Flash Memory Stick Formats




Types of Flash Memory Sticks

There are a number of Flash memory card formats listed on this page, under their common standard or specification name.
The devices listed on this page are removable flash cards as opposed to simple Flash Memory devices [IC's] which are listed on another page.
The Flash Memory cards listed here differ in physical size and transfer speed. In most cases the size as little impact on storage space, as more memory devices reduced in size to fit available spaces. How ever the protocol or number of transfer pins does play a major role in data transfer rate. Transfer rates may vary widely between the different Flash Memory Cards, and may also vary as the different revisions are released.





Refer to each link for a more detailed description of the interface card [Flash Card].

CompactFlash Card A Mass Storage removable Flash Memory card operates like an ATA drive using Flash memory devices about 1/3 the size of a Type II PC Card.

DataFlash Card Mass Storage removable Flash Memory card. One of a number of removable Flash Memory cards.

e-MMC, Embedded MultiMediaCard [eMMC] uses reduced voltages and a different package size than MultiMedia-Card. eMMC is defined by JESD84-A44. The mechanical standard [JESD84-C43] defines a 153 and 169 BGA and 10 interface lines; Clock [CLK], Command [CMD] and 8 data lines [DAT 7:0].

Memory Stick Flash is another flash memory card format type. The Memory Stick size is 50 mm x 21 mm x 2.8 mm.

Memory Stick Pro Duo - Same as Multimedia Card listed below

microSD Card

MiniSD Card - Memory Stick Micro {developed by Sony and ScanDisk}

MMC - Same as Multimedia Card listed below.

MSMicro - Memory Stick Micro {developed by Sony and ScanDisk}

Multimedia Card {Multimedia Card [MMC] is another flash memory card format type. The device size is 32 mm x 24 mm x 1.4 mm}

M2 - Memory Stick Micro {developed by Sony and ScanDisk}

PC Card is one of a number of different card formats from PCMCIA which may differ in size and speed.

Reduced Size Multimedia Card Reduced Size Multimedia Card [RS-MMC] is another flash memory card format type, the smaller version of MMC. The device size is 24 mm x 16 mm x 1.4 mm

SD Card [Secure Digital] Card. A stamp-sized flash memory card which is removable. The Dimensions are 32 mm [height] x 24 mm [width] x 2.1 mm [thick] for an SD Card.
While the miniSD Card is only 21.5 mm [height] x 20 mm [width] x 1.4 mm [thick]. There is also a MicroSD card format.

SDIO Card [Secure Digital I/O] Card. A stamp-sized flash memory card which is removable.
The Dimensions are 32 mm [height] x 24 mm [width] x 2.1 mm [thick] for an SD Card.

Secure Digital Card SD Card. A stamp-sized flash memory card which is removable. The Dimensions are 32 mm [height] x 24 mm [width] x 2.1 mm [thick] for an SD Card. While the miniSD Card is only 21.5 mm [height] x 20 mm [width] x 1.4 mm [thick].

SmartMedia is a flash memory card format type. The device size is 45 mm x 37 mm x 0.76 mm.
SmartMedia cards operate using either 3.3 volt or 5 volt supplies.

SpringBoard - modules are another style of removable flash memory card, in addition to being used for other functions like modems.
The SpringBoard module was developed by Handspring, but are no longer manufactured by Handspring.
The SpringBoard modules were developed for Handheld computers [palm computer].

SSFDC Bus [Solid State Floppy Disk Card], is a Removable NAND-type small flash memory card [45mm x 37mm x 0.76mm].
Developed by Toshiba Corp. SSFDC is the old name for SmartMedia.

SxS [S-by-S] a flash memory card standard based on ExpressCard.
SxS was developed by Sony and Scandisk, used with Sony camcorders.
SxS has a transfer speed of 800 megabits per seconds.
SxS uses the ExpressCard 3/4 format; width: 34mm, height: 5mm, length: 75mm

UFS Bus {The Universal Flash Storage card is an external Flash card with a planned speed of 3Gbps (per lane).
The release date for the UFS specification is set for mid 2010.}

USB Bus The Universal Serial Bus provides two-way communication between the PC and peripheral devices, over a Differential serial interface cable. A Slow-Speed mode of 1.5Mbps is used for devices such as mice. Full-Speed mode is used by most devices and allows a transfer rate of 12Mbps. High-Speed mode [defined by USB 2.0] allows rates of 480Mbps.
Page gives a description, connector pin out and Equipment Manufacturer links.

xD Picture Card - [eXtreme Digital] Flash Memory card from Fujifilm for digital cameras introduced in 2002.
This format may not be available on Personal Computers. The card size is 20mm x 25mm x 1.7mm

Some of the formats listed may be in widespread usage, while others may be older and in decline.





Comparison of Removable Memory Card sizes

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