WHAT IS A FLASH DRIVE?
A USB flash drive is a data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated USB interface. It is typically removable, rewritable and much smaller than an optical disc. USB flash drives are often used for storage, data back-up and transferring of computer files. Compared with floppy disks or CDs, they are smaller, faster, have significantly more capacity, and are more durable due to a lack of moving parts.
MANUFACTURING PROCESS
Components of a USB drive
Board: The board is the exoskeleton of the USB drive. Holds all the internal components including the USB connector. The board is also what physically allows you to transfer information and data from a USB drive to an external device. The board and plug are interchangeable.
NAND Flash Memory Storage Chip: The flash memory storage chip is where all the information, files, and documents are stored. AS USB’s capacity is determined by how much memory the memory chip can store
Controller chip: The controller chip is the most important component of a flash drive. It is essentially the “brain” of the flash drive because its job is to retrieve information
Capacitor: A capacitor is an electrical component used in many electrical devices that store charge. It is very similar to a battery; however, capacitors use the electric charge for a different purpose.
Crystal Oscillator: A crystal oscillator is an electronic oscillator that utilizes a crystal to create an electric signal with a high-precision frequency
Case: The case of a USB is the material that gives the USB a unique look
Embodied Energy Step 1: Acquiring Materials for Production
Silicon (converted from silica in a coal furnace) – The varied amount of energy from coal (coal has an energy content of coal – 6.150kWh/ton) due to the amount heated.
Aluminium – Bulldozers (1864 to 2722kW) and dynamite (2723 Joules/g) and heated with coal
Copper – open-pit mining, smelted (use of coal)
Stainless steel – melting steel for 8 to 12 hours (melting point =2500F)
Quartz – Bulldozers and backhoes, sometimes dynamic
Embodied Energy Step 2: Production
Standard USB plug – energy information not found, but assuming not much
USB Mass storage controller – specifics not found
NAND Flash drive-specifics not found
Capacitor – mass-produced and simple design; assuming not too much energy required
Crystal oscillator – specifics not found
Case – use of aluminium (melted and moulded) ore petroleum byproducts(cheap)
Embodied Energy Step 3: Shipping and Transportation
Fuels and energy sources required to move a certain distance
Finding the exact path is near impossible because USB’s are made all over the world and go so many different places
Trucks (Semi-trucks) – Diesel fuel (32-40 MJ/L) at -6mpg; about 532.8 megajoules per tank of diesel
Boats (cargo ships) – Diesel fuel (32-40 MJ/L) at 20 to 25 knots (37-46.3 km/h)
Aeroplanes – Jet fuel (43 to 48 MJ/kg) with a large tank having a fuel capacity of 2.0104 x 10^4 litres
Embodied Energy Step 4: Usage under Consumers
As a USB doesn’t use power while it’s plugged it uses a certain amount of power whenever it plugged into a computer outlet
How many times a USB has been tested to work in the modern age (how many file transfers can one withstand)
Increases power use of a computer by only a few watts (varies depending on what the USB is plugged into and whether)
USB sold on storage capabilities, not energy usage because is insignificant
Embodied Energy Step 5: Recycling process
Few components can be reused due to the continued production of electronics with needs for the same basic components and materials
No information was found, but can assume is not a lot as it only has to be disassembled
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DISCLAIMER
The information is provided by Tecquisition for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice. If you have any feedback, comments, requests for technical support or other inquiries, please mail us at tecqusition@gmail.com.
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