This glossary serves as the central reference page for important USB, flash memory, controller, and storage terminology covered on GetFlashMemory.info. Each term in the index below links to its own dedicated page, where you can find:
- A short, clear definition
- A more detailed explanation with context
- A real-world example
- Guidance on who the topic is most relevant for
- Related terms for deeper exploration
- Alternate names or phrases (aliases)
B
BOT (Bulk-Only Transport) and UASP (USB Attached SCSI Protocol) are two USB data transfer methods, with UASP providing faster speeds and more efficient communication than the older BOT standard.
C
CD-ROM emulation is a feature that allows a USB device to appear as a read-only CD/DVD drive to a computer.
F
Fixed Disk Mode is a configuration that makes a USB storage device appear as a local hard drive rather than removable media when connected to a system.
The Flash Translation Layer (FTL) is a system within a storage device’s controller that manages how data is written, stored, and retrieved from NAND flash memory.
M
A Mass Production Tool (MPTool) is software used to configure, program, and control USB flash memory at the controller level during manufacturing or advanced setup.
N
NAND flash is a type of non-volatile memory used in storage devices like USB drives and SSDs to store data without requiring power.
P
A Product ID (PID) is a unique identifier assigned to a specific USB device model, used alongside the Vendor ID (VID) to distinguish it from other devices.
S
A secure partition is a protected section of a storage device that remains hidden or inaccessible until the correct authentication is provided.
U
The chip inside a USB device that manages communication between the host system and the flash memory.
V
A Vendor ID (VID) is a unique identifier assigned to a manufacturer that allows a USB device to be recognized by a host system.
W
Write protection is a feature that prevents data on a storage device from being altered, deleted, or overwritten.
This glossary is continually updated as new terms, technologies, and ideas show up across the USB and flash memory space. It’s meant to grow alongside the industry, not stay static.
If you were looking for a term and didn’t see it listed here, Contact Us. Chances are it belongs, and we’ll add it so the next person doesn’t hit the same gap.