CompactFlash SATA Memory Cards

Plans have been revealed to develop a CompactFlash memory card with a SATA interface. The new CompactFlash SATA cards will provide even faster interface data rates than the current 133MB/second, and ensure compatibility with SATA disk drive interfaces. “The development of a CompactFlash card with a SATA interface will maintain the dominance of CompactFlash in the nonconsumer markets...having the SATA interface will be a significant step for CompactFlash.” commented Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon and chairman of the CompactFlash Association.

CompactFlash Association Press Release

COMPACTFLASH ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES FORMATION OF A NEW WORKING GROUP TO DEVELOP A SPECIFICATION FOR A COMPACTFLASH CARD WITH A SATA INTERFACE

CFA member companies presented the SATA proposal at the CFA June meeting.

Palo Alto, California – July 17, 2007 - The CompactFlash Association (CFA) announces the formation of a working group to develop a specification for a CompactFlash card with a SATA (Serial ATA) interface. CFA members interested in the SATA interface should apply for inclusion in the CFA’s SATA working group.

Mr. Shigeto Kanda of Canon and the CFA chairman of the board said “The development of a CompactFlash card with a SATA interface will maintain the dominance of CompactFlash in the nonconsumer (embedded systems, single board computers, data recorder, etc.) markets as well as promote its use in other applications. Having the SATA interface will be a significant step for CompactFlash.”

The current PATA (parallel ATA) interface provides up to a 133MB/second interface data rate. The SATA interface will provide even faster interface data rates as well as compatibility with the SATA disk drive interfaces that are increasingly being used.

CompactFlash card slots are in over 360 digital cameras, over 165 handheld/palm-size PCs and over 705 other electronic platforms including embedded systems, single board computers, data recorders, heart monitors, defibrillators, etc.

CompactFlash cards are currently available up to 32GB with sustained data rates of 40MB/sec. and provide the best flash storage solution for embedded systems, single board computers, the new multimegapixel DSLR cameras and other devices.

The CF+ and CompactFlash Standard ensures that today’s and tomorrow’s digital cameras will be compatible with faster and even higher capacity CF cards, as they become available.

In addition to CompactFlash data storage cards, there are CF cards that provide I/O capability.

VGA, Ethernet, modem, serial, parallel, digital phone, GSM, Bluetooth, Ethernet wireless, Wand & laser barcode scanners, finger print scanners, TV and GPS CF+ cards are all available.

CFA members can participate in the CFA SATA working group and access documentation as the CompactSATA specification is developed.

The CF latest published Specification; Revision 4.1 is available to download from the CFA web site at http://www.compactflash.org.

The CFA (logo), CF (logo) and CF+ are trademarks of the CFA and are licensed royalty free to its members.

The CFA is a licensee of the CompactFlash® trademark and in turn will license it royalty free to its members.

Published: Thursday, July 19, 2007

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