Memory Cards

A memory card (also called flash memory card) is a mass storage device rewritable nonvolatile flash memory used as storage technology. Due to its high speed, durability, strength and low power consumption, the memory card is widely used in digital cameras, mobile phones, printers, PDAs, notebook computers, consoles and MP3 players and MP4.

Memory Card Types

Here the main types of memory cards:

PC Card (originally PCMCIA) format designed for laptops, used initially to expand the memory but then spread to other uses such as hard disk, network card, TV tuner, serial port, modem, etc.. Currently only used in industrial applications (85.6x54x3.3 mm). CompactFlash (CF) memory card specified by SanDisk, widely used in digital cameras and PDAs. It is characterized by its large storage capacity and to be very robust, enduring beatings and harsh conditions without losing data. There are two versions, CompactFlash I (43x36x3.3 mm) and CompactFlash II (43x36x5.5 mm). Microdrive: developed by IBM and Hitachi, is a 1-inch hard drive packaged in a CompactFlash II interface, so your access speed is lower power consumption and more than a memory card. SmartMedia (SM) memory card developed by Toshiba, at the time widely in digital cameras, now in disuse (45x37x0.76 mm). Secure Digital (SD) memory card standard developed by Panasonic widely used in digital cameras, PDAs, mobile phones, GPS systems, laptops and consoles both desktop and laptops. The family consists of three models: SD (32x24x2.1 mm), miniSD (21.5x20x1.4 mm) and microSD (15x11x0.7 mm).

Memory Stick (MS) memory card family property of Sony. There are three different form factors: MS (50x21.5x2.8 mm), MS-Duo (31x20x1.6 mm) and MS-Micro M2 (15x12.5x1.2 mm). The range consists of several versions: MS Pro, MS Duo, MS Pro Duo, MS Pro-HG Duo, MS Micro M2, MS XC among others. MultiMedia Card (MMC) memory card standard developed by Siemens and SanDisk, has three form factors (24x32x1.4 mm, 14x12x1.1 24x18x1.4 mm and mm) and various versions (MMC, Reduced-Size MMC, Dual Voltage-MMC, MMCplus and MMCmobile, MMCmicro, miCard, SecureMMC). xD Picture Card: memory card format developed by Olympus and Fujifilm mainly used in digital cameras (20x25x1.7 mm).

Memory Card Readers

The use of memory cards is widespread, so that most electronic devices have embedded readers. If your device does not have the appropriate reader will have to use a specific reader, which can be:

Internal reader, installed inside the computer, usually in a 3.5-inch slot. External drive, connected via RS-232, USB or wireless. Adapter: allow a slot serves for various formats. Source: Memory Card