CompactFlash® is a small, removable mass storage device. First introduced in 1994, CompactFlash cards weigh a half ounce and are the size of a matchbook. They provide complete PCMCIA-ATA functionality and compatibility.
What is CF Type I and CF Type II?
At 43mm (1.7") x 36mm (1.4") x 3.3mm (0.13"), the CF Type I card's thickness is less than one-half of a current PCMCIA Type II card. It is actually one-fourth the volume of a PCMCIA card. Compared to a 68-pin PCMCIA card, a CF card has 50 pins but still conforms to ATA specs. It can be easily slipped into a passive 68-pin PCMCIA Type II to CF Type I adapter that fully meets PCMCIA electrical and mechanical interface specifications.
At 43mm (1.7") x 36mm (1.4") x 5mm (0.19"), the CF Type II card's thickness is equal to a current PCMCIA Type II card. It is actually less than one-half the volume of a PCMCIA card. Compared to a 68-pin PCMCIA card, a CF card has 50 pins but still conforms to ATA specs. It can be easily slipped into a passive 68-pin PCMCIA Type II to CF Type II adapter that fully meets PCMCIA electrical and mechanical interface specifications.
What is the difference between CF Type I and Type II?
The only difference between CF Type I and CF Type II cards is the card thickness. CF Type I is 3.3 mm thick and CF Type II cards are 5mm thick. A CF Type I card will operate in a CF Type I or CF Type II slot. A CF Type II card will only fit in a CF Type II slot. The electrical interfaces are identical. CompactFlash is available in both CF Type I and CF Type II cards, though predominantly in CF Type I cards. The Microdrive is a CF Type II card. Most CF I/O cards are CF Type I, but there are some CF Type II I/O cards.
What devices use Compact Flash?
Compact Flash cards are very small and light. But they can store an impressive amount of data. They are particular suit for digital cameras, MP3 players, PDAs and computers.
What are the differences between Compact Flash and Smart Media?
Compact Flash cards are thicker than Smart Media. Both types work by erasing, writing and reading in small blocks rather than at byte level so they can deliver fast, reliable performance while allowing the user some flexibility.
What are the advantages of Flash Memory?
Flash Memory cards have a solid state design (no moving parts) so they offer much greater data protection than magnetic disk drives. The cards have low power requirements and can withstand extremely rapid changes in temperature and shocks.
