The metal part of a flash drive that is inserted into a USB port is commonly called the USB connector or USB plug. It contains the physical contacts that allow the flash drive to communicate with the computer or device it is plugged into.
Quick Answer
The metal part of a flash drive is called a USB connector or USB plug.
What is a Flash Drive?
A flash drive, also known as a USB drive, USB stick, or thumb drive, is a small storage device that uses flash memory and a USB connector to store and transfer data between computers and other devices. The main components of a flash drive are:
- USB connector – the metal plug that is inserted into a USB port.
- Flash memory – the data storage component made of NAND flash memory chips.
- Controller – the component that manages the flash memory and interfaces with the USB connector.
- Housing – the plastic casing enclosing the electronics.
The USB connector allows the flash drive to interface with the USB port on a computer or device so that the files stored on the flash memory chips can be accessed. When the flash drive is plugged into a USB port, it appears as an external storage device to the operating system.
USB Connector Design
The USB connector on a flash drive consists of a metal plug molded into the plastic housing. The size and shape of the connector matches the standard USB specifications so that it can fit into any USB port or socket. The main design elements of a USB connector include:
- USB contacts – These metal pins or pads make the physical electrical connections for transferring data and power.
- Metal shielding – Surrounds the contacts to reduce electromagnetic interference.
- Connector tongue – The flat metal tab that holds the contacts and slides into the USB port.
- Housing – Molded plastic enclosure around the metal parts for protection and grip.
The USB connector tongue slides into the port, and the metal contacts align with the contacts inside the USB socket to make the connection. The number of contacts can vary based on the type of USB connector, with standard designs having either 4 pins for USB 2.0 or 9 pins for USB 3.0 connectors.
Common USB Connector Types
There are several common types of USB connectors used on flash drives and other USB devices:
- USB-A – Rectangular connector with a flat rectangular tongue. This is the standard connector found on USB cables, computer ports, hubs, and many flash drives.
- USB-B – Squarish connector often used with USB printers and scanners. Not commonly found on flash drives.
- Mini-USB – Smaller version of USB-B commonly used on older cell phones and digital cameras.
- Micro-USB – Even smaller design used on recent cell phones, cameras, and some smaller flash drives.
- USB-C – Newer slim oval-shaped connector for both hosts and devices. Found on newer smartphones and electronics.
Of these, the rectangular USB-A connector is the oldest and most widely used USB connector for flash drives and computer connections. However, smaller connectors like micro-USB and USB-C have become more popular for smaller, portable devices.
Flash Drive Cap Design
Flash drives have a cap that protects the USB connector when not in use and prevents damage or buildup on the contacts. The cap snaps or slides over the connector tongue to cover it completely. Common flash drive cap designs include:
- Sliding cap – A sleeve that slides along the flash drive housing to expose or cover the connector.
- Swivel cap – Rotates on a pivot pin to open and close over the connector.
- Retractable cap – Integrated cap slides back into the housing to expose connector.
- Rotating cap – Whole connector housing rotates with the cap to hide or reveal connector.
- Flip-top cap – Hinged lid that flips open to expose connector.
The cap design is an important functional part of the flash drive, keeping the contacts clean and preventing damage when not in use. The cap also contains the branding and logo that identifies the flash drive manufacturer or brand.
USB Connector Contacts
The metal contacts on the USB connector are the essential functional component that enables the communication between the flash drive and computer. The number and layout of the contacts is determined by the USB technical standards.
USB 2.0 Connectors
Standard USB 2.0 connectors have four pins or contacts:
- VCC – +5 volt power supply
- D- – Data –
- D+ – Data +
- GND – Ground
The outer shielding provides grounding and reduces electromagnetic noise on the data lines. When plugged in, these contacts align and connect to the corresponding contacts in the USB port, allowing for 5 volt power delivery and differential data transmission over the two data lines.
USB 3.0 Connectors
USB 3.0 connectors contain additional contacts to enable the higher speeds provided by USB 3.0 while remaining backwards compatible with USB 2.0. The contact pins are:
- VBUS – Power (+5V)
- D-
- D+
- GND – Ground
- StdA_SSRX-
- StdA_SSRX+
- GND_DRAIN
- StdA_SSTX-
- StdA_SSTX+
The first four pins are the standard USB 2.0 contacts. The additional five pins provide receive and transmit channels for the higher speed USB 3.0 bus. The connectors are designed so that a USB 3.0 connector can also accept a USB 2.0 connector, providing backwards compatibility.
USB Connector Durability
The USB connector is designed to withstand repeated insertion and removal and continuous usage. However, there are limits to its durability and things that can damage the contacts.
- The connector tongue is sturdy but can be bent or broken if too much force is used to insert it.
- The contacts may be scraped or scratched if the connector is inserted improperly.
- Dust, dirt, and liquids can corrode or coat the contacts affecting electrical connectivity.
- Heat or physical damage can crack or melt the plastic housing.
Carefully inserting the connector straight into the port without excessive force limits the risk of damage. The connector housing and contacts are made from durable metals designed for repeated usage cycles over years of use. But abuse or improper usage can eventually damage the connector resulting in connection issues.
Identification and Symbols
To indicate the USB connector orientation and type, flash drives will often have symbols or identification molded onto the connector housing. Some common marks include:
- Up arrow – Indicates the top or correct insertion orientation.
- USB trident logo – Indicates a USB device.
- USB 3.0 SS symbol – Designates a SuperSpeed USB 3.0 device.
- Manufacturer logo – Branding indicator.
The flash drive circuit board underlying the USB connector will also contain important identifying information like model numbers, storage capacity, compliance logos, copyright data, and serial numbers. This helps identify the device and aids in troubleshooting.
Connector Types by Device
| Device | USB Connector Type |
|---|---|
| Flash drive | USB-A, Micro-USB |
| External hard drive | USB-A, Micro-USB, USB-C |
| Computer/Laptop | USB-A |
| Smartphone | Micro-USB, USB-C |
| Tablet | Micro-USB, USB-C |
| Digital camera | Mini-USB, Micro-USB, USB-C |
| Printer | USB-B |
| Game controller | USB-A, Micro-USB |
As shown in the table, USB-A is used primarily as the host connector on computers and hubs while smaller connectors like micro-USB and USB-C are used on portable devices. Some devices like external hard drives and game controllers can have either USB-A or micro-USB connectors. Printers, scanners, and older phones tend to use the older, squarish USB-B shape.
Conclusion
In summary, the metal part of a flash drive is called a USB connector or USB plug. It is made up of a plastic housing enclosing metal contacts and a connector tongue. The contacts align with the USB port to allow data transfer and power delivery. USB connectors come in various standard shapes and sizes depending on factors like speed, compatibility, size of device, and intended host or device role. By understanding the parts and types of USB connectors, you can ensure compatibility and proper use of flash drives and other USB devices.
