Personal Computer Memory Card International Association


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ExpressCard Description

ExpressCard Defines both the Electrical and Physical specifications. PCMCIA ExpressCard "Newcard" is the new form factor for PCMCIA Circuit Cards and will utilize either the USB or PCI Express buses. The ExpressCard add-in card may also utilize both the USB and PCIe interfaces on the same card. The new single width card is 34mm x 75mm. The double width card is 54mm x 74mm (has a 22mm notch). The single card is called ExpressCard/34, and the double width card is called ExpressCard/54. Both cards are 5mm high. Both card types will fit into a larger socket, while only the smaller card will fit into a small socket

Older PCMCIA formats include:

Type I: 3.3mm x 85.6mm x 54.0mm (TxLxW), Version 2.1 allows the length to increase 50mm to 135mm
Type II: 5.0mm x 85.6mm x 54.0mm (TxLxW), Version 2.1 allows the length to increase 50mm to 135mm
Type III: 10.5mm x 85.6mm x 54.0mm (TxLxW)

CardBus implements the PCI bus (32 data bits only). CardBus operates over 32 bits at 33MHz [multiplexed address/data path]. The peak data transfer rate is 132MBps [synchronous burst-transfer orientation]. CardBus only uses 3.3v V_CC as the power supply.

PC Card implements the ISA bus. A 8/16 bit data bus, 26 address lines, no bus mastering operating at speeds (8 MHz) using an ISA-like asynchronous protocol.

Miniature Card is a smaller implementation of PCMCIA. Miniature Cards dimensions are: 3.5mm x 33mm x 38mm (TxLxW).
The electrical specifications are a subset of the PC Card standard, restricted to memory applications only.
It uses a 16-bit data bus and a 24-bit address bus to allow a single card to store up to 64MB.

{ExpressCard Index}

ExpressCard Standard Organizations

PCMCIA [PCMCIA.org, but no longer functions as a site]
Expresscard [www.expresscard.org]

ExpressCard Bus Interface ICs

The ExpressCard interface uses both the USB interface and the PCI Express buses. Refer to either of those pages for the electrical interface and IC manufacturers. ExpressCard modules receive their power over the connector from the host system [PC].
The listing of devices below cover Power switches and power controller ICs to provide Power management.

O2 Micro {Power Switches}

Ricoh Co., Ltd. {Power management: Power interface switch IC for single slot ExpressCard}

ROHM {Power Switch for Express Card}

TI {Power management: ExpressCard Power Interface Switch, Dual/Single slot. Power switch/controller}

IC Manufacturers {All other device types}

{ExpressCard Index}

ExpressCard Connector Manufactures

ExpressCard uses a 26 position connector which supports both the USB interface and the PCI Express buses.
The 26-pin connector is used for both modules formats; ExpressCard/34 module, and ExpressCard/54 module.
The ExpressCard uses a beam-on-blade style connector.

FCI {26 Position Module Connector. ExpressCard Module Card Kits}

Methode Electronics Inc {Express Card Enclosures and Connectors in 34mm and 54mm sizes}

Tyco {26-position card connector and a surface mount, 26-position right angle host connector.}

{PCMCIA ExpressCard Index}

ExpressCard, PinOut

ExpressCard Interface Signal Assignments (26-Pin Pinout)

Note: No data in the table above means; 1.5v, USB, and SMBus data may be missing

{Back to PCMCIA ExpressCard Index}

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