German data recovery specialist confirmed that USB flash drives are becoming less reliable. The cause of this is lower-quality memory chips and the use of technology that stores multiple bits in a single memory cell.
CBL Data Recovery released information indicating that a significant number of USB flash drives with the manufacturer’s logo hidden on the chip end up in data recovery labs. They believe this is the result of reselling faulty flash chips that did not pass quality control but were labeled as components with lower capacity.
Conrad Heinicke, the managing director of CBL, warns against relying on the reliability of flash memory, stating that many USB flash drives actually consist of microSD cards mounted on the motherboard and managed by an external controller. He says that most of these devices are promotional gifts, but there are also products from well-known brands. According to him, the increased threat to memory reliability is due to the use of multi-level cell architecture, where a single cell stores more than one bit, which increases consumption and decreases cell lifespan. Heinicke claims that advancements in data storage density make it more difficult to maintain high durability and capacity simultaneously.
According to information from Blocks & Files, a single cell stores around 100,000 read/write cycles, while a 2-bit MLC cell wears out after about 10,000 cycles, a TLC cell is limited to 3,000 cycles, and QLC supports around 1,200 cycles. Future penta-level cells (5 bits per cell) will likely have less than 600 cycles.
CBL Data Recovery recommends the following:
– If you frequently write and delete data on USB flash drives, such as when using them for backup purposes, you should use multiple drives interchangeably.
– If flash memory is meant to store data for a longer period, use high-quality hardware and keep it in a cool place because high temperatures can accelerate data loss.
– Flash memory should be read annually or semi-annually to allow for internal copying of “aging” data through error correction mechanisms. Devices should not be filled to full capacity, as leaving unallocated space allows for longer functioning of internal data maintenance and error correction mechanisms.
FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
What is a USB flash drive?
A USB flash drive, also known as a portable USB memory, is a mass storage device used for storing and transferring data through a USB port.
Why are USB flash drives becoming less reliable?
One of the reasons is lower-quality memory chips and the use of technology that stores multiple bits in a single memory cell. This leads to increased consumption and shortened lifespan of memory cells.
What is the significance of USB flash drives having the manufacturer’s logo hidden on the chip?
Many USB flash drives with the manufacturer’s logo hidden on the chip end up in data recovery labs. This is due to the resale of faulty flash chips that did not pass quality control but were labeled as components with lower capacity.
What is multi-level cell memory architecture?
Multi-level cell memory architecture is a technology used in some USB flash drives where a single cell can store more than one bit of data. This is one of the factors that can affect the reliability of flash memory.
What are the recommendations from CBL Data Recovery to minimize the risk of data loss on USB flash drives?
CBL Data Recovery recommends:
– Using multiple flash drives interchangeably if you frequently write and delete data on USB flash drives.
– Using high-quality hardware and keeping it in a cool place if flash memory is meant to store data for a longer period.
– Reading flash memory annually or semi-annually to enable internal copying of data and error correction.
– Not filling devices to full capacity to ensure better functioning of data maintenance and error correction mechanisms.
Are there more information available about flash memory technology?
Indeed, more information about flash memory technology and the reliability of USB flash drives can be found on the Blocks & Files website. [Here is the link to the Blocks & Files website](https://www.blocksandfiles.com)
The source of the article is from the blog portaldoriograndense.com