also have other connectors, such as Micro USB, which also allows you to connect to other devices. 

And of course there is the third part, which is the most important for personalization and promotional purposes - the case. The circuit and connector can be installed in practically any enclosure that can be shaped entirely to your liking or personalized with one of our methods of finishing. We know a lot of classic shapes like Twister or USB with a cap, or for example USB sticks that close in different ways. The casing can be plastic, metal, wood, or environmentally friendly material ... The limit is your imagination!